Meet Joseph Carlson | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Carlson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, what’s your definition for success?
Success looks different for each person. Sure, part of success is accomplishing an aim or a purpose, as I’m sure most would agree with. Oftentimes however, success isn’t achieved without learning from failure or mistakes, and this comes with time. I remember being a young child wanting to grow up to be a professional athlete. Day after day, my dad put everything he could into helping me work towards attaining that dream of mine. As I’ve grown older and navigated both the complexities and simplicities of life, I have come to learn that at the heart of that childhood dream was the desire to make my dad proud to call me his son. This I have learned is a gift and reflection of the perfect Heavenly Father who loves His children and His marvelous creation that have been fulfilled in the life of Christ Jesus. As I aim to capture and share the beauty of God’s creation along my life journey using photography, success to me is being able to do just that. It brings me joy to see others stand in awe of the goodness of God. There is not enough time in this short life to see and do all that we hope to do on our own. By sharing what I witness of the work from the ultimate creator and artist, I hope to encourage others to look to Him as well. Check out my Instagram page @josephcarlsonphotography if you’d like to follow my journey!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Apart from photography, I am currently a Commissioned Officer in the United States Space Force. Having the opportunity to lead some of the best and brightest young men and women who have committed a part of their lives to serving our great nation in the newest military branch of our Armed Forces is an incredible privilege that comes once in a lifetime. It has certainly been the most unpredictable and challenging journey to get where I am today. Three things that I have learned from being in the military that I will take with me the rest of my life are this:

1) Be a bold, fierce and tenacious warrior when it comes to fighting for freedom and integrity. Freedom isn’t free and integrity is worth holding onto.
2) Leverage your team’s strengths to accomplish the mission and support those around you. You will not always agree with others’ decisions, but be respectful and provide what you can to help accomplish their needs.
3) Do what is necessary to take care of yourself. If you do not care for your own physical, mental and spiritual condition, you will not be in a state to help others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re looking for a great place to hang out on a weekend, My Brother’s Bar right next to Commons Park and the South Platte River has some of the best burgers I’ve ever had – and I’m from Texas! Ball Arena is a required stop if you’re an NHL or NBA fan, especially when your team is in town. On Sunday mornings, Brave Church is the place to be! They have various life-giving ministries for every age group throughout the week you can get involved in, there is bold and sound preaching and teaching from the pulpit, and there are campuses in both Englewood and Westminster. There are many great eateries near Greenwood Village and Cherry Creek, golf courses all around Denver, and a very large Park Meadows Mall in Centennial if you’re looking to get a good walk in or just check things out with some friends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thank you to the family, friends, and co-workers who have encouraged and supported me in tapping into my artistic and creative side! To all of those who have encouraged, trained and equipped me in my faith: thank you for your love, steadfastness and devotion to the Lord Jesus who has ever so graciously allowed me to walk where I have walked.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephcarlsonphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-carlson-veteran/