Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Cornelius
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Philadelphia during the 1990s, I developed an early love for the arts, particularly music. At the age of seven, I began studying the violin at Settlement Music School, an experience that not only nurtured my musical abilities but also taught me the discipline of systematically approaching creativity. This foundation in music theory profoundly influenced the way I engage with the arts today.
After high school, I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Business Management. Despite my academic focus, I felt a strong pull to serve my country. In 2011, during my sophomore year, I joined the Army National Guard. My military journey culminated in a 2016 deployment to the Middle East as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. That experience was a pivotal moment in my life and career. Amid the challenges of deployment, I discovered a creative outlet through photography. I began capturing moments of the people around me and the environment, and over time, this newfound passion blossomed into a deep love for visual storytelling.
Upon returning to the U.S. in 2017, I realized photography had become more than a hobby; it was a calling. While I initially worked as a police officer in Baltimore, I spent my off-duty hours refining my photography skills and building a portfolio. By 2019, I transitioned into videography, focusing on wedding films and commercial projects for small businesses. The more I immersed myself in this field, the clearer it became that filmmaking was my true passion.
In 2020, I took a leap and enrolled at Full Sail University to study cinematography and film production. This decision opened doors to invaluable learning experiences and connections. Working with a diverse group of talented individuals, I learned the significance of collaboration in filmmaking. I was particularly inspired by cinematographers like Roger Deakins and Bradford Young, whose approaches to visual storytelling—grounded in realism and subtlety—resonated with me. They showed me that cinematography should never overshadow the story but rather enhance it. Their strong relationships with directors and camera departments also influenced how I approach my work, emphasizing teamwork and mutual respect on set.
I graduated in 2023, my time at Full Sail broadening my understanding of the complexities and evolving nature of the film industry. Today, my passion lies in telling stories through the lens of a camera, helping to bring a director’s vision to life. For me, filmmaking is not just about the technical aspects but about building meaningful relationships on set, as collaboration is at the heart of great storytelling.
Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to use my filmmaking skills to address pressing social issues, with a particular focus on social justice and amplifying underrepresented voices. Through film, I hope to contribute to conversations that matter, creating work that is not only visually compelling but also socially impactful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working in the film industry is by no means easy. Finding ways to distinguish yourself from your peers and potential collaborators can be challenging. For many of us, we’ve had to take on projects just to pay the bills. It’s a highly saturated market, but at the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding. Persistence is always rewarded. There have been many times when I’ve wondered how I would make it through to the end of the year, but through God’s help, my skills have kept the bills paid and food on the table.
At the end of the day, you have to be clear about what you want and have the confidence to believe you’ll get there. It’s okay to take detours because God knows the playbook changes now and then. Stay focused and remember that your viewpoint and the way you see the world are unique. Your art is needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a cinematographer and filmmaker specializing in visual storytelling, particularly in documentary filmmaking and narrative work. I focus on bringing the director’s vision to life through realistic, story-driven cinematography. What sets me apart is my disciplined approach to creativity, influenced by my early training in music and my background in the military, which taught me structure and teamwork. I’m proud of my ability to collaborate with diverse teams and create films that amplify underrepresented voices. My recent documentary project, follows Mia, a survivor of sex trafficking, as she overcomes addiction and abuse to become an advocate for others. After enduring years of substance abuse and sexual exploitation, Mia finds support through Selah Freedom, an organization helping survivors. The film highlights her transformation from victim to empowered advocate, shedding light on the harsh realities of sex trafficking and the strength of the human spirit. Mia’s journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and her commitment to raising awareness about exploitation.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is from December 1998. I had always dreamed of owning a black three-speed bicycle. On Christmas morning, December 25th, my father surprised me with the most beautiful bike—it was exactly what I had wished for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://josh45c97.wixsite.com/part1joshuacornelius
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuacornelius_/
