Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Wagner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Robert, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

When I started my photography business, I faced new levels of responsibility and risk. While I had previously worked in a corporate environment with motivated colleagues who wanted to succeed, owning a business meant that I had to find and motivate a team to collectively make the business successful. In early spring of 2022, I had a wedding client who had ordered a Photo Booth with on-site printing, but I discovered that my equipment was not working and the necessary supplies were unavailable due to shortages.

This is where Carlos, the photographer I had scheduled to help with the wedding, stepped in. Not only did he serve as the second photographer, but he also lent me his equipment and provided technical assistance to ensure that the wedding day went smoothly and that the couple received the services they expected.

Carlos’s assistance was a testament to the importance of developing and nurturing relationships in the industry. It takes a team to succeed, and surrounding yourself with people who are willing to go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals is essential. Carlos’s kindness and willingness to help were not just an overnight success, but the result of years of mutual support and collaboration.

Ultimately, Carlos’s assistance ensured that the couple had a successful and memorable wedding day, and his generosity and professionalism are an example of the kind of team spirit that is crucial for any business to thrive.

Robert, 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?

My childhood home had a darkroom nestled in its basement, thanks to my father’s passion for photography. However, I had never considered it a career option until a coworker’s request to capture her wedding in the picturesque southern region of France. At that time, I was engaged in a corporate role that took me around the world, and I always carried my camera along, seeking to document the human experience.

A decade has passed since that first wedding in France, and I am unable to envision any other path for myself. My photographic focus centers on people, covering a diverse range of genres, from weddings and fashion to street photography and portraiture. In my work, I strive to bring out the natural essence of my clients and their events, capturing the meaningful moments that transcend the pursuit of perfection.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

The potential benefits of NFTs for your business are worth exploring, but they may not be the best fit for one. This is the beauty of running a business: identifying opportunities, evaluating them, and taking the risk to either succeed or fail.

When I first began my business, digital photography and social media were just emerging as powerful tools. While some in the industry were hesitant to adopt these new technologies and subsequently failed, I was able to leverage them to accelerate my growth.

While I’m uncertain if NFTs are the right fit for my business, I am intrigued by the possibilities of AI. Specifically, I believe it can greatly benefit mundane tasks, such as photo editing, allowing me to focus more on creative pursuits and my clients. Ultimately, it’s important to stay proactive and aware of emerging trends and opportunities in order to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Undoubtedly, my experience during the pandemic is not an uncommon one. Working in an industry that was forced to shutter for over a year had a significant impact on both my personal and professional life, leading to numerous changes and growth opportunities. At the outset of 2020, I had high expectations of a year filled with bookings; however, circumstances necessitated that I change gears, become well-versed in new legal terms, and strategize ways to keep my business afloat.

As the adage goes, every challenge presents an opportunity, and in retrospect, this pandemic was no exception. For my wife and me, having two young children at home was a blessing in disguise, affording us the chance to focus more intently on our family life and provide our children with undivided attention. Additionally, during this period of pause, we seized the opportunity to acquire a larger home while I took the time to refresh and revamp my photography business, which had just marked its ten-year anniversary. As the pandemic winds down, I am brimming with enthusiasm and energy, buoyed by the resilience that this experience has instilled in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rwagnerphotography.com
• Instagram: rwagnerphotography
• Facebook: rwagnerphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wagner-b515636/

Image Credits
All photo’s R Wagner Photography.