Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn DuBay.
Hi Dawn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Lakeland, Florida, and raised in a small town called Polson, Montana. Growing up surrounded by nature had a huge influence on me creatively. I was always drawn to painting, singing, and songwriting, but photography entered my life when my mom bought me my first camera at 13. Living in such a beautiful state, I spent a lot of time photographing landscapes and wildlife, which often became inspiration for my paintings as well. Over the years, I moved around different parts of the U.S., but eventually settled in Jacksonville, Florida, where I saw real opportunity for building a small business. I had always been interested in real estate, partly thanks to growing up watching HGTV and admiring beautifully remodeled homes, but I wasn’t sure how to break into the industry. That changed through a series of coincidences. I met my boyfriend through his sister, who worked with me at Ulta Beauty, and learned that his father was a real estate photographer who was transitioning into stock trading. Real estate photography had always lingered in the back of my mind, and that moment felt like a sign. He generously lent me his equipment and trained me on bracketing techniques and 360 virtual tours. From there, I continued learning through YouTube and hands-on experience, eventually taking on his clients and building my own path in the industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of my biggest personal challenges has been social anxiety, especially when it comes to public speaking. I knew early on that if I wanted to grow, I’d have to push myself outside my comfort zone. Attending real estate events and talking about my services was intimidating at first, but with time and practice, it became much easier and more natural. There have also been plenty of practical challenges along the way. In real estate photography, no two days are the same, sometimes I arrive at a property that isn’t ready, even after confirming in advance. Learning how to stay flexible, professional, and solution-oriented in unpredictable situations has been a big part of the job. Before I found stability in this field, I struggled financially. At one point, I was working three jobs just to cover my bills, and I had attempted to start businesses in the past without the resources or support needed to succeed. Those experiences were difficult, but they taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to appreciate the opportunity I have now. Every challenge played a role in shaping how I approach my work today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a real estate photographer, my work centers on creating high-quality, visually compelling images that help listings stand out and sell. I specialize in capturing spaces in a way that feels both polished and inviting, highlighting not just the layout of a home but its atmosphere and potential. I also offer a full range of services, including floor plans, 360° tours, virtual staging, drone photos and video walkthroughs so agents can market their listings across multiple platforms with confidence. What sets me apart is my artistic approach. I don’t see homes as just properties; I see them as spaces with stories. Every house has its own character, and my goal is to translate that into imagery that feels intentional. My background in other creative disciplines has deeply influenced how I compose, light, and frame my shots, allowing me to bring variety and personality into each project. I’m most proud of building a career that blends creativity with strategy, using art as a tool to support my clients’ success. While real estate photography is my primary focus, I remain open to other types of photography, such as portraits, and I’m always excited to explore new creative challenges. Outside of photography, I also paint and make music, which keeps my perspective fresh and continually impacts the way I approach my work behind the camera.
Any big plans?
I plan on growing my photography business, pursuing having an art shop and releasing music.
Pricing:
- Real estate photos start at $150
- Virtual staging is $30 per photo, includes 3 furniture variations
- 360° tours start at $100
- Floor Plans start at $40
- Aerial photos and Twilights start at $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.closingcaptures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closingcaptures?igsh=djFsOWRpMHdqcHlt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTUZZCF73/
