Meet Our Newest Photographer: Josiah Kopp
Where are you from?
I grew up in Beulah, ND. I loved to Fargo-Moorhead for college, and have been here ever since!
Tell us a little bit about you.
Im a 23-year old creative and outdoorsman. An addition to photography and design, I love exploring the outdoors with my camera, chasing night skies, colorful sunsets, and storm chasing. My favorite music to listen to while adventuring is Lord Huron. I grew up playing piano and guitar, and now I write and produce music. I REALLY love waffles.
If there was a movie about your life, who would play you and why?
Although I grew up enjoying old westerns and other adventure shows like National Treasure, I think the character that best represents me is the Grinch: “6:30…. dinner with me… I can’t cancel that again!”
What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Writing and producing music, going on photo adventures, and thinking about what I’ll eat next.
What’s a ridiculous fact about yourself?
A car ran over my leg when I was a young kid. Aside from some scrapes and bruises, my bones were all left unscathed. My guardian angel must’ve been working overtime.
What part of your position provides the most value?
Being able to connect and contribute to the Fargo-Moorhead culture. Not just the stories, but the photos too. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I want the photos of Fargo-Moorhead to say all the right things.
Tell us about your experience.
I grew up homeschooled, which I believe allowed me the freedom to explore my creative interests. I designed for my first client at age 13. I first picked up the camera at age 16 as an outlet to cope with the stress of having Crohn’s Disease. I didn’t realize how much that (photography) would grow for me. In just a couple of years, I had accomplished some big things, like winning the North Dakota Governor Photo Contest, and runner-up Best of Decade. I went to Concordia College, and graduated with my BA in Graphic Design and a minor in Business. Despite COVID-19 throwing everyone’s lives upside down, I found Spotlight the fall after graduation, and I’ve been loving it here ever since!
What part of your job do you believe makes the most impact?
Yes, the text of the stories are what make our magazines exceptional. But I believe the photos are what grabs people’s attention first. I love being able to utilize and develop my love for photograph and capturing moments to share with the world.
Why does our community matter to you?
Most businesses are focused on just themself and the client; a simple A to B relationship. However, Spotlight is so much more than that. We connect with so many different individuals with unique stories, and I love being a part of that.
What are some of your goals at Spotlight?
Contribute to the success of our new “Faces” magazine coming in 2021!
I also want to master my skills of working with studio lighting—light is everything in photography!
Lastly, I want to learn to be both a great team member, and an exceptional leader when opportunities are given.
To receive an honor like this couldn’t make me more proud of everyone who helped us get this including our clients, team and our community.” Said Mike Dragosavich, Founder at Spotlight.
