Thankful at 30 (Birthday Edition)

Ayyyyeeeee

It's my 30th Birthday!

At the beginning of the year I was considering having this over the top party to celebrate 30 years of life. I was ready to get fresh, invite all of my friends and family and host something special for this milestone birthday but "Lil' Rona" appeared and changed all of those plans.

During these past few months I have been able to sit and reflect on the last decade of my life. I've revisited many high points but I've also visited many low points. Overall I must say my 20's were crazy and there isn't much I would do over. Reviewing the last decade really reminded me that I should be more thankful in the present and in the future. So many great things have come out of bad situations. So many things that should have taken me out along time ago didn't. This is all credited to God!

So I have complied a list of 30 things I am thankful for going into my 30's:

1. God

2. Life-What a time to be alive right lol?

3. Sanity

4. Improving health

5. My voice

6. A job (JAWB)

7. Being a homeowner

8. Not having a car note anymore

9. Good credit

10. Living parents

11. A living grandmother

12. My younger siblings (we don't always see eye to eye but what siblings do?)

13. Friendships that are 10+ years strong (These are the only people who can really get me together)

14. Coworkers in the same age group (millennial's understand)

15. A business-Caleb T. Dunbar Photography (THANK YOU for all of your continued support)

16. Photographer mentors

17. Time to slow things down

18. Face time

19. Live Streaming

20. Plants

21. Overcoming depression

22. Grace (Aren't you glad to be on the receiving end but it's just as important to extend grace also)

23. Favor (It's not fair but it's great to have)

24. Forgiveness (Most people know I use to hold a grudge if you ever tried to play on my top)

25. Maturity

26. A more controlled tongue

27. My upbringing (it really does make a difference)

28. The ability to connect with strangers through having an open mind

29. Discernment in certain areas (If it's not well in my spirit i'm not rolling with it)

30. My love li..well we will get back to that on another post lol

Be sure to subscribe and follow me on Instagram @calebtdunbarphotography.

Cover Photo by: Tacyra Autrey of Creme Pheauxtography

How To Be Comfortable and Confident During A Portrait Session

In the past I had clients who booked a portrait session and on the day of the shoot they were a nervous wreck! Many times I heard the phrase "So what do I do?" or the famous "I'm not good in front of the camera." So today I am going to list three easy things that can help you be more comfortable and confident during your next portrait session. Here we go!

1. Pick an outfit that makes your feel confident.

Every now and then I will have a client come in for their portrait session with in an outfit that doesn't fit properly or the color of the outfit isn't to their liking. This one thing can make you uncomfortable during your portrait session because your won't be 100% confident and that is the opposite of what you want right? Your outfit should compliment your build, your hairstyle and the concept of the shoot. When you feel good in your outfit and it flows with your look it will show in your pictures.

2. Practice taking pictures at home.

I know this sounds small but it can make a big difference. Before you say "I take pictures on my phone all of the time", I am only saying that it would be a good idea to let someone else take a picture of you on their phone with the lens pointed directly at you. This can simulate a camera lens being in front of you. Selfies or Celfie's if you're fancy lol, allow you to see yourself as you take the picture. It is completely different when someone else has the camera and the lens is pointing directly at you and you don't know what angle is being captured. At this point you have to know that you are going to look good any angle. The only way you can do that is by being comfortable and confident from head to toe.

3. Choose a photographer you will be comfortable with.

As a photographer, not only is delivering high quality photos a priority but I also understand the importance of getting to know my clients and making sure they are comfortable and confident behind the scenes and behind the lens. After all, it will show in the pictures if the person wasn't comfortable with the photographer.

When searching for the right photographer it is a good idea to look up the content that has already been published by the photographer. Another good idea is to read the online reviews. If the photographer is someone local, ask about how the photographer made other clients feel during their portrait sessions. Upon research you will be able to have a better idea if you are choosing the right photographer and you will have a better chance of being comfortable with this photographer.

Being comfortable during your photo session is one of the most important things to having a successful portrait session. I hope these three tips help you the next time you are ready to have your portraits done.

Here are a few photos of me with two clients. The first pictures is on the set of an engagement shoot. Notice the confident stand. She was comfortable with me and confident in her outfit of choice.

The second photo is with one of beautiful brides that I have had the opportunity to capture. It was her wedding day and she wanted to take a picture with the photographer. That shows that she was confident and comfortable.

I also added a clip of me with one of my favorite toddlers. He was very comfortable at this session lol.

All photo & video by or on the set with: Caleb T. Dunbar Photography

I hope these three tips help you be more confident and comfortable at your next portrait session.

Be sure to subscribe and follow me on Instagram @calebtdunbarphotography

Catching Up With Caleb!

What's poppin' family? I am very excited to welcome you to my photography blog! I will be posting my experiences from different sessions along with actual reviews from my clients. I will also bring you guys along as a revamp my services and try new things with photography! Let me know what you guys would like to hear about in the comments!

Also, be sure to follow me on IG @calebtdunbarphotography and my personal IG is @calebtyrell