Tobias Duvall
Age: 26
Lives: Elyria
Occupation/hobbies: Singer, photographer

What’s the most important song you’ve ever sung?

I guess “The Star-Spangled Banner.” I sang it a few times — I sang it at the 2009 commencement at Lorain County Community College, for President Barack Obama, and (Sunday) for the Jose Robles’ talk at LCCC.

Were you nervous singing it before the president? What was it like?

It was an out-of-body experience.

What do you think of when you sing the words to that song?

I always try to make sure that first, I’m kind of terrified because there are certain notes in the song that I’m always worried about hitting. I make sure I sing it “straight-forward” and think about all the beautiful things in my country and think about the words, especially when you sing the word “free.”

What do you do for work?

I work as a photographer at a family studio in Avon — Portrait Innovations.

What type of portraits do you do?

Whatever I can get — kids, toddlers, families, seniors, everything that you can think of.

What are some of your toughest or funniest assignments?

Oh goodness, I have many; usually 2-year-olds are the most interesting. They’ll do the most unpredictable things. You want to make sure you relax beforehand, because you never know; they can be pretty rough.

What are the rewarding or satisfying aspects of your job?

Well, capturing the moment, capturing a time, people’s moments in life, family members, loved ones that they’ll be able to look back and cherish those photos. That means a lot to me.

What got you interested in photography?

I kind of stumbled across it. There was an opportunity to go in. I applied, went to the interview and they hired me.

What do you do for hobbies?

Hobbies? Pretty much my hobby is singing; with work and school at LCCC I don’t have much time for anything else.

What’s your major?

I have two; I’ve almost completed my associate’s of art. I just took on my business administration entrepreneur class.

Do you think you’ll stay in Lorain County?

Oh, no. I plan on as soon as the opportunity — I guess I’m an opportunist — presents itself I’ll be gone, but I’ll always think fondly of my time here.

What type of business would you like to get into?

I’ve been talking with my brother, who’s into computers. I want to start an Internet-based business. I’m thinking along the lines of a social network, getting the right ideas, making sure no one else is doing it and a way I can capitalize on it to the best of my abilities.

Do you have any hobbies?

Again it’s pretty much singing; I’m not in any group, but pretty much whenever they ask me to sing the national anthem for a Lorain County Community College event, I’m here.

Chronicle photographer Chuck Humel shines the spotlight on the people of Lorain County each week. Know someone worthy of 15 Minutes? E-mail chumel@chroniclet.com.

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