We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rob Sandberg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rob, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey into photography began during my career as an Arson Investigator with the fire department, where I proudly served for over 30 years before retiring. Early on, I was tasked with documenting training exercises on video—a responsibility that led the department to send me to school for video production. That opportunity sparked a true passion for visual storytelling and inspired me to co-found a small production company with a fellow retired firefighter. Together, we worked on everything from commercial projects to feature films and documentaries.

Over time, my creative interests shifted toward architectural and travel landscape photography. During those projects, I was occasionally asked if I offered headshot services. Initially, I had little interest in photographing people and resisted for years. But as the requests became more frequent, I decided to explore the genre more seriously. That’s when I connected with a mentor who introduced me to the world of high-end headshot photography. He opened my eyes to just how artistic, technical, and rewarding this field could be.

One of the unexpected challenges I faced was my red-green color blindness. However, with guidance from my mentor and support from a passionate community of headshot photographers, I developed a process that works for me. The experience was transformative—not only did I overcome a personal obstacle, but I also discovered a deep love for capturing the essence of people through my lens.

My previous experience in photography and video production gave me a solid foundation in camera theory and technical execution. Today, that background enriches every portrait I take. I now find immense fulfillment in photographing people and telling their stories. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a career firefighter and arson investigator, I dedicated over three decades to public service. For the past 20 years, I’ve also been deeply involved in photography and filmmaking—a creative pursuit that began as part of my role and quickly grew into a lifelong passion. While much of my early work focused on investigative and documentary-style content, it’s only in the last five years that I’ve truly embraced headshot and portrait photography.

Photographing people—whether in the studio, outdoors, or in their natural environment—has become a deeply rewarding challenge. Every session teaches me something new, pushing me to refine my skills and deepen my connection to the art form. That constant growth is what keeps my passion for photography alive and evolving.

I work exclusively with Sony camera systems for their reliability and image quality, and I also enjoy incorporating aerial perspectives through drone photography. Most recently, I’ve begun exploring water photography using waterproof housings—an exciting new chapter in my creative journey.

This work continues to inspire me, and I’m driven by a desire to not only capture compelling images but to tell stories that resonate and connect.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

My headshot and portrait journey was truly transformed through the mentorship of Peter Hurley. His training program provided me with the tools, knowledge, and confidence I needed to master the craft—and just as importantly, it reignited and continually fuels my passion for photography. I often find myself wishing I had discovered his guidance earlier in my journey.

Peter not only helped me understand the true joy of photographing people, but he also supported me in overcoming personal challenges—most notably, working with red-green color blindness. Through his honest and insightful critiques, I learned to embrace constructive feedback as a powerful driver of growth. That mindset continues to shape and elevate my work today.

I’m deeply grateful for his mentorship and the impact he’s had on both my artistic development and personal perspective. His influence has been nothing short of transformative.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most effective source of new clients for me has consistently been in-person marketing. When I first began offering headshot and portrait sessions, I assumed that simply showcasing my work online would generate steady bookings. While that does happen from time to time, I’ve come to realize that nothing compares to the power of face-to-face connections—whether in everyday life or at events.

People are naturally drawn to those they relate to or feel comfortable around. Building that sense of trust and familiarity is much easier in person. In my experience, meaningful conversations and genuine connections often lead to lasting client relationships. No form of online marketing, no matter how polished, can replicate that kind of interaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robsandberg.com
• Instagram: @robsandbergphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rob.sandberg.5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-sandberg-298a1842/
• Other: https://headshotcrew.com/u/Sandbergdr

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