Josh Rothstein straddles the line between documentary and reportage photography with his unique style. His visual roots strongly embedded in film, Rothstein's cinematic influence is evident in the sense of movement, spontaneity and context in his images.
Rothstein was raised in a home filled with music and art. With his older brothers and a father musicians and a mother who painted, it was natural for him to want to visually document all that was swirling around him. Graduating from the University of Colorado in 1997 with a BA in Fine Arts and Film, Rothstein quickly planted himself in the New York photography scene as equipment manager for Day for Night studios. From there, he went on to become first assistant for photographers Ken Kochey, Anna Senstad and Joe Chaves, where he discovered his love for portraiture and environment.
Since branching out on his own eight years ago, Rothstein has worked regularly with major music labels such as Warner Bros, Interscope, and Sony BMG. He has shot artists such as John Legend, The Black Eyed Peas, P Diddy, Slayer, Interpol, The Walkmen, Jet, The Vines and Blonde Redhead. His work has been published in various magazines such as Rolling Stone, and New York Magazine. Rothstein has also shot international print ad campaigns for Jack Daniels, Marlboro, Kool and Montana Meth.
In addition, as a filmmaker, Rothstein has completed 2 feature length documentaries. The first, a documentary on a legendary street musician Theopolis Coburn entitled "The Excellent Theopolis", and the second, a documentary travel story entitled "Not A Game" about Houston Rockets all-star Tracy McGrady's trip to the Darfur region. Rothstein has also directed TV commercials for Phat Farm, McDonald's, Jack Daniels and the Sundance Channel as well as music videos for Death Cab for Cutie and The Films.
