We recently connected with Marcel Robinson and have shared our conversation below.

Marcel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Knowing what I know now, I would have been more proactive to bettering my expertise sooner. I’ve always been on the television track, but I allowed that to derail and stall my growth as an independent photographer, causing me to get behind the eight ball. I took a full year off from shooting stills, which certainly played a role in the amount of time it took to regain my focus in that area. These days I am often juggling that balance between the two, but I’ve found ways to manage both semi-successfully.

The most important skill I believe that I have is my flexibility and willingness to learn. In both my full-time television job, and my freelance business, the landscape of the industry is ever-changing. It’s critically important to be willing to adapt to new techniques, trends and changes in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Marcel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I picked up my first camera, I instantly fell in love with what images can say about a person, place or thing. After all, they say a picture can tell a thousand words, right? In terms of what I do; I am currently a Sports Photographer/Reporter for Action News Jax, the CBS/FOX affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. I help produce a variety of the locally-produced TV Shows and Sportscasts that we prepare on a Weekly Basis.

I started a project a few years ago to spotlight the talents of local athletes. We let them “Talk the Talk” then “Walk The Walk” with competitions, instructional videos and an inside look at what it takes to get them Game Time Ready. With the help of some recruited members of the crew, we were able to take this project from concept to completion, airing regularly in our local Jacksonville market. I served as the Producer, Host, Editor and Photographer in some cases. This is my proudest piece of work because I was able to overcome all of the obstacles and create a good product that the participants, viewers and crew enjoyed.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve basically been in the Jacksonville area my entire life, so I’ve always had a bit of a footprint here. When I started in television, I was fortunate to remain in that market, so of course my family and friends knew of my journey. Over the last ten years, I’ve grown into a bigger and more recognizable person to the “Average viewer” because of the frequency that I am on air.

I’ve never been one to really care about the notoriety that comes with being on television, but I do appreciate when viewers approach me and tell me that they like my delivery and approach. When someone tells me that they enjoy watching the WAY I do television, it warms my heart. I had a person tell me about a week ago that I made tv “Fun” and that I was the reason they watched the news. It couldn’t stop smiling.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of both of my jobs is seeing an abstract idea come to life. When I have an idea for a story for television, seeing that come to life and getting the response from those featured is the best. There is nothing I love about television more that telling stories about those that deserve the spotlight so much more than us.

In regards to my free lance photography, the storytelling is still the biggest reward. I try to create a story with every photo I take. I look at each image as a moment frozen in time that speaks for eternity. Whether it’s people, places or things… Accomplishing that is the ultimate reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.gtrshots.com
• Instagram: @Marcel.tv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MRobinsonPhotog
• Linkedin: Marcel Robinson
• Twitter: @MarcelASJax
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XclhHVhmIohcXjG3uIf7g/featured