About

My name is Jonni DuBray, and I am the artist behind the camera at DuBray Photography.​

 

I have always enjoyed creating any form of art. Some of my biggest influences in my life were people who were so creative and could create anything out of whatever was around them. I just wanted to be that, as an artist. When I was little, I remember setting up my own table at the bar/restaurant my mom worked. I had a notebook and markers and went to work trying to sell my pictures. I ended up making $5, mostly because my mom gave people the money to buy my drawings, but still helped build my confidence.

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When I was 11 years old, I won a contest to have a drawing I did on a billboard. From that point on, I wanted to work with signs (not a normal dream, I know). My grandpa was a sign painter, so that's what I wanted to be.

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While sign painting is fun and I have had the pleasure of being able to paint a few signs, it isn't as common as it used to be. In modern sign making, I felt at home with graphic design.

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While learning everything I can about designing, photography felt natural to pursue at the same time.

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Around the time I started full time at Rosenbaum's Signs, I also bought a camera as a high school graduation present to myself. I wanted to work towards being a concert photographer, but once COVID hit, that dream was pushed aside for awhile.

 

I really found my photography 'voice' while sitting in my backyard. While I was being entertained by a family of squirrels in our oak tree, I thought about my camera and decided to bring it outside to practice. Once I did, it turned into waiting for birds to photograph. I was hooked on watching for birds at the feeders and being ready with my camera. I started looking up birdwatching in my area and going out to find more birds, exploring more areas, all with my camera. 

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I quickly figured out my 200mm lens wasn't going to work for what I wanted to do. I couldn't get close enough to some animals to get a decent photo, so I decided to take the leap and upgrade my equipment. Best. Decision. Ever. I brought my camera out with me on my Hobie Kayak (and hoped I didn't drop it, or flip over!) and have been unstoppable sense. I go out most weekends to explore different areas around the Black Hills, leaving before the sun comes up. I usually have one goal in mind, but come back with something completely different then I imagined.

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Photography has become the love of my life, and I never thought I would expand beyond a hobby. With the push from family and friends, I decided to create a website and show the world the adventures behind a photograph and why I am so passionate about what I do. I hope my work continues to inspire other artists to post photos, show their art, and keep practicing.

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