Justin Ochs once said that he wouldn’t mind if his pictures were only worth three or four words, so long as they’re good words. He was probably joking, but there is often some truth in jest. Justin’s photography is concise. It is also memorable. After seeing a few examples of his work, you will be amazed to find that he has only been shooting seriously since 2004. “I guess it took me a while to find my creative outlet. I was never good with glue sticks and glitter in school.”
Justin’s photography could be described as candid, in the modern sense of frank, truthful, as well as the word’s earlier meaning of pure, unbiased. “My favorite photographs capture a mood. Joy is my favorite. But anything showing emotion or arousing memory seems to get my attention, so that’s what I try to do in my photographs.” It is no wonder Justin counts fellow-Kansan Gordon Parks among his artistic influences.
Justin’s talents extend to the technical side of photography as well. The lighting and post-production of Joel Grimes and the rich details brought out in Chase Jarvis’ post-processing work have taught him much, and he is constantly learning more. “I shoot to get better. Better at concepts, better at connecting with people, better at shooting. If my pictures make people smile, laugh, cry, or give me a cookie, I’m good.” And just in case you are interested, chocolate-chip is his favorite.