We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dexter Joseph Jr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dexter, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

In 2015, Dex Lifestyle Photography was meant to be the name of my travel brand. But, it was recommended by a college friend and website designer to use “Dex Sightseeing Photography” for my landscape and travel photos. She explained to me how I needed people in my photos to take the “Dex Lifestyle Photography” route.

After capturing travel photos and visiting dozens of countries; Covid-19 changed everything forever in 2020. I started to become more interested in weddings while not traveling. As I became more experienced with people and weddings; “Dex Lifestyle Photography” was reborn in 2021 for my weddings and portraits.

Dexter, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My story began in 2010 when I decided to take my passion for photography to the next level. I always been interested in visual portrayal, capturing photos of my friends and family and the landscapes and landmarks I encountered on my travels. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that I boldly decided to professionalize my craft and pursue my passion.

After working as a freelance photographer for several years, I founded my own brand, Dex Sightseeing Photography, in 2015. The name was inspired by my love for travel and exploring new destinations, perfectly encapsulating my unique photography approach. However, this also inspired me to follow my main passion and create Dex Lifestyle Photography in 2021, focusing on weddings, engagements, and portraits. My style blends classic techniques with contemporary flair, resulting in stunning visual stories that capture the essence of my subjects and the moments they share.

I have always been a lover of travel, even from a young age. My first travel experience was at the age of 16 when I visited Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma. I was instantly hooked on the thrill of exploring new places, and it wasn’t long before I ventured further afield. In fact, at the age of 21, I had the opportunity to travel outside the United States for the first time, spending a month in Italy as part of a study abroad program with the University of Delaware.

Since then, I have visited numerous countries and cities across the globe, immersing myself in different cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Some of my favorite destinations include Australia, Belize, Colombia, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom, among others. My travels have not only broadened my horizons but have also provided me with endless inspiration for my photography.

As a photographer, I specialize in wedding, engagement, and portrait photography. I approach each project with a deep sense of care and attention, working closely with my clients to understand their unique vision and bring it to life. I believe every photo should tell a story, capturing the essence of my subjects and their shared moments. My portfolio is a testament to my ability to do just that, showcasing stunning visual stories that are both timeless and contemporary.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing people’s reactions. The joy and natural happiness of a finished project, or while shooting.

My most recent wedding clients mentioned almost crying when receiving and viewing their photos.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Networking is key. I first started building my portfolio using people I knew or met while working at the beach. Eventually word got around how good I was, and more people wanted to work with me.

Hashtags on Instagram have really helped me work be discovered too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.takenbydex.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takenbydex_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takenbydex