We recently connected with Robert Peterson and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
How did you learn to do what you do?
My journey has been quite diverse. After graduating college in 2004, I taught myself video editing and worked as a freelance contractor for post-production houses and ad agencies. Later, I shifted gears and became a personal trainer, working both with gyms and one-on-one clients. When I got married, I ventured into wedding photography, collaborating with my wife at the time. Eventually, I stumbled into the world of interiors and architectural photography, which has since become my focus. Interestingly, I had no formal training in any of these fields before diving in. The common thread in my path has been learning by doing—stepping into new roles and figuring things out along the way.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
In hindsight, while the trial-by-fire approach has its strengths, I could have accelerated my progress by seeking more targeted mentorship or networking with industry professionals early on. While self-education through books, podcasts, or YouTube has been invaluable, engaging with experienced individuals could have helped me avoid certain missteps and refine my skills faster. That said, I believe it’s crucial to avoid the trap of over-preparing. At some point, you have to start putting your learning into practice—test the waters, then adjust as you go.
What skills do you think were most essential?
Adaptability has been key. Moving between careers, I had to quickly learn new technical skills, but also develop strong interpersonal skills to work with different clients and teams. Problem-solving and the ability to self-teach were also essential, especially in creative fields like photography, where staying current with new tools and techniques is crucial.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the biggest challenges was the fear of the unknown. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need more education or preparation before starting something new. That mindset can hold you back from actually getting started. There’s also the challenge of information overload—while we have access to more resources than ever, knowing how to filter out what’s most useful and relevant can be overwhelming.
Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry, what you provide, what problems you solve for your clients, and what sets you apart? What are you most proud of, and what do you want potential clients or followers to know about you and your brand?
My journey into visual storytelling began in post-production, where I honed my skills working with major industry clients like Sony Pictures and Turner Studios. This experience laid the foundation for my career in digital photography, allowing me to craft stories that resonate on a deeper level.
In 2010, I transitioned into wedding photography, capturing moments that newlyweds would cherish for a lifetime. However, I found myself drawn to the more deliberate pace of food and interiors photography, which allowed me to focus on the subtleties of spaces and subjects. This shift opened up new creative avenues, and over time, travel photography naturally integrated into my work. Travel plays a huge role in my life, constantly inspiring my creativity and sense of adventure. Along with my two daughters, I explore diverse landscapes, from mountain ranges to open prairies, always seeking out stories waiting to be told.
Some of my recent clients include notable publications and brands like House Beautiful, Magnolia Journal, Luxe Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Better Homes & Gardens, Atlanta Magazine HOME, Country Living, HGTV, Home Depot, Matthew Quinn, Vern Yip, and Jaipur Living. These collaborations have allowed me to bring the spirit of intentionality and creativity into every project I undertake.
What I am most proud of is the relationships I have built with my clients. I strive to create a positive, relaxed atmosphere during photoshoots, which I believe is key to bringing out the best in every project. I’m especially honored to have earned the trust of renowned designers like Matthew Quinn and Vern Yip, photographing their latest book projects.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me, it’s that my greatest joy comes from working with people in person. The connections I make during each shoot are what fuel my passion for photography and keep me excited about every new project.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Funding your business – tell us the story of how you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business, buy your equipment, etc.
I’m naturally risk-averse, and as someone who has always been self-employed, I’ve learned to avoid the added uncertainty of taking on debt. When my wife at the time and I first started photographing weddings, we actually booked our very first wedding before I even owned a camera. We sold the couple on a few photos my wife had taken, but more importantly, on the connection we built with them during that first meeting. Business, much like life, often revolves around the emotional connections you create and how you make people feel.
After securing that $1,000 deposit, we used the money to purchase a digital camera and two flashes. From there, we immersed ourselves in learning—Googling everything we could about wedding photography and practicing with the equipment we had. In that first year, we photographed nine weddings with that initial setup. The following year, we doubled that, shooting 24 weddings, and by the third year, we were up to 32.
As our client base grew and our pricing increased, we made a point of reinvesting in the business—upgrading our equipment and continuing our education. That gradual, organic growth allowed us to scale without taking on unnecessary financial risks, and I believe that initial focus on building connections and working with what we had was the key to our success.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Instagram has been my most effective marketing tool, closely followed by building relationships with publications and the power of word of mouth. While delivering exceptional work is essential, I’ve found that being the kind of person people genuinely enjoy working with is just as important. In a world where many are focused on what they can gain, I’ve made it a priority to focus on what I can deliver and how I can support my clients’ success. This approach—putting my clients’ needs first and consistently providing value—has helped build lasting relationships and drawn new clients to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rusticwhiteinteriors.com
- Instagram: rusticwhiteinteriors.com
Image Credits
Robert Peterson