Meet Robin Vega | Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Robin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I think about risk, I see it as an inherent part of any decision-making process, especially from a business point of view. I think that a well calculated risk can lead to significant growth and personal transformation. My approach is to firstly asses the situation, weighing the potential rewards against the drawbacks. By minimizing the downside and having a clear plan for mitigating challenges, my best case scenario is alchemizing risks into opportunities for growth. Taking risks has been instrumental in both shaping my career and refining my craft as a professional photographer and videographer. In this field, I often have to step out of my comfort zone, wether its experimenting with a new technique, investing in cutting-edge equipment, or taking on projects that might seem overwhelming at first glance.
Each risk I’ve taken has been a learning experience. My failures have provided valuable lessons that have helped me improve.
For instance, when I was first getting started, I invested in a type of lens that would afford me cross-use with my photography and cinema cameras. This lens was not the best choice for each camera individually. It was a financial risk, and initially, the results were not what I’d had hoped for. However, this failure led me to explore its capabilities more deeply, and eventually, I was able to create a unique style that set me apart from my peers.
On the flip side, taking risks on certain projects has allowed me to work with incredible clients and travel to locations I only dreamed to visit. These experiences not only enriched my portfolio but also expanded my network and opened doors to further opportunities.
So, in essence, taking calculated risks has served as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth, making them intrinsic in my journey.

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.
What I’m most proud of is the unique storytelling aspect that I’ve been able to bring into my work. I have a background in a handful of artistic disciplines. Fine art, Acting for stage, Filmmaking, Dance, and Filmmaking. To name a few. It’s been a long and difficult journey to get to where I am today. There were countless times where I questioned my abilities and the sacrifices I was making. I’ve failed more times than I could comfortably share. Projects that didn’t pan out or creative risks that didn’t pay off. But those failures have been paramount in shaping me as an artist and businessperson. Getting to this point has required a lot of moral fiber and resilience. I’ve had to create the majority of my opportunities. This often meant sleepless nights, countless rejections, and constantly pushing past my comfort levels to eat myself apart. But every once in a while, I’d get a glimpse of success- a project would get recognition or a client would be exceptionally pleased- and that fueled me to keep going. “I can’t fail if I don’t quit” I constantly say to myself.
The key lessons I’ve learned are to never compromise on my unique vision and to be willing to “tell the story where others aren’t looking.” as one of my favorite filmmakers, Alfonso Cuarón has said.
As for what I want the world to know about me or my brand: It’s that each frame I capture isn’t just a visual- its a story, an emotion, a moment in time that speaks. Despite the uphill turmoil, I’m more committed than ever to my craft and to bringing untold stories into the spotlight. My journey has been anything but easy, but it’s the difficult paths that lead to the most beautiful destinations. Yes, I am a bit of a romantic. And I truly feel that I am just getting started.

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.
If my best friend were coming to LA for a week, I’d make sure to give them the full Angeleno experience. First off, we’d hit Apple Pan for some of the best burgers you’ll ever taste. Be prepared for a long wait time! I usually listen to an audiobook. For a slice of nature within the city, we’d head to Deb’s hiking trail in Highland Park. It’s one of my favorite spots to escape the hustle and bustle. You’ll often find me there journaling or meditating.
A trip to LA isn’t complete without soaking up some art and culture, so we’d spend a day at The Getty Center. I’d particularly take them to the Impressionists gallery. Home of one of the most radical art movements in the last two hundred years. It’s a spot where I love to unwind and find inspiration.
We’d spend an evening in Downtown LA, maybe catch a live performance or investigate the Golden age of Hollywood movie collection at the Grand Central library.
I’d also want to show off LA’s beaches, so we’d head to Will Roger’s Beach and find a 5v5 volleyball game and catch the sunset in a remote section of Malibu.
So, from mouthwatering food to rich culture and scenic spots, LA has it all, and I’d want my best friend to experience the city in all it’s glory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a heartfelt shoutout to my mentor, Evan Charles. I met Evan when I was 18, during a time I was in the finance industry and really doubting my creative aspirations. I was unsure if I could turn my passions for the visual arts into a sustainable career. Evan saw many things in me that I couldn’t see in myself at the time. He not only provided me with countless technical guidance, but instilled in me a sense of self-belief that transformed my relationship with creativity and my life forever. Evan taught me to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to never shy away from honoring my truth. He was always available for guidance, challenging me to keep “suiting up and showing up” while encouraging me to always stay true to my creative pursuits. It’s because of Evan that I was able to turn those early doubts into fuel for my journey, leading me to where I am today.
So, Evan, if you’re reading, I am forever in your debt. Thank you for being more than just a mentor. You’ve been an inspiration and a guiding light in both my career and life. One day at a time.

Website: robinvegapictures.com

Instagram: robinvegapictures

Other: @therealrobinvega – my main ig page

Image Credits
Image of me with blonde musicians – Claire Chronis Image of me photographing model with bike – Ashleigh Kazpszak Image of me holding rig with green background – Jarad Schwartz Image of me filming in compact-object-crowded-recording-studio – Dilone