Los Angeles-based photographer Josh Fogel has an exemplary body of work including capturing some deeply iconic images. The devoted husband and father of two girls has photographed stars such as Kim Kardashian, Mark Ruffalo, and Jessica Simpson, and appeared in prominent publications such as Vogue, Forbes, and, of course, Gurus Magazine.
Not to mention his incredible artistic contribution for Gurus Magazines #30voices30days campaign. The one-of-a-kind project, launched for the entire month of June, provided a platform to the LGBTQ + community and its allies to amplify their voices in celebration of Pride Month.
Specializing in commercial fashion, entertainment, and editorial photography, Fogel bestowed his uncanny flair to the campaign, capturing intimate portraits of notable figures like Joely Fisher, Gleb Savenchko, Jessica Betts, and Justin Slyvester, host of E News! Fortunately for us, the renowned storyteller stepped out from behind the camera to discuss his journey, creative philosophy, and his most cherished role as a father.
Joely Fisher — Photographer’s Assistant: Christian Raices MUA: Satya Linak Hair: Pavy Olivarez
Laganja Estranja — Photographer’s Assistant: Christian Raices MUA & Hair: Joel Sebastian
What is your truth?
The path into photography was not exactly conventional for me. After years of working in the field of TV production, I decided much later in life to make the leap to photography professionally. Prior to that, I’d started photographing my brother’s band as a hobby. That soon led me into shooting live shows and artists for outlets like Buzznet, Pop Sugar, and Idolator. This “hobby” continued to grant me bigger opportunities from shooting Coachella five times to photography prominent artists such as Rihanna and Usher.
In 2011, I was determined to hone my skills and applied to the Art Center College of Design. I wasn’t the youngest student but I knew if I was going to make this work, I needed to go all in.
Frankie Grande — Photographer’s Assistant: Christian Raices MUA: Satya Linak Hair: Pavy Olivarez
Justin Sylvester — Photographer’s Assistant: Christian Raices MUA: Satya Linak Hair: Pavy Olivarez
What is your passion?
For me, photography is more than a job. I am in all essence living the dream – to make a living doing what I love while raising two kids, it’s magical. As I mentioned earlier, my passion for capturing meaningful moments developed early on. For instance, I remember before enrolling to Art Center, I traveled to China and Russia. I bought a Canon 30D camera. When I returned home and looked at the images, I didn’t get the shots I’d hoped for, and I felt like I missed something special.
In consequence, that early experience really instilled an urgency in me to perfect my craft. I knew I wanted my photos to draw people in, to convey not only what I was feeling but to forever encapsulate the moment. Hence, I plunged headlong into learning the technical aspects of photography, in books and online. I was hooked! All I wanted to do was this shoot as much as humanly possible.
Gleb Savchenko — Photographer’s Assistant: Christian Raices MUA & Hair: Joel Sebastian
Nadine Crocker — MUA & Hair: Joel Sebastian
When are you the most authentic?
I do my best to be authentic in whatever environment I find myself in. I’m my most Me self at home, off my phone and just present with my kids. Being a “true Aquarius, I’m not into pretending to be someone I’m not. I want clients and people around me to see the real me. I feel this transparency is reflective in my work as well.
For Fogel, every shoot is a new window of opportunity for creative expression. “I’m proud of where I am today with my art,” he says, “but I know there’s a whole mountain ahead.”
