Founded in the Spring of 2012, Mr. Dear first focused on model, special event, maternity, military homecomings, and family photography. As time passed his business began to evolve, adding digital design and printing.
“Printing is a big part of photography,” Lee Dear explained when asked why he added printing to his business in such a digital dependant age, “Growing up my mom and aunt’s house had
many portraits. It was like a family tree. You saw members that were no longer around and images that captured important moments in the family. Printed imagines tell a big story and with all of our images becoming digital now, the story seems to be getting lost.”
Printing became a large part of Mr. Dear’s business and he began offering high quality print on the spot at events like Military Balls, Graduations, Family Reunions, and Birthday Parties. At the events he provided packages that attendees could purchase, the basic package included 1 8x10, 2 5x7’s, and 4 wallets.
“I noticed that Epson printers are the best for these jobs, not only does it provide the high quality necessary, but it is also cost effective.”
In 2015 Mr. Dear partnered with the Virginia Beach Horseback. In this partnership he captured customer’s moments on their horse ride. After, he would offer a printed framed photo of their ride right on the spot, creating an original idea that enticed customers. This unique idea quickly became popular and as of 2017 he is still out at the oceanfront every weekend capturing customers and providing them with a portrait that will tell a story and last a lifetime.
“On average I print about 1100 portraits a month on the beach.”
Despite the odds seeming against him, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when serving in Iraq for the U.S Army, he took the diagnosis in stride, “I saw this as an opportunity to stop putting off all of the things I wanted to do and I started to make things happen.”
You can find Lee Dear out at the oceanfront with the Virginia Beach Horseback on the weekends, or follow him on all social media at ‘MrDearShotMe’
“Capturing smiling faces and special moments causes me to appreciate life more. I love to see the images that I create, and the reactions I gain after showing customers the finished product.” – Lee Dear (Founder of MrDearShotMe)
Interviewed and written by Lisa Ballenger, freelance writer. [email protected]
