Last week we talked to my pal Keyvon, the music man with a camera in hand. This week we’re getting into things with Joshua Shultz. He’s a praiseworthy photographer who’s familiar with the ways of the camera but has taken a liking to directing and will soon embark even further on that journey on a project we can’t say much about. You’ll find out later why. So for now just sit back, relax and get to know Joshua, the man who could capture your story in a photo or in motion — either way it’d come out great.
Kendra: Was there any director who inspired you growing up?
Joshua: There was a director named Taron Lexton who directed a series of PSAs. Just a short PSA would make me feel and almost cry. I decided I wanted to make art that made people feel. Ironically years later he became a fan of my photos and now we help each other. My other favorite directors are David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, and Ian Purchase.
Kendra: Your main squeeze is photography, but you’ve dabbled in directing a bit. What are the biggest similarities and differences between the two?
Joshua: Well, one thing I learned was that a certain amount of story is told just with the camera. It can be a movie or a still photo. But by using the lighting and color and the angle of the camera you can create a tone or a level of emotion. I love that. I want to tell stories and by directing I get to do that in many aspects.
Kendra: Do you pay attention to what’s going on behind the scenes of the movie industry at all?
Joshua: I do a bit, but mainly just in terms of what gear is being used and how I could better get my stories out there. All the entertainment news or political stuff not as much.
Kendra: Do you have a favorite movie genre when it comes to watching films?
Joshua: I like a good movie that grabs my attention and makes me forget I am watching a movie and takes me along for the ride from start to finish; could be a thriller or a drama, etc. Story that makes me really think and look at life.
Kendra: What movie, past or present, would you want to take and make better?
Joshua: I don’t know. I respect other artists’ views. I would never want to change another’s art. I sometimes look at my past work and see many things I would want to change. But that’s part of the growing process I guess.
Kendra: What are your career goals right at this moment?
Joshua: I have a movie in the very beginning stages. I want to get that made and continue to shoot beautiful photos. I also have a YouTube show I am doing called “Inside Bellus.”
Kendra: Do you have any upcoming projects we can be on the lookout for?
Joshua: My film is kind of a secret for now. But you can check out my work at my site or on my magazine.
Next time around we’ll talk about my favorite movies and why a punk rock elf owns my heart.
