When the city of Bentonville, Arkansas, needed an update to their photographic library, they called on Caleb Chancey to create a series of photographs capturing the city in spring, summer, and fall. Caleb traveled from his hometown in Alabama three times at the height of each season to photograph the city as it moved through the year. By his third visit, he says, he felt like a regular.
Caleb says the key to this project was capturing a broad view of the place through various specific locations. He shot environmental portraits, food, markets, museums, and city-views to give a sense of what Bentonville was about. “Environmental portraiture is pivotal to this type of work,” notes Caleb, which fits perfectly into his style of photography.
Before each trip, Caleb would have a few quick calls with the agency and client, and then set out to get the images. He says the project in general was smooth, with just one main challenge.
The main challenge was weather. When it’s raining during the time you’re there to capture “summer” photographs, it can be a problem.
Caleb says the production team was great, though, and they were always able to switch over to interior shots when the skies were uncooperative.
Caleb’s Bentonville images are now popping up in a number of places—airports, ads—and Caleb is excited that they are getting such broad use. He hopes to be called on again as the city continues to grow and need more images to tell its story.
After photographing the city through the year, Caleb can definitely say he’s gotten a good feel for the place.
Bentonville is pretty incredible. They have one of the best art museums I’ve ever seen. By my third visit, I had my regular spots I would go to for breakfast and coffee.
To view more of Caleb’s work, visit calebchanceyphotography.com.