Friends of WP was established to celebrate the diverse talents in our industry. From photography, art, and everything in between, we offer a look into the creative worlds of these individuals. Take a breather from your routine and explore what's happening beyond your inbox.
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Meet Joe Perri, an extraordinary photographer and a close friend of nearly a decade. His eye for detail and ability to see beyond allows him to capture moments in a way that brings them to life. Aside from his talent, Joe is one of the most genuine and down-to-earth people I know—someone who brings creativity and authenticity to everything he does.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field?
I grew up in a pretty artistic atmosphere, a lot of my family being some form of a musician. Creativity was constantly flowing around me and was just a sponge to this form of expression and being. I think at a young age it just sparked the match for me, inspiring me to want that for myself in my own way. Then ultimately finding photography gave me purpose and even though I had no idea what I was getting into, it was the only thing that felt right.
How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times?
Getting out in the world and making something from my experience. It’s easy to fall into the monotony of the day-to-day, and things can feel stale that once weren’t. Trying to find some sort of newness usually breaks that spell for me, and inspires something new in my brain or brings me back to something I was exploring before with a new perspective.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors, and how have they impacted your work?
I would say William Eggleston, Alex Webb, Tim Richmond, and Alec Soth. Seeing their work and the way they told stories gave wind to my own sails, finding relation in their poetic and maybe nuanced way of storytelling and point of view. It got me excited to express what was also naturally coming from my own eye.
What changes in the industry excite you the most, and which ones concern you?
What excites me is seeing the way commercial and even some editorial work is portrayed. From once cookie-cutter standards, it’s shifted to more real interpretations of people, products, etc., changing the way things are cast, shot, and narrated essentially. What concerns me is the influence of AI and how that will affect photographers also working in the commercial space.
Lastly - What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far and if you could, what would you go back and tell yourself at the beginning of your career?
Try your best to make it you vs you. With almost invisible horse blinders on, going about your own journey and not comparing or letting others' paths affect you. It robs joy and stunts momentum. Also, have patience and trust the cycle, knowing that it never looks the same.
