Meet Margot Robert | French Wedding Photographer for wild hearts and the romantic souls.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Margot Robert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Margot, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
It’s always hard to define success in my industry. Some photographers feel like success is related to the amount of time you are hustling or the number of weddings you photograph each year. Others would think it’s being published in high end magazines – don’t get me wrong I enjoy both of those as well. But my definition of success has changed a lot as I’ve grown as a photographer – when I first started, just shooting a wedding was a success in itself. Now, I feel success when my clients call me, with tears of joy in their eyes, as they look through their photos or when they rave about their experience with La Petite Photo to their friends and family. To me that is success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a visual storyteller who’s always looked at photos with amazement. These delicate moments are true windows to our collective and personal past. What’s important for me is to photograph weddings in a timeless way – trends are ephemeral and always changing, but the memories from your wedding day should be forever. My work is romantic, with a touch of vintage, a pinch of wilderness and a huge dose of love. I like to use movement to create a fun and romantic tableau that tells the story of each of my couples.

Honestly, I pour all my heart into my craft. It’s not rare that I shed a tear or two while I photograph the “I Do” or have a huge smile on my face for hours and hours as I edit the photos afterward. My work is about connection, and that doesn’t end the moment we say our goodbyes. I love being involved in my clients’ wedding day but also staying in touch after. Getting to know them, and understanding who they are helps inform the story I tell through my photography and gives it that extra special something.

And I get it, it’s nerve wracking to be photographed. Even as a photographer, and knowing every trick for posing, my brain is racing as soon as someone points a camera at me – I know how it feels! For me it’s important that my clients be comfortable, feel good, and get beautiful photos from the start. Sometimes, before stepping in front of the camera, I can tell clients are uncomfortable and nervous, which is totally normal. But after 5 minutes, we start feeling like friends and end up laughing, chatting, walking, shooting, and having a great time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a huge traveler and I love exchanging tips from cities around the world. I lived in Paris and London, both incredible cities, but I have a special crush on Southern California, where I settled in six years ago. I often have friends visiting from France and I love showing them around my adopted hometown of Long Beach and all it’s hidden gems.

If I’m taking you through the greatest hits of Long Beach, first I’ll grab a coffee at Good Time, pop next door to All Times Plants for a long browsing session, and cross the street to Urban Americana for some vintage shopping. Those three shops can take half a day!!

For lunch, I’ll stop by Ubuntu, my favorite outdoor restaurant. The owners are from Brazil and always make me feel at home (the incredible food doesn’t hurt either!). After lunch, I love to hop on a paddle board and cruise along the canals in Naples Island. Or if I’m feeling lazy, just a dip in the water and maybe a little sunbath on the Peninsula.

I’m always on the lookout for art openings and exhibitions at our local museums. I majored in Art History in Paris, and worked as a street art galerist in London. Some of my local spots are The Long Beach Museum Of Art, which always has great exhibitions. And the koi pond at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden for a little zen time.

For dinner, Manaow Thai is the place to go. Last time I had a Thai curry that great, it was in Bangkok. And I love to finish my evenings with a Paloma or Mezcal on the rooftop over at Mezcalero.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First shoutout goes to my husband, Wesley who gave me the initial push to start La Petite Photo. I always looked upon his professionalism, and admired his passion for a job well done and the importance of a great relationship with his clients and other vendors. His dj company, Good Mood has been an amazing example as I’ve watched them grow over the years.

Second Shoutout goes to two amazing friends and fellow wedding photographers. Carissa Woo, who gave me confidence and taught me so much about being a wedding photographer. I shadowed her, assisted her, and eventually became a lead for her wedding photography business – she is a real role model for me. And the one and only Eve Rox, whose friendship, teaching, and limitless creativity has been so inspiring and supportive in my career. So much gratitude for these two amazing women.

Website: https://www.lapetitephoto.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapetitephoto.la/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-petite-photo-long-beach

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZyINQozbtV4

Image Credits
Margot Robert | La Petite Photo