Meet Robin Randolph | Photographer

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

Hi Robin, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I think a lot of people view a photographer as someone who points and shoots a camera. What most people probably don’t realize is, that taking a great photo doesn’t just happen by the “click” of a button. Having the proper technical gear is the foundation for taking a great photo. From camera bodies, to lenses, and lighting, a professional photographer must have the tools needed to deliver a high quality product. Then comes the staging. You have to have a creative eye to be a good photographer. And when taking photos of people, you must be a charismatic leader who can put people at ease, quickly gain trust, and unify groups (such as at a large event like a wedding). Then comes the editing, retouching, and post-production process. This is crucial! Images are transformed during this process, which plays a large role in showcasing every photographer’s unique style, mood, and brand. The final product comes from much time spent culling down images and backing them up to external hard drives or cloud services. Believe it or not, this can take a lot of time because high resolution photo files are so large in size. Essentially, the one thing outsiders are probably unaware of about photography is how much time goes into not only capturing a special photo, but to bringing that photo to life. It’s a process but it’s also what keeps the job interesting and rewarding!

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 specialize in portraits, events, lifestyle, and drone photography. My work is often inspired by my interest in discovering new places and going on unforgettable adventures. Photography has been an integral part of my travels throughout the world, from Israel to Nepal to Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and several places in between. I love that photography allows us to preserve memories. Whether it’s family portraits, special events, fine arts, or styled marketing shoots, I capture vibrant, candid, and memorable moments. What I’ve learned is that you absolutely have to hustle and love what you do. You have to put yourself out there and really brand yourself. You have to get used to the ebb and flows of freelance work. Some days, you are taking photos. Some days, you are networking. Some days, you are editing. Some days, you are negotiating. And some days, you are traveling the world. It’s a whirlwind of a life but I absolutely love it. You also have to realize that there are so many other people doing what you are doing. So, you have to find ways to stand out (whether that be your editing style, technique, or even your personality). I love people and connection, so I try to let that guide me in meeting potential clients and creating new opportunities for my business. Social media has helped immensely with connecting to potential clients and job opportunities. Life is exciting and I’m always up for an adventure (with my camera, of course)! I am thrilled to have a job that allows me to explore the world and to live life with so much happiness and freedom. I still get excited when capturing authentic, candid moments – laughs and smiles are contagious, and when you capture that on camera, it’s priceless.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I spent much of the last two years living in Japan, I thought it would be fun to give an itinerary for a few of the best cities there. Plus, given the current pandemic, maybe this will inspire those looking forward to traveling to put this country on their list! If you go to Japan, don’t miss Osaka. It’s very much a bustling modern city like Tokyo, but there’s an element of playfulness that sets Osaka apart. For the best ramen, check out Jinrui Mina Menrui (Human Beings Everybody Noodles). There’s always a line, but it is more than worth the wait. For outdoor enthusiasts, make time to visit the beautiful beaches and clear water in Okinawa – it’s a scuba diver’s paradise! To see some of the most stunning temples and architecture, visit Kyoto in the fall. The colorful foliage makes an unbelievable backdrop for Japan’s already breathtaking sites. A trip to Japan is not complete without a trip to Tokyo – be sure to get tickets to a Sumo Tournament!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In October of 2016, I took a Samy’s Camera course in Hollywood and met a photographer who I immediately looked up to and wanted to learn from. I approached her after that lecture, introduced myself, and told her how awesome and inspiring she is. What was her response? She told me to quit my job and come work for her. I chuckled, but knew she was right. Life’s too short to not do what you love. So, in January of 2017, I bit the bullet and left my 50+ hour a week desk job at a talent management company to pursue photography full time. Talk about the best decision I ever made! Being able to do what you love and get paid for it is a true blessing. Thank you, Laura Grier (the best mentor ever)! And thank you, to my parents, who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, pursue my passions, and find life’s joy. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do, loving me unconditionally, and letting me grow into the woman I am today. I love you both.

Website: www.robinrandolph.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinrandolph/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinarandolph/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinrandolph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinrandolphotography/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/robin-randolph-photography-los-angeles
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQQIufE500o&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1FFBzm68SeMktEysXhpgFMP0HZ1Xicz2PpH8b-8GoQ90tTcFqrmWpqCRk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQQIufE500o&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1FFBzm68SeMktEysXhpgFMP0HZ1Xicz2PpH8b-8GoQ90tTcFqrmWpqCRk