Today we’d like to introduce you to Dakota Oubré.
Hi Dakota, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I never thought of being a photographer. I was so focused trying to get by. I never thought I could even afford a camera. I grew up in homeless shelters and hotels throughout my childhood, and when I could finally work, I’d walk as far as 3 hours to get to work and work as much as 70-hour work weeks sometimes. My freshman year of college, I had a lot of free time when I wasn’t at track practice, so I tried to figure out things to pass time by. I bought my first camera while I was working part-time at Best Buy, and it opened a door for me I was so unfamiliar to. I felt emotions and vibes I’ve never felt before. Photography was a hobby at the time, but I’d make an effort to bring it everywhere I went. Not only does it challenge you to use your imagination, but it also soothes you. While trying to get the perfect shot can, at times, be frustrating, once you make it happen, it is oh-so-worth it. When I joined the Army, I neglected photography and made excuses about not having the time and the crowd around me telling me I should be realistic with my goals. My older brother, before his passing, encouraged me to do what I love to do, and if photography was something I was passionate about, then I should pursue it no matter what. Now, I’m pursuing my dream, and along my journey, it brings me joy to see the satisfaction of my work on the customers’ faces. I plan to keep striving to reach new limits and to perfect my craft.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path was very complex. Growing up in a low-income family it was hard to even save money at times. It felt like the money I’d make would go towards the necessities to get by. Also, dealing with depression made it hard for me to be motivated to do anything I enjoyed. At times, it made it hard to even work or go to class.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in portraits photography/ street photography. I’m most proud to be shooting my first wedding and the wedding will be a really big one. It makes me nervous but also filled with excitement as well. What sets me apart from others is I don’t attempt to over-edit. I believe that imperfections makes a photo more realistic but also comforting. We often degrade ourselves or think less of ourselves due to Photoshop, and its being abused in a lot of imagery on social media.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My senior year of high school when my mother was able to come to my track meets. My mom spent a lot of time working trying to get by and provide for our family. Growing up, due to her working so much and at times 3 jobs, she wouldn’t be able to make it to my sporting events. My senior year of high school I remember running and having tunnel vision until I heard my mother screaming my name and filled my heart with so much emotion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poplme.co/hash/fh6gHfR3/1/s
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyoubre?igsh=Z2xnYXhqdGY1cXl3
