Max Dobens – Adventures in Photography
After retiring from a 35-year career in corporate sales, Max Dobens (Michigan State ’87) is pursuing his passion for photography, traveling the world, and taking jaw-dropping, award-winning pictures of nature and wildlife.
Max grew up a shutterbug, and relishes the opportunity to perfect his craft. He chronicles his experiences and shares his portfolio on his website maxdobens.com.
Icebergs and penguins, and seals, oh my…
Max recently chased a childhood dream to visit Antarctica and South Georgia Island for a truly unique experience, and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities of nature’s wonder that few people will ever see firsthand. He wrote about it in his blog.
At South Georgia Island, Max encountered one of the largest concentrations of King penguins on the planet. He even shared a respectful moment with one of the King penguins who approached him saying, “I’m no Dr. Doolittle and I can’t speak with animals, but I do believe that they can sense feelings from other living creatures.”
Max literally “dove in” to the frigid Antarctic waters for some amazing photo ops with only a dry suit, a snorkel, and his camera. While capturing icebergs from below water level, a curious fur seal approached and gave his camera lens a delightful “boop.”
Max said his adventurous spirit was inspired by his high school librarian who recommended the book “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing. The book was about Sir Lawrence Shackleton’s voyage to discover the South Pole. He said, “That book was completely and utterly captivating. It really sums up adventure, commitment, responsibility, and leadership in a way that’s incredible.”
He said of his trip, “Fulfilling a childhood dream feels like a rare victory. Against all the turns of life, I found my way well enough to make it real. That alone leaves me fulfilled and very humbled.”
Living abroad and evolving his skills
After retiring, Max moved to Valencia, Spain to travel and experience more of the wonders of our planet. In a world where literally everyone has a camera in their pocket, Max stands out, not only with his professional equipment, but with an eye for what makes a memorable photo. Sometimes it takes time and patience. But, more often it is subject matter.
When he got serious about his new profession, he quickly realized that subject matter was the key to recognition. Shooting more exotic locales and finding unique photo opportunities was additional motivation for his desire to see more of the world. He has received awards and recognition for his photographs in a number of competitions.
Max’s next planned adventure is to India where he plans to photograph tigers in Jalalpur, India.
Pilam was a family affair
Max was more or less born into Pilam. His father, Fred Dobens was a Pilam brother at Indiana State and became an influential leader in the growth and management of Pi Lambda Phi. Max remembers seeing his dad’s Pilam awards proudly displayed in his study.
When Max attended Michigan State in the 80s, he said he found most fraternities were predominantly, “Tall and white, with the same hair.” He admitted that this wasn’t 100% accurate, but he was looking for something different. He said, “On my floor of the dorm I was friends with a guy named Craig Wong, some Jewish guys, football players… a bit of everybody. So, I thought, that’s what a fraternity should look like.”
Max wanted something else. He said the experiences were lasting, “Having a sales career, the hardest thing to sell is an idea. But if you have a concept that you’re trying to sell, you have to tell the story to bring that to life. And that’s what we had to do when starting a fraternity.”
With a few connections from his dad, Max got support from the Pilam HQ and became a founding father of the Michigan State chapter of Pi Lambda Phi. He was elected Rex, and later helped to find a house for the fledgling chapter, and secure its lease.
He was thankful for what Pilam taught him saying, “I had to fight, get organized, and learn how to speak publicly. I had to develop leadership skills, which sounds kind of like a cliche, but that’s exactly what happened.”
Not four years…
Max never forgot what Pilam gave to him as far as personal development and lifelong friendships. He said, “I’m a believer in giving back.”
Max served as an IEC councilman and an officer for the Educational Foundation. He was awarded the Council Key in 2002 for meritorious service over the years. He still stays in touch with his fellow founding fathers and the many brothers he befriended through his work with the Pilam HQ and Foundation.