The Photographer
Josh in his West Loop studio
Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Josh Beaton has been working in the creative industry for nearly 20 years--first as a graphic designer, then art director, and most recently as the creative director for a fitness club brand. Finally, Josh achieved his dream when he founded his own photography business in 2020.
Since developing prints in his in-home dark room in the early 2000s, a lot has changed.
The digital age of photography opened a whole new world for portrait photographers like Josh. He became extraordinarily skilled at retouching and editing. He learned studio lighting and today specializes in working with dark skin tones.
“It’s one thing to know how to use a camera,” says Josh. “But truly capturing your subject is an art form. Many of my clients with darker skin tones work with me because I have developed this skill, and I’m honored by that.”
Josh’s talents are visible in all aspects of his portraiture work, from his hand-painted backdrops to the elaborate headpieces he creates from scratch.
“As a perfectionist, I prefer to have a hand in every element of my creative vision,” says Josh. “The details matter. They complement the subject and allow them to be truly seen in every image I produce.”
Rather than purchase tulle skirts that only fit smaller sizes, Josh took sewing classes and began creating his own studio wardrobe. His wildly popular skirts adjust for sizes 0-18. He also uses fashion clamps to style oversized swatches of material in various looks for all body types.
“I struggle with imposter syndrome like most creatives I know,” says Josh. “So, it was incredibly validating to begin receiving national awards and to be featured in Photo Vogue Italia.”
Josh Beaton has been repeatedly recognized in the photography community. He earned multiple Silver Awards from the Portrait Masters and has had multiple images selected for publication by the highly-discerning Photo Vogue Italia.
In 2022, Josh became an instructor for Summerana Academy, an online photography education platform. He is enthusiastic about sharing his craft with aspiring photographers and also offers private and small-group lessons in his West Loop studio.
Josh lives on Chicago’s North Side with his wife and two teenagers.
