Preston Dibling
Photo By Nick Amrhein
Hey there! I'm Preston, and my journey as a photographer has been quite the adventure.
It all started back in high school when I set my sights on a career behind the camera. At first, I was all about video, attending Penta Career Center for video production during my junior and senior years. I even dabbled in some lighthearted YouTube content with friends, where I took on the roles of filming and editing – and I couldn't get enough of it.
Then came a pivotal moment during my sophomore year when a teacher shared some wisdom that struck a chord with me: "You find out what you like doing, then you find a way to make money at it." So, I enrolled in Digital Video Production at Penta, and that's where the real journey began. From producing a music video for a local band to becoming a finalist in a national youth film festival, I was hooked. As I approached graduation, I found myself working with a local appliance repair company, filming and editing DIY repair videos. After graduation I realized I needed more of a steady income, so I looked for a typical employee job. I soon found Kohne Camera in Perrysbug and started working there. I stayed there for almost 10 years! But the dream of being self-employed in the world of photography never left me.
Fast forward to today, and I'm living that dream. My passion lies in capturing the essence of moments. I'm the guy who thrives at weddings and events, observing people and seeking those intimate, candid exchanges – the smiles, laughter, and sometimes even tears. My photographic style? It's definitely photojournalistic, and really enjoy incorporating negative space and foreground elements. When it comes to black and white photography, I aim for a good dynamic range, while my color shots lean toward the naturally vibrant and warm side.
What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to every session. I like to meet my clients before we even think about the camera. It's all about creating a comfortable space for conversation, idea-sharing, and getting to know one another. Because, in my world, it's not just about photographing you – it's about capturing the pure and beautiful moments that surround you.
My photography isn't just about pretty pictures; it's about storytelling. I strive to provide context for each shot, answering the questions of where, what, and why. Each photo is a piece of a larger narrative, a story waiting to be discovered.
Besides photography, I'm a musician who's been playing the bass guitar for over 16 years. Music and photography have something in common for me – it's all about capturing that perfect note, that perfectly timed chord, and that indescribable feeling.
One particular experience I'll never forget was working with a gentleman during my time at Kohne Camera. He had a compelling story and was dealing with a difficult diagnosis. We worked together to curate posters and a photo album that held his precious family memories. After completing his project, he disappeared from my radar, only for me to discover his obituary online months later. This experience was a poignant reminder of the value of memories and the significance of freezing beautiful moments in time through photography.
In my work, I constantly think about how my clients will look back on these captured moments in the future. Who are they with, how do they feel, and what's happening right now that could become one of their core memories? That's what I strive to capture.
My gear of choice includes full-frame cameras for optimal low-light performance and a telephoto lens with a low aperture to make subjects stand out and ensure minimal disruption. I'm also a fan of creative flash photography.
But enough about me – you can expect when working with me a laid-back and easygoing experience, with a dash of dorkiness at times. Beyond photography, I'm into video games and Dungeons and Dragons. So, if those are some things you are interested in then we will get along quite fine! For me, you're not just a client; you're a person who's entrusted me with capturing and creating amazing moments. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you, and I hope our connection will last a lifetime.
Let's create some memories together!
Photo by Jennifer Beachy