Meet Josh Appel | Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Appel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business never crossed my mind until a few months before Appel Photography went live. I was working a regular 9-5 job and wasn’t feeling very fulfilled. I remember watching a video of someone flying a drone for a real estate listing and thought that was a really cool gig. I messaged the guy, and we chatted about the ins and outs of real estate photography. I remember thinking “I could do that” throughout our conversations and eventually did enough research to buy a drone and camera. I was hooked immediately and proceeded to watch every YouTube video and Udemy class on real estate photography that I could find. After a while of trial and error, I finally learned enough to start my business. I created a website, designed a logo, received my FAA pilot’s license, and began searching for work. I have now been in business for three years, gained over 40 reoccurring clients, and photographed over 500 properties. My thought process was that no job had ever made me feel so inspired and on fire to work. I knew that this feeling was special and has always been my motivation to keep chasing this dream.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have lived in Houston for seven years. I met my wife in Houston. I started my career in Houston. Houston holds a special place in my heart, and I love my life here. A big part of why I love it here is the people. From the first day I moved here I felt cared for and supported by my community. I have always made it a priority to carry on that feeling through my business. When someone uses my services, I try to make sure they feel cared for and not just another client. I work on developing relationships with my clients to better understand their needs so I can deliver the perfect end results. Appel Photography provides photography, videography, and aerial drone services for real estate, business marketing, and events.

I am constantly learning and will always be a student of my craft. The fire that was instilled in me to start this business continues to push me to keep learning and bettering myself at what I do. This helps me provide the best quality services to my clients.

I’m definitely proud of how far I have come. I would have never dreamed I would be in the position that I’m in now. Nothing about starting your own business is easy and don’t let anyone say that it is. What sets successful small businesses apart is the love for what they do and the immense satisfaction that comes from it. I think the key is in consistency. If you keep moving forward through the good days and the bad days, you’ll eventually get to where you want to go. I’ve learned that fortune always favors the bold. Be bold and go for it!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to some sports games. Texans, Rockets, and of course Stros!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to thank my beautiful wife for helping and encouraging me to pursue my dream. She was essential in helping me get started and has always been my foundation. Second, I would like to thank Sheryl Thomas with PlusCorp Photography & Marketing. Sheryl is an amazing local photographer as well and I reached out to her in my early days for advice, guidance, etc. She always gave fantastic advice and has been a major mentor to me throughout the years. I couldn’t have done it without y’all!

Website: https://www.photographybyappel.com/

Instagram: photography_by_appel

Image Credits
Appel Photography