We had the good fortune of connecting with Caleb Ventura and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Caleb, what are you inspired by?
It’s honestly quite hard to fit into words the aspects of life that inspire me, but to put it simply, I am inspired by the way we each individually perceive the world around us. As a creative photographer, it is necessary to have eyes that capture a vision true to one self. However, I am firm believer that the “best eyes” can find even the most mundane moments of life to be extraordinary. So whether it’s through lyrics of a song that stir up heartfelt memories or through the genuine interactions we experience with the people in our life, I believe that in every living moment there is beauty to be discovered. And with so much beauty to be seen, how can we not constantly be inspired?
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 grew up in an Asian-American family, and although many standards were set for me to pursue academics over creativity, my parents always nurtured my creative nature. Eventually, friends from my youth group introduced me to the arts, such as dance, poetry, music, and of course photography, and this is where I truly began to see the world in a different way.
It hasn’t always been easy being a photographer, as the pressure for a traditional career is always pushed on to me while I also fall into slumps as I compare myself to other creatives. On top of that, I’ve dealt with mental health issues since the age of 14 and it really took a toll on my perception of life. However, photography has also been an outlet for me. When things get rough, I can always find myself falling back into my artistic habits and I can feel this passion reignite. And whenever things get low, I can look back on photos and conversations with other creatives, and it’s like I am given a whole new lens to look out on to the world.
As I’ve been doing photography for about 5 years now, I am at a point where I know that I love this art and that days will be harder than others, but it’s about doing what you love while it lasts. So as I continue to move forward with my work, I only hope to bring a positive message and create images that capture the beauty that I see. As photography has been a place of expression, I only hope that more people can start expressing their minds through art as well!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite parts in Dallas is the Asian area in Carrolton because they have a plethora of five-star restaurants and dessert shops. In addition, I really love the manga store in that area as well, Kinokuniya Books, and the surrounding shops such as Daiso and Teso Life. If Asian culture interest you at all, I would recommend checking out all the niche spots throughout Dallas!
In addition, I love going to Griggs Park to picnic with friends and watch the sunset. I’m also a huge fan of the Dallas Museum of Art and checking out the new exhibits when I can. These are a couple of spots that I highly recommend to anyone visiting the area, cause there’s a lot to do and check out!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, may God be praised for my growth in this art. I am grateful to be blessed with a skill that I am so passionate about and for every opportunity He has given me to grow and learn. I am still very far from where I would like to be, but from the support of my friends in the MFC-Youth group, my girlfriend (Hoa Hoang), my family, and past mentors, I know that the journey is meant to be enjoyable. So thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey, thank you all for continuously inspiring me and loving me, and I hope you continue to stay by my side.
Website: https://calebbventura.wixsite.com/calebventura
Instagram: https://instagram.com/calebchristianventura?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/calebchristianventura?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-ventura-47b8511b3 https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-ventura-47b8511b3