Photography isn’t just about capturing images––it’s about telling stories, capturing emotions, and highlighting the beauty of the world around us. For commercial photographer and videographer Caleb Kerr, it’s a seamless fusion of passion and profession. Based in Bend, Oregon, Caleb focuses his expertise towards outdoor and cycling, bringing functional products like bikes and bike racks to life with energy and creativity. He was also the creative force behind Steadyrack’s ProFlex and GearMate release, using his keen eye and attention to detail to launch our latest innovations. In this exclusive interview, Caleb shares insights into his journey as a photographer and videographer, his creative process, and his recent collaboration with Steadyrack.

A Lifelong Passion for Photography

Caleb received his first digital camera in 8^th grade which sparked his passion. Growing up in a creative household––his mother interested in traditional art and his father a jack of all trades when it came to building––he learnt many aspects of artistic expression and craftsmanship. Over the years, his passion grew in small, incremental steps, rather than a single defining moment. The gradual evolution allowed him to refine his skills and shape his unique approach to photography and videography. 

“I love creating photography that celebrates physical objects; the combination of the precision and technical aspects of understanding and controlling lighting, and the more nebulous creative ideas around what makes something engaging.”

The Creative Process: From Concept to Execution

Each individual project requires a different approach, but for Caleb, creativity is a hands-on process. While planning is essential, sometimes during the shoot process new ideas flow and the original plan can be altered. However, Caleb always ensures their vision is met even while remaining open to better ideas that arise. Trust is a crucial part of his work, and he strives to deliver not just great images but ones that truly stand out from the rest.

“Ultimately it requires a level of trust by a client in my abilities and ideas, which is not something I take lightly, and I strive to over-deliver creatively whenever I can.”

Bringing Function to Life in Product Photography

Capturing functional products—such as bikes, racks, and watches—in a compelling way is a challenge Caleb embraces, and he loves learning the way things work and why they’re made the way they are. Instead of photography being stagnant or sterile, he focuses on the unique aspects of a product and distils them into simple yet powerful imagery.

“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – one of Caleb’s favourite quotes by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Mastering Light and Composition

When shooting metal or glossy surfaces, Caleb takes a careful approach managing reflections and shadows, ensuring a polished and professional result. His two biggest tricks are twofold: first, building the scene off a primary source is important for driving an image’s overall feeling. Starting with the main light then adding lights slowly from there is the best approach. Second, Caleb will use black and white foam core boards anywhere from 4ft x 8ft to just a few inches, to add or subtract light into parts of the scene.

The Challenge of Balancing Bikes and Racks

In our recent collaboration with Caleb for the ProFlex and GearMate launch, this involved a product where the bike itself is not the hero but plays an essential role in showcasing our rack functionality. Figuring out how to create images that centre the rack as the hero, while also including a bike to make sure the function of the rack was clear was the main challenge to overcome in this shoot. It was all about striking the right balance between the two elements.

Favourite ProFlex & GearMate Features

Caleb’s favourite feature of the all-new ProFlex Rack is its refreshed overall design. As an avid cyclist, he values a storage solution that’s just as sleek and well-designed as his bike. His other favourite feature of the Steadyrack bike rack design is the that nothing touches the bike frame, keeping it safe and secure.

The Gear Behind the Shots

Caleb has been using Canon cameras exclusively since 2008, currently shooting with the Canon R5 and has been using it since it released in 2020. He highlights the high-resolution files and impressive autofocus tracking but said that the camera brand you use will have pros and cons, but ultimately any camera brand can create great work if you have a good idea or concept.

“Don’t let anyone convince you that which camera brand you use matters!”

Words of Wisdom

Many years ago, Caleb was told a piece of advice that has helped him keep his expectations calibrated. “Don’t confuse effort with results.” He believes that while hard work is essential, it’s important to focus on what truly moves the needles. Some projects take huge amounts of effort but don’t result in the expected impact, while others come together effortlessly yet make a significant difference.”

“Don’t let yourself think that just because something was hard, that it was effective.”

Seeking Inspiration Beyond Photography

Caleb intentionally tries to look outside of photography for inspiration; he loves design and other forms of art and creativity as well. He believes that bringing these influences into his work allows him to create images that feel fresh and original. This philosophy extends to his creative studio, Moondust Labs, where he approaches complex projects requiring outside-the-box thinking and meticulous execution.

Life Beyond the Lens

When he’s not behind a camera, you’ll find Caleb on a bike! Cycling has been a passion that has naturally influenced his work in the cycling industry. He believes that creating work surrounding his personal interests has given him a leg up. Other than cycling, Caleb loves making things, whether it is for his garage or designing apparel for his studio.

Hollywood Dreams

If Hollywood ever made a movie about Caleb, what actor would he play?

“It’s got to be Ryan Gosling.”

 

Caleb Kerr’s journey is a testament to the power of following your dreams and passions, embracing a creative process, and continuously pushing artistic boundaries. Whether capturing the motion of a cyclist or the sleek lines of a product, his work speaks to the intersection of function and artistry. We have loved working with Caleb on the launch of ProFlex and GearMate to create something really special and can’t wait to work with him again soon!

- Caleb Kerr portfolio: www.calebkerr.com

- Moondust Labs: www.moondustlabs.com

@calebkerr / @moondustlabs on Instagram