Life & Work with Caleb Opp of Grand Rapids

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Opp

Hi Caleb, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My photographic story is a long one. I Remember vividly the first camera I got. It was a little plastic spy camera from a swap meet. My father was always into photography and always using film and slide film. I got into the darkroom as a kid in 6th grade and continued through high school to be a part of yearbook and as many photo classes as I could. I ended up running out of classes to take and pleaded with advisor to be able to make classes custom for myself to keep access to the darkroom and work on my own projects. Upon graduating I was able to secure a scholarship by winning a state photo competition.
I moved to Denver in 2005 to attend the Art Institute of Colorado to get my BFA in photography. While there I worked and interned with some absolutely amazing photographers! On was a commercial advertising photographer doing local and national adds for Print. From a fire mans calendar to a Lens Crafters campaign in Cabo. The second photographer I worked for was a fine art photographer. Greg Friedler had documentary about him from the BBC and was published all over. I feel extremely honored to have worked with Greg. He sadly is no longer with us.
That background really built my experience and confidence in working with people as well as the technical ins and outs of photography.
I Graduated with my BFA in 2009.
I shot my first weding in 2011 and have now photographed over 350 weddings! I love what I do because I can marry the two sets of training and experiences I have had in the photography world. Make art, work with the couple to make their vision come to life and create and challenge myself all the time!

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?
Oh god no lol!
When I graduated school it was shortly after the 2008 crash. The economy was so bad that I was with a BFA spinning a sign in downtown Denver at Bubba Gump Shrimp CO. I only go that job out of 200 aplicants because I was able to answer a trivia question they asked the crowd. I was so over that very quickly and found a teaching job in Korea. I sold my car and left within two weeks. Living in Korea for a year really ignited my passion for street and documentary photography. Upon returning Is when I was able to find a niche and start my business.

Peat Woods Photo is my second photography business as well. I came out to my family and friends and my ex in 2017. At first my ex was greatly supportive. However when it came down to figuring out how to move forward in life and business, realizing it was not going to work to keep the business going as it was, my ex forced me out and took over and sabotaged it over the course of a year. Then covid happened just as I was trying to build my current business from scratch. Finally I to feel that I can focus more fully on my work and my clients again and have fun most importantly.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think my over 30 years of photography along with my travels and experience set me apart.

I have been so lucky to have lived my dream job for the last 10 years! Yes thats more than 300 weddings, 4 countries and many states. Its such a special thing to share an experience like this. My BFA in photography along with my experience in Advertising, documentary and fashion photography has given me a unique view on the process of recording your wedding, event or promoting your small business. Emotion, the details and the connections made are my focus for the day.

This is my mission statement:
If you have come to the decision that you desire more from your photographer, I am eager to offer my services. I aim to provide more than just the ability to capture stunning moments between you and your loved ones. As your photographer, I will be committed to engaging with you throughout the entire process, serving as your guide whenever you may have uncertainties. With a dynamic approach and a genuine sense of empathy, I will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in being your authentic self.

What matters most to you?
My little family. My Husband, Dog, Cat and our life we have created! I cant take any of that with me when I am done here and spending and seeing the joy we have makes me understand the little moments are the most important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peatwoodsphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peatwoodsphoto/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peatwoodsphoto