Joseph Ross is a photographer capturing the grit and spirit of the people who drive culture. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, his work also extends to New York, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Proudly born of family roots in Memphis and New Orleans, Ross’s worldview remains grounded in a deep connection to Southern Black history, culture, and art. Under the mentorship of a prolific entertainment photographer, he’s been working professionally since 2018, documenting Nashville’s emergence as one of America’s great cultural capitals. Ross has led his own independent practice since 2020.

His subjects include performers such as Tinashe, Yola, Billy Strings, Maren Morris, Julien Baker, Marcus King, and Gottmik, including the cover art for Yola’s GRAMMY-nominated album “Stand for Myself.”  Across genres and mediums, from editorial photography to critically-acclaimed music releases, Ross’s work reflects the personal connection he fosters with boundary-pushers in every domain. He has also lensed projects for global brands Apple and Puma, and his work has appeared in Allure, The Wall Street Journal, and Rolling Stone.

A self-proclaimed cinephile, Ross is most inspired by film’s ability to immerse the viewer in a world—a euphoria, an escape, or even a return to oneself. As his photography practice grows, Ross intends to capture key art for major motion pictures, the alternate worlds that exist behind the scenes, and the intimate process of creation in the studio with recording artists.

His unique perspective on Blackness and visual storytelling have been recognized by the 2022 and 2023 American Photography Awards and the Paris Black and White Photo Contest. Today, Ross continues to call Nashville home and follows his camera wherever compelling projects lead.