Beth Dubber is a seasoned Los Angeles-based photographer with over 20 years of experience in television, film, and fine art photography. Her career, marked by triumphs and challenges, showcases her dedication and expertise.

Early Life and Education

Born in Cleveland, OH, Beth's journey into photography began early. As a child, her fascination with set photography was sparked by collecting Topps Charlie's Angels trading cards, which featured stills from the TV series. Captivated by these images, Beth would daydream about what it would feel like to be in the same room as those iconic actresses, taking their photographs. Her interest in photography continued into her teenage years. Mornings before school were often spent at a local magazine stand where she would peruse heavy metal magazines. One day, an issue of Hit Parader magazine caught her eye, showcasing a striking photograph of one of her favorite bands, Motley Crue. The props and composition of the image ignited her imagination, and stuck with her ever since.

Beth’s academic pursuits led her to Cleveland State University, where she earned dual BA degrees in Studio Art and German. While in school, she studied under renowned photographer Masumi Hayashi. She traveled to Bali to create environmental portraits of villagers in the Tabanan Region, an experience that deepened her understanding of photography and different cultures.

Early Career and Move to Los Angeles

After graduating, Beth began working in New York as a line producer on various commercials. This experience enhanced her understanding of the production process. However, her dream of working as a photographer in the film industry remained strong. In 2003, she packed her car and drove from Cleveland to Los Angeles, determined to break into this competitive field.

With no ties to Hollywood and starting from scratch, Beth initially supported herself by working service industry jobs, such as becoming a server and bartender. In 2004, she landed her first entertainment job in Los Angeles as the travel coordinator for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. This role provided deeper insight into TV production. Still determined to transition into photography, Beth joined the union in 2006, which allowed her to leave service jobs behind by 2009 and fully commit to her photography career.

Beth’s early photography jobs included one-day gigs as a prop photographer for various TV shows. This role involved collaborating with Prop Masters and Assistant Directors to capture detailed and dynamic images, and introduced her to techniques and props used for dramatic effect. It was reminiscent of the time she saw the striking photo of Motley Crue and the props they used, bringing her full circle to her interest with photography.

Career Development and Challenges

In 2009, Beth secured a job on the feature film Project X, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Over the years, she built a reputation in unit still photography by working with renowned networks such as Netflix, Fox, HBO, WB, Universal, Disney, MTV, and Showtime. Her work has been featured in top industry publications, including TIME, The New York Times, The LA Times, Variety, People, and The Hollywood Reporter.

Beth’s dedication to her craft is recognized by multiple nominations for the Publicist Award for Excellence in Unit Still Photography, the only award specifically for unit still photographers. After four nominations throughout ten years, she won the award in 2023 for her work on Hulu’s The Dropout. This accolade, which Beth describes as the “award that was 20 years in the making,” underscores her long-term commitment and significant contributions to the field. Beth reminds her students that building a career in unit still photography is a slow process that requires years of dedication and hard work.

Personal Life and Resilience

Beth’s career has not been without personal challenges. At age 39, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which forced a pause in her career. During this time, she reassessed her priorities and realized that her intense focus on her career had led her to neglect a deeper desire to start a family. After undergoing surgery and a period of recovery, she faced the daunting task of returning to work in this physically demanding industry before she felt physically ready to. Her doctor suggested requesting “light work” from studios, a concept not feasible in film production.

Beth makes it very clear to her students that all work in the film industry is tough, demanding work, where situations and environments can change rapidly. Crew members need to be fit enough to carry heavy equipment, walk on uneven surfaces uphill and downhill, and be mindful that restrooms could be half a mile away. Beth continued her recovery, taking up yoga to build her strength again. In this period of recovery, she met a partner who shared her desire to start a family. They soon had a daughter. Later, they adopted their son. Now as a single mother, Beth navigates the complexities of a demanding career and co-parenting. She demonstrates that balancing both lifestyles is possible and she aims to inspire anyone facing similar challenges.

Educational Contributions and Advice

Beth is passionate about mentoring and educating aspiring photographers. She offers workshops, video courses, and personalized coaching where she shares insights and information she wished she had when starting out. She emphasizes the importance of networking and proactive efforts in building a career. Beth advises against relying solely on cold emailing, which often yields minimal responses. Instead, she encourages her students to only send out a couple of emails, and focus their time more on meeting people in person, handing out business cards, and engaging in non-profit projects. She strongly believes that all connections can eventually lead to work. She is adamant about giving out physical business cards, even in today’s digital world, which prominently display her title as a Unit Still Photographer to ensure that her profession is well communicated.

One of the most commonly asked questions Beth receives is how to stay motivated during slow periods in your career. This question has become a key topic in her teachings. She recommends focusing on other work, taking breaks, and being patient, as success in this field often takes longer than anticipated. Don’t allow yourself to fall into an emotional rabbit hole, stay proactive and success will come.

The Future

Beth has a strong connection to Berlin, having lived there previously and regularly visiting with her children. Her familiarity with the city is supported by her BA in German, making her comfortable navigating life there. She looks forward to establishing herself as a local photographer in Berlin in the future, reflecting her ongoing commitment to both cities.

Conclusion

Beth Dubber’s extensive experience, personal resilience, and professional achievements make her an inspiring figure in the world of photography. Her journey demonstrates that with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace both professional and personal challenges, success is achievable.

Beth is eager to share her knowledge and passion with others through her photography workshops and video courses. She invites aspiring photographers to join her on this journey, offering guidance and support to help them navigate the path to becoming a unit still photographer. For more information about her workshops and to get started, visit her website and take the first step toward capturing your own compelling images.