Meet Joshua Ets-Hokin | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Ets-Hokin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I don’t think anyone should have to pay for a family photograph that they don’t absolutely love. For thirty five years I have guaranteed to all my clients that if they are not completely thrilled with their family photographs, I will continue to photograph them until they do.

I can assure this, because I know that anything of great lasting importance takes time, and I always put in as much time is needed to create a photograph that will be cherished forever. This separates me from so many others in today’s fast paced world, where instant gratification takes precedent over quality.

No two families are the same, so I personally meet with each and every family beforehand to spend time learning what makes their children unique and establish the trust that is so important. Then, when the time comes to be photographed, everyone feels comfortable and at ease, and I can capture natural moments and expressions.

Everything I photograph is unique, just like the families.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I photograph families in their home, showing up to the photo session with just a small bag; my camera and one lens. The photos reveal intimate moments in family life; capturing memories before they vanish into the past. Each photograph not only is strong in narrative but is a visceral experience. This is what makes my photography distinctive.

Years from now, when children I photograph have children of their own, I want them to look at my photos and be brought back to that time and place. They have to take us back 10, 20, 30 years. To our first bicycle ride, the pencil marks on the door frame as we grow, to our relationships to our siblings, and reading our favorite book in a sun lit enclave.

I don’t just stage a family photograph, I slow down time and process, conducting at least one sit-down meeting with families before I take a single photo. I gets to know the families that I work with, and the results are striking, dynamic images that are full of feeling. My clients need to feel comfortable with me, and I want them to have fun.

In addition, I take a minimum of eight weeks to print my traditional black & white photographs. My creative and subjective approach to printing is influenced by my mentor, John Sexton, Ansel Adams’ assistant for 18 years. Joshua’s photographs, meticulously hand printed with attention to every detail, are rich with full tonal qualities and printed to archival standards.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting, I would take them on a walking tour around the San Francisco. The most interesting thing about this city is the amazing diversity of culture we have to offer here, whether it be art, food, or music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Local artist Bob Armstrong – https://www.bobarmstrongart.com/about.html

Website: https://www.etshokin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etshokin/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-ets-hokin-4131261

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaEtsHokin.photography/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ets-hokin-studios-photography-san-francisco

Image Credits
Self – Joshua Ets-Hokin, photographer