Today we’d like to introduce you to Josue Mejicanos
Hi Josue, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For five years, I had it made—good money, benefits, a 401(k), and a schedule that gave me time to actually enjoy life. I was a server at a popular downtown restaurant, and honestly, I liked the job. I was comfortable. But deep down, I knew I didn’t want to do it forever.
Then 2020 hit. The pandemic shut everything down, and just like that, I was out of a job. At first, it was terrifying. But looking back, it was the push I needed. With nothing but time on my hands, I bought a $300 Canon T6 and started obsessively learning photography. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube—I soaked up every bit of knowledge I could find. I told myself I wasn’t going back to the restaurant.
But when things reopened, reality set in. I needed money, so I went back—just temporarily. The plan was simple: work until I could afford to leave for good. That moment came sooner than I expected. One day, I just decided I was done. I quit without a backup plan, no guaranteed income, just my camera and a belief that I could make it work.
The next few months were a grind. I was taking photos of anything and everything, building my brand, and figuring out how to turn this into a real career. Then, my first big break came: a concert shoot at The Saltair. Rick Ross, Lil’ Mosey, and Lil’ Pump. I had no idea what I was doing, but I showed up, shot my heart out, and those photos ended up being the stepping stones to where I am today.
Since then, I’ve built a career doing what I love. I’ve shot festivals, restaurants, brands, and even traveled to Peru to film a documentary about an orphanage for street kids. I’m building a media agency, I’ve worked with some incredible people, and created a life I never thought was possible when I was serving tables.
Looking back, it’s wild to think how everything lined up. A pandemic, a cheap camera, and a refusal to settle—that’s what got me here. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that betting on yourself is always worth it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I can’t say it’s been the roughest either. I’ve been extremely lucky to have met the right people at the right time—people who opened doors for me that I might have never walked through otherwise. A lot of the opportunities I’ve had came simply from being in the right rooms, having the right conversations, and showing up ready to work.
At this point, I’d say about 95% of my work comes strictly from word-of-mouth and recommendations, and I don’t take that for granted. I’m beyond grateful to be in a position where people trust me enough to refer me to others—it’s the kind of validation that means everything in this industry.
That being said, the journey hasn’t been without its struggles. In the beginning, imposter syndrome hit hard. I’d scroll through Instagram and see all these insanely talented photographers and videographers, and I couldn’t help but think, Man, I’m never gonna be that good. We are our own worst critics, and sometimes that self-doubt makes it tough to grow. But I’ve learned that the only way to get past it is to just keep shooting, keep learning, and keep putting myself out there.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do a little bit of everything. I started out primarily in concert photography, then moved into restaurant photography, which eventually evolved into personal branding, festival coverage, portraiture, weddings, and product photography. Not long after, I taught myself video, and now I create content for multiple businesses and brands on Instagram.
If I had to say what I specialize in now, it’s definitely events—everything from festivals and concerts to corporate gatherings and private parties. I love the fast-paced energy, the challenge of capturing moments in real-time, and the fact that no two events are ever the same.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m 100% self-taught. I never went to school for any of this. I literally picked up a camera, went on Instagram and TikTok, and learned everything from there. As I was coming up, I had the opportunity to work with some amazing brands like Sundays Best, Oakwood Fire Kitchen, and Provisions, which really helped me get my name out there and refine my style.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to be teachable. I don’t claim to know everything, and if the way I’m approaching something isn’t working, I’m always willing to pivot and try a new solution. This industry is all about being adaptable, and I pride myself on being just that.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, it was always about getting into as many rooms as possible. I spent years walking up to people, shaking hands, and introducing myself as a photographer—before I even fully felt like one. I made it my whole personality. I had to. I knew that if I wanted this to work, I couldn’t just sit around waiting for opportunities to find me—I had to put myself out there, over and over again.
And it worked.
I met some incredible people, and those connections led to more introductions, more friendships, and eventually, more work. It was a numbers game, sure, but it was also something deeper than that. I wasn’t just trying to network—I was trying to belong. I wanted people to see my passion, to recognize that I was all in on this. Because I was.
The truth is, I’ve never been the most technical photographer. I didn’t come into this with years of experience or a formal education. What I did have was relentless energy, a willingness to learn, and the ability to connect with people. That’s what got me in the door. That’s what kept me in the room.
And looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://swaymediaandco.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/JosueMejicanos
