Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Murray.
Hi Caleb, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up on a farm in Floodwood, Minnesota. Raised by parents who both graduated with art degrees, myself and my siblings were always encouraged to follow our artistic endeavors. We learned woodworking and construction with our father. And in doing so we learned that if we wanted something, rather than buy it, we could just build it. My siblings and I would lose days playing music and recording in a home-built studio and I would find myself sitting behind my art table drawing any chance I could. It wasn’t until years later that I purchased my first camera. It was a starter camera that had gotten my sister through her own art degree in school.
With some lessons from her and another photographer friend under my belt, I soon realized my true passion lay in photography. I would spend countless mornings among the cedar trees on the shores of Lake Superior trying to capture the perfect sunrise, and after joining the Rice Lake Volunteer Fire Department I was also enlisted in photographing training nights and creating marketing content for department events and hiring drives. From there I started being asked to do family shoots, headshots, and weddings. It was during this time that my wife and I were in our backyard planting our own small grove of cedars and discussing our future when we decided to start Cedar Grove Photography. Today my business services the Twin Cities, Duluth, and the North Shore.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business always comes with challenges and a whole set of worries. One such challenge was the realization that I work in photography because I love it, but owning my own business aspect was hard to swallow. The reality has been hard to grasp as I spend a lot more time learning the ins and outs of running a business than I do taking pictures. I started capturing moments and nature for pure enjoyment. Now I am learning a new language… called excel, and the mundane art of company taxes. Another challenge was the relocation process.
My wife and I moved from Duluth to Anoka, as Cedar Grove Photography was being formed. I was now finding that I had to make more connections in a foreign town with a different pace to Duluth. Being in the Twin Cities has awoken a new lifestyle, one that is fast-paced and all-consuming. It has helped bring in Anoka as it is a middle ground between the big city feel of Minneapolis and the hometown feel of Duluth. Trying to break into a new market comes with its own set of difficulties, but I will say the support and encouragement that the community of Anoka and my family has been very encouraging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work mainly in Weddings, Engagements, Maternity, and Family. Most recently I’ve started doing Puppy Portrait mini sessions. which have been an absolute joy. I like to think that what sets me apart from other photographers is what I would call, my style. When asked, “what style do you shoot?” I respond, “I shoot light.” Basically, what I am trying to say, my clients can get any number of looks and feels throughout their sessions.
A recent example would be a wedding I had the pleasure of shooting in California. The final package ended up containing images ranging from light and airy, to warm beach sunsets and dark/moody film noir-type shots. I pride myself on the fact that the more sessions I shoot the more diverse my final product becomes. Light is beautiful, whether it’s soft, harsh, directional, or bouncing all around on a snowy afternoon. Light can be used to my client’s benefit to create amazing images.
What matters most to you? Why?
When my wife and I were in our backyard dreaming up Cedar Grove Photography and discussing how we want our lives to look, we were both in agreement that family will always be the most important thing. It has been and will always be a top priority for us to build the company in a way that not only supports us financially but also allows us to be present in our children’s lives. Owning my own business allows me the flexibility to raise my children and pursue my dreams. Being a photographer has also allowed me to connect with people in a new way.
I don’t end up just selling a product. It allows me to get to know the client and create images that are meaningful to them. There’s nothing better than capturing a special moment that they will be able to relive for the rest of their lives. I take pride in knowing that my clients receive something truly unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: cedargrovephotography.com
- Instagram: @cedar_grove_photography
- Facebook: Cedar Grove Photography
Image Credits
Cedar Grove Photography
