About Me
My name is Dennis L. Bates Jr., and I’m the photographer, designer, and heart behind Specialty Prints Photography. My journey with photography began like many parents — with the desire to capture the moments that matter. When my son was born in 2003, I took him to a local studio for his first portraits. The experience fell short of what I hoped for, and that disappointment sparked something in me. I picked up a camera, determined to learn how to create the kind of images families truly deserve.
More than twenty years later, that spark has grown into a passion, a profession, and a purpose.
I’ve spent years studying photography through formal courses, hands‑on practice, and continued education. From lighting and composition to digital editing and graphic design, I’m committed to learning the craft at a deeper level so I can give every family, athlete, and individual the best experience possible. I believe great photography comes from a mix of skill, patience, creativity, and genuine care — and I work hard to bring all of that to every session.
Between 2021 and 2025, I experienced the loss of both of my parents — my dad in 2021 and my mom in 2025. My mom was one of my biggest encouragers, and losing her reshaped the way I see life, time, and memory. Photography became more than a service; it became a way to honor the people we love and preserve the moments we can’t get back. Every session I photograph carries that meaning with it.
Today, I specialize in family portraits, children’s photography, seniors, engagements, sports portraits, school and community sports, and creative graphic design work. I also create fine‑art prints, wall art, and original designs, blending photography and digital artistry into pieces people can display in their homes.
Outside of photography, I’m also a minister and the author of two published books. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me spending time with my son — watching movies, playing games, or taking small road trips around Georgia. He’s still my greatest inspiration.
For me, photography is about people. It’s about meeting families, building relationships, and walking with them through life’s milestones — from newborns to graduations and everything in between. Being trusted to capture those moments is something I never take lightly.
If you’d like to learn more about my training and continued education, you can visit my Education Background page.
Photography for life. Design for everything else.
© Dennis L. Bates Jr.
