Meet Joal Caldera | Documentary Photographer

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

Hi Joal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first picked up a camera in all honesty I had no intention of it becoming anything more than a hobby. At the time I was going through a bit of a rough patch in my life and was looking for something to distract myself, as things progressed and I started to build confidence in my skills opportunities to take on work eventually came my way. After dipping my feet in the water a few times over I got to the point where I was asking myself why not give this a go? If it works it works, if not it doesn’t and I’ll be a better person for trying ya know?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’d like to think of myself as an observer. A big reason I take photos in the first place is the feeling I get when I’m able to document a moment in time and make it permanent. We’ve all heard something along the lines of “don’t take the little things for granted” or “enjoy the moment while you can” and I think the camera is the most literal way of encapsulating that concept. I find interest in people, in society and the world around me. It fuels my inner child if I’m honest with you. It’s easy to run on the hamster wheel and loose track of all the little things. And whether you’re my friend, colleague or a complete stranger on the street I think it’s important that someone capture a reminder of the importance of those easily forgettable, passing, reason you wake up in the morning moments. And why not me ya know? While I’ve had a bit of good fortune I definitely don’t consider myself “successful” in my career just yet, and that’s okay for now. Things take time and for better or worse my work typically shines better in the long game, or at least I think so. I’ve immortalized a lot of good times for way more people than I ever thought I would and that makes me happy. I actually have two photo books on the way as well and I’m very excited to see what thoughts or narratives people that see my work manage to come up with. It’s an assortment of real life at the end of the day and I think it’s interesting that everyone can find their own take on it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s an interesting question, my buddy Alex who I previously mentioned was actually in town for a week from buffalo recently. He lived here for years and in all honesty I still don’t think I did a good job as a tour guide. We went to the beach of course, and a few bars and restaurants around the Deerfield area. I think if you’re going somewhere new the best places to see and hang out at are the places least like where you’re coming from. Live a little you have home at home ya know? And don’t tip your server/ bartender like you know you’re never gonna see them again, vacation for you is real life for them. Mind your manners.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d definitely like to thank my first professor Dogan Arslanoglu, my first experience in photography was in his intro to photography class I took in college. He taught me the exposure triangle, how to develop film and print in a darkroom, and introduced me to the photography world in general. When I took his class I was nowhere near motivated enough to show up as much as a I should. He could have easily kicked me out, but he didn’t. He recognized that although I wasn’t there for class I had something brewing in me that kept me taking pictures and I appreciate him for that. He’s a cool guy. I’d also like to thank my buddy Diego (@amadorama on instagram) we’ve worked many a freelance job together and became good friends through that same class. In a way I think we’ve definitely helped each other progress although we do such different things. I’d also like to thank my girlfriend Alexa, she’s the most supportive and very much snaps me back to reality when I start to doubt myself and I appreciate her a lot. Lastly I’d like to thank my best friend Alex for being my second biggest critic, Cody, Shabba, and everyone else who’s had any faith in me and what I do.

Website: Dudewiththecamera.bigcartel.com

Instagram: Dudewiththe_camera

Other: @amadorama on instagram @thefullconnection on instagram @a.osbeck on instagram @ohwowgreat on instagram @_code_e on instagram @blacksquirrel_media on instagram

Image Credits
Joal Caldera