We recently connected with Robert Webb and have shared our conversation below.

Robert, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

2020 was a defining moment for my generation. On January 1st, 2020, I had made a life altering choice. It was time for me to change careers. I had won several amatuer awards in photography the autumn prior. I was ready to give up my role in public education and pursue professional photography. All the elements were falling into place and all signs indicated it was the correct move to make. At that time, COVID-19 wasn’t even a blip on the radar. Then, in March 2020, the world came screeching to a halt. No more than 3 months into my new career and I was now in the most uncertain period of my life.

How was I to become a portrait photographer in a world on lockdown? Who would be willing to spend money on nonessential services? New doubt settled in. Like everyone, I tried to occupy my mind with bread making, gardening, and crosswords. I tried exercised my mental muscles.

Luckily, Rachel Malasky, a local costume maker gave me the opportunity to photograph her entire catalog of work. It was. a reason to get out of the house. It was a chance to practice. It was a real job! It turned out many local business owners were willing to take a chance and hire me for random small photography jobs. The pay was less than ideal, but it was something.

In the summer of 2020, a close friend suggested that I enter the ArtPop Street Galllery city program. It is an annual juried-in exhibition. Each year only 20 selected artist are received into the program. I competed against 120+ artist and was accepted for the class of 2021. ArtPop Street Gallery provided an unbelievable amount of support through public media space, educational opportunities, and events. My name, profession and brand was instantly launched into the stratosphere. I had my art on billboards, in movie theaters, newstands and even on transfer trucks traveling across the US. My heart was lifted.

At the end of my 2021 ArtPop year, I decided to give back to the program. After long consideration, I offered to volunteer my services to the new incoming 2022 class. I invited each member to allow me to photograph their work, headshots, or studio completely free of charge. I wanted to help create a visual story that would help reach their demographic.

Not all members took me up on my offer, but several did. I was fortunate to meet new people with great ideas and stories. So many of them shared their beliefs and inspirations. Each new visit was. treasure to discover. Tiny details were tucked neatly in every corner. One simply just had to take a moment and look. It became apparent to me that some of these spaces served as a sanctuary during COVID. I realized how special it was to be allowed in.

I decided to continue offering complimentary shoots to new ArtPop members.

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?

I am based out of Lincolnton, NC. Both my wife, Jenna, and I are full time artists. I specialize in portrait photography with a focus on dance photography. In 2019, I made the move from amateur to professional. I was inspired by another local photographer. She made the suggestion that I make the transition after I had swept a photography competition with Best in Show and first place in three other categories.

The passion for my discipline is rooted in the emotional imagery conveyed through my photographs. Each one records a fleeting moment. Our memories sometimes betray us and we lose them to time. We often become jaded as we grow and we forget the moments that made us. My images invite the viewer to return and reflect. It also always future generations to peek into the past.

I’ve always believed that confidence breeds confidence. If my photographs can help a person visualize a goal, then they are one step closer to obtaining that goal. We know ourselves through our own reflections. My images are not a reflection, but rather an alternate interpretation through another set of eyes. I am always happy when a client sees a new strength within themselves.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I often struggle with Imposter Syndrome. I sometimes doubt my work and view it as sub-par. It’s been a lifelong ordeal. It happens more when I view more of my competitor’s bodies of work. Usually it will pass. Part of me believes it’s just my attempt to strive to be better.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Strong customer service is key in my field. Sensible reasoning would tell you it’s the product, but that would be misleading. A customer experience rates high on repeat business. If I deliver a bad product, I can find ways to compensate. One bad experience, and you will not be seeing that costumer again.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.robbwebbphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webb_robb
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.webb.395017/

Image Credits
Skye Logan Rieonna Weldon Landrie Seeman Ella Ledford Ella Spivey Macey Webb