Meet Joe Scarnici | Photographer/Videographer

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

Hi Joe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There was never a question about starting my own photography business—it’s what I’ve always done. I’ve been taking photos since I was 15, and the idea of not turning it into a business never even crossed my mind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a photographer in LA, I’d love to claim that my success stems from being uniquely talented or different from my peers. The truth is, I simply outwork most people. I wasn’t born with a gift for photography, nor did I wake up one day destined to be a trendsetter. I saw opportunities as they came, walked through each door, and committed to working as hard—or harder—than anyone else.

Every day, I put my nose to the grindstone. I observed how others worked and pushed myself to surpass them. I learned everything I could from each experience until there was nothing left to gain, then I sought out new challenges. This relentless pursuit of growth has been my driving force, and I’m still searching for the next opportunity to advance.

In LA, the competition among photographers is fierce. Everyone wants a piece of the spotlight, whether it’s photographing celebrities or high-profile events. But I’ve never been star-struck. To me, everyone is simply doing a job—whether they’re a celebrity, athlete, or model. Success in any field, including photography, requires hard work and dedication.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone were visiting LA from my hometown in Western MA, I’d kick things off with a trip to the Walk of Fame—got to check that off the list since it’s what everyone sees on TV. Next, we’d head to the Farmers Market for lunch. I love the vibrant atmosphere there, the diverse food options, and the chance to relax with a cold beer.

We’d wrap up the day at the Santa Monica Pier, catching the sunset and enjoying a drink at Shutters Hotel or the Viceroy.

If we had a second day, I’d dive into some local culture by exploring either the Getty Museum or the La Brea Tar Pits. It’s a great way to experience something different from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout the late Jean-Paul Mann. He was a passionate and excellent lingerie photographer. His mannerisms and easy going-ness taught me that photography isn’t about cameras, or lights but was about how you made your subjects feel and how you approached the shoot that made all the difference in a photoshoot.

Website: https://www.joescarnici.com

Instagram: @joescarnici