Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Dunbar.
Caleb, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am originally from Jonesville, Louisiana and I currently reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I am a full-time State of Louisiana Employee and a photographer on evenings and weekends. I have a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from The Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have also received a Master of Business Administration with a specializing in Human Resource Management from Ashford University. My interest in photography began as early as high school. I can recall carrying a small digital camera on every band trip, football game, prom after-party, or even to a bonfire. At the time, I didn’t know what God was preparing me for.
During my college years, I would also carry around a camera to capture moments with my friends so that I will be able to share those memories with my children in the future. I would also use my phone like everyone else and take pictures of any and everything. Often times, people would ask, “Why are you always taking pictures of everything?” My response was always, “When we are older, these pictures will mean a lot more.”
I began photography semi-professionally, April of 2016. In the beginning, I did not originally want to start a business with photography. One day I decided to buy a camera so that I would be able to capture pictures of friends and family when we would gather. I thought it was very important to have high-quality pictures rather than taking pictures on my phone and then possibly being deleted due to storage or phone crash. So one morning went on Amazon (my favorite place) and ordered a Canon Rebel T5i. At the time, I was thinking, “Is a camera really worth $500.00?” Not realizing that I would be making an investment in my future. Thanks to Amazon Prime, I received the package, including my camera in a few days.
My first session was with a co-worker and I shared the pictures of Facebook and someone from my hometown (Jonesville, LA) saw the pictures and asked me to capture senior pictures from her son. I was reluctant at first but I stepped out on faith. That was a turning point for my photography business. The session went great and brought exposure via social media and word of mouth. To make a long story short, I began capturing Seniors, which led to a wide variety of photography engagements.
My business name also went through a transition over the years. I originally started with CTD Photography, which then led to Real Memories and eventually going to Caleb T. Dunbar Photography, LLC. Currently, I specialize but am not limited to Senior Portraits, Prom Portraits, Family Portraits, and Engagement Portraits. I also capture Small Events, Family Functions, and Small Weddings. In the year of 2020, I plan to step into creating more lifestyle and editorial visuals to expand Caleb T. Dunbar Photography.
I truly understand the importance of a photographer who can connect and deliver. When a client views their pictures, I want the client to view the best version of themselves in picture form. So I make it my goal is to capture lasting memories that tell a story and can be viewed by future generations.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth. In the beginning, I struggled to find my niche. I had no clue what I wanted to really capture. I just knew that I wanted to take pictures of people and make people look their best in picture form. I captured infants (that wasn’t a good idea for me), teenagers, families, birthday parties, animals, grass, water, basically anything to build a portfolio. I believe it was a year or two in before I decided that I would be selective in what I captured. Once I discovered what I truly wanted to capture, I was able to really grow as a creative and a photographer. It made everything more enjoyable.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Currently, I specialize and I am known for to Senior Portraits, Prom Portraits, Family Portraits, and Engagement Portraits. I also capture Small Events, Family Functions, and Small Weddings.
I am most proud that I am able to service my hometown areas even though no longer there. At the time, there were not many photographers in the area who were capturing portraits and I looked at this as a way to give back to my community.
I believe the thing that sets me apart is my professionalism, turnaround rate, and ability to be transparent and straightforward through the whole process of booking the session to delivering the photos. I’ve learned that most people are nervous around photographers. They can’t connect and aren’t able to truly be themselves. So I make it my mission to make our clients not feel like a client but feel as if I am a friend who is there to capture all of your awesomeness. Also, a thing that sets me apart is my ability to collaborate. I have been able to collaborate with other photographers, decorators and planners to make the vision of some clients come to reality.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe that the industry will continue to grow over the next 5-10 years. Pictures will become more creative; the style of prints will continue to evolve. These days you can print a good quality picture and put it on almost anything. There will always be a need for this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.calebtdunbar.com
- Email: calebtdunbar@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/calebtdunbarphotography?igshid=gyh2rnvsm79n
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calebtdunbarphotography/
Image Credit:
Personal Image by: Kimani Alexander
All other images by: Caleb T. Dunbar Photography
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