Josh Beaton, the portrait photographer from Chicago, dives deep into the essence of building confidence, not just behind the camera but in life itself. He’s the brain behind Tween Esteem, a non-profit that empowers teens to embrace their self-worth through the magic of photography. Imagine this: free photo sessions that not only capture a moment but also transform how teens see themselves. Josh shares his journey of balancing the artistry of photography with the responsibilities of running a business, revealing the pressures of social media and the myth that more gear equals better photos. He opens up about his struggles and triumphs, reminding us that it’s about the impact we have on others, not just the clicks we get. If you’ve ever felt torn between your passion and your paycheck, this chat with Josh is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed. He’s not just taking pictures; he’s changing lives, one confident teen at a time.

Podcast Title: Generator

Episode Title: The Currency of Kindness

Episode Number: 39

Publish Date: 13 March 2025

Episode Overview

We're diving into some serious but super important stuff today—confidence! Not just in photography, but in life. Josh Beaton, our guest, is a brilliant portrait photographer based in Chicago, but he’s also the mastermind behind Tween Esteem, a non-profit dedicated to boosting the self-worth of teens through photography. We chat about how he’s using free photo sessions, gallery shows, and even social media safety talks to make a real impact on young people's lives. Trust me, this isn’t just about snapping pretty pictures; it’s about changing lives and building a community. So if you’ve ever felt torn between making a living and making a difference, Josh’s journey might just inspire you to find your own balance. Get ready for some heartfelt stories and some real talk about life, art, and everything in between!

Takeaways:

• Josh Beaton, a Chicago portrait photographer, combines his passion for photography with an inspiring mission to enhance teen self-worth through his nonprofit, Tween Esteem.
• In this episode, we dive deep into the struggles of balancing creativity and business, highlighting the tension between artistic passion and the need to earn a living.
• Josh shares how he uses photography not just as an art form, but as a powerful tool for impacting young lives and building their confidence.
• We discuss the pitfalls of social media and the unrealistic standards it sets for young people, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in self-representation.
• Through Tween Esteem, Josh has created a supportive community for teens, offering workshops that empower them beyond just photography and into personal growth.
• The episode highlights the importance of mentorship and community support, showcasing how Josh's journey reflects a broader narrative of service and kindness in the creative industry.

Resources and Links

• WEBSITE: https://www.joshbeaton.com
• FACEBOOK: Josh Beaton Photography
• INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/joshbeatonphoto

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Links referenced in this episode:

• tweenesteem.org
• joshbeaton.com
• wonderfulmachine.com