Joshua Rivera, a Brooklyn-based fashion and beauty-focused photographer, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and has a bachelor’s degree in photography and related media and a minor in art history. In 2018, he won the Alexander Award, which goes to a graduating senior who has completed an art program with distinction.

Recent achievements are seen below:

Editorials:

2023 l Hollyway Magazine | MANE | March 23’ l Fashion & Beauty

2023 | Only Monday Magazine | LUMOS | 77th Issue | Photographer

Exhibitions:

2023 l The Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology l Title: Before I Leave

Productions:

2023 l Wingstop X Latto's Lemon Herb Remix l Extra Stylist Assistant

What inspired you to become a photographer?
Surrounded and immersed in the world of arts, I constantly embraced the opportunity to explore various artistic mediums, ranging from sculpting to painting. However, it wasn’t until I encountered photography during my junior year photography class that I delved into this captivating medium. And with that, I wake up every morning inspired to capture my emotions and tell my story how it is meant to be viewed.

How did your time at the Fashion Institute of Technology change how you photographed your subjects?
Looking back at my time at the Fashion Institute Of Technology, I saw my growth in my storytelling capabilities as well as my technicality of lighting in the studio due to guidance by professor's in finding my voice as an artist. I transformed my understanding of light to provoke thoughts to my viewers, evoke their emotions, and hopefully inspire.

What drew you to fashion and beauty photography specifically?
I suppose the presence of all those magazines scattered around the house might have played a part in it. When I reflect on it now, I don't think I ever truly had the means to express my deep passion for fashion until I stumbled onto photography. That's when I began to cultivate my unique style, one that I wanted to convey in my storytelling, and I continued to refine it. This evolution of my personal style went hand-in-hand with the development of my own fashion sense. Hence my fresh undertakings involve collaborating with vocal artists as I realized the capabilities of partnering my love of music with fashion photography.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
A statement of David Lachapelle, which stuck with me to this day, is: “I feel the responsibility is to bring light into the world and make imagery that can elevate and serve humanity.” From there, I delve into his work and journey as a creative with light. HIs recent exhibition of “Make Believe” transcended my belief in the power we as photographers hold within a studio.

What do you enjoy the most about photography?
With creative freedom. I find peace in the studio, it’s an entire world and it’s mine to explore. Now being able to partner that with my love of music, I’m able to enjoy the love of photography as I’m able to interpret music in a visual aspect. Every shoot concept has a purpose behind it when I’m behind the camera and with the atmosphere of music that surrounds me, I’m able visually to convey a story no one has visualized. That's the reason I enjoy photography, there's no rules.

What is the best advice you have received that could help aspiring fashion photographers?
Upon completing my “History of Fashion Photography” course, it became evident to me that even a simple piece of fabric has the power to narrate a story. With this insight, I came to appreciate the significance of not only crafting a story through lighting and set design, but also through the garments themselves. Once I integrated this perspective into my creative process, I witnessed a noticeable growth in my ability to convey compelling visual narratives.

Are there any photographers with whom you would like to collaborate in the future?Definitely David Lachapelle, who was my biggest inspiration. He transcends the way light can be personified through photography. When I examine his body of work, it’s evident that he possesses a deep understanding of the visual principles necessary to captivate his audience. The opportunity to work with him in the studio would be a significant milestone in my journey as a photographer, completing a full circle moment of growth.

Who would you love to work with one day?
The woman who inspired “LUMOS,” Janelle Monae. Janelle’s lyrics to the song “Float” (featuring Sean Juti & Egypt 80) was left on repeat as I explored the world she immersed me in to visually convey her story into a visual experience. Not only her song “Float,” but her story as a strong creative in the industry is hard work that has not gone unnoticed by me. To listen to her story personally through our shoot, understand her perception on music and how its evolved her passion to keep creating, and so much more.

What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d like to take this moment to give insight to younger Josh when first receiving his acceptance letter to The Fashion Institute of Technology. “Hey pal, We’re doing it! Did the opportunities come as quickly as we expected? No, but they will be here before you know it! You will be on your own for the majority of this ride but trust me when I tell you that once you find your voice, you’ll be heard. The countless hours you put in are going to be recognized, trust me! Just remember to keep true to your visions and don’t lose sight of them. Now grab that camera and plan that shoot we’ll be having soon. We’re going to enjoy that new world.”

What would you be doing if you were not a photographer?
I’d be in the courtrooms as a lawyer. I know you weren’t expecting that one, were you? All those “Law & Order SVU” seasons and law books around my house must’ve gotten to my head. It wasn’t until a month before portfolios were done for the Fashion Institute of Technology that I realized I would’ve never been happy unless I pursued photography.

Are there any exciting projects you have coming up and or you are already working on?There’s always a new and exciting project I’m working on in the studio. I had to continue with my thesis, “LUMOS,” which focuses on the relationship I have with music and photography, highlighting my unique style and interpretation of musical cadences and vocals visualized within my photography work. I’m excited to continue working on this thesis; it allows me as an artist visually to represent my emotions in comparison with music.

Website: https://www.jqrphotography.com
Instagram: @jqrvisions

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Joshua Rivera
Talent: Joshua Rivera
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Hannah Bressler, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine