We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robin Jolin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robin below.
Robin, I appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk, and how it turned out?
I’m taking a risk by approaching business through a new lens, which will bring me joy and ease.
I spent the first 20 years of my career being driven by money. How can I make it, and how can I sustain it? That came from a scarcity mindset. A mindset that did not fulfill me. I worked as a studio manager, product photographer, and producer in those chapters, shooting weekend weddings. I employed my husband, helped him follow his dreams, and supported him while he did his Ph.D. We bought a triplex in 2009. I had a baby, and I never stopped.
One day, about six years ago, I realized I could slow down. I have to figure out what that looks like. We sold our big fancy house in the Oakland hills, moved into our apartment building, and marinated on the next phase. He got a job in La Grande, Oregon, as a professor. I looked at it on Google Maps, and we moved in. The pandemic hit, and our decision was reaffirmed.
We’ve been in Eastern Oregon for about four years, and I still manage my little apartment building in Oakland to get my taste of the city and take pictures. My risk is going slow, following my heart. From there, I created a print shop that just launched, and wedding photography has been busier than ever.
It has been the scariest and best risk I’ve ever taken.
Excellent – so before we answer the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My journey in photography started when I was just 16 years old, back in high school. After studying at the Brooks Institute of Photography, I ran a photo studio in San Francisco, specializing in luxury children’s clothing. Eventually, I transitioned to wedding photography and portraits, finding my true passion in capturing life’s most precious moments.
Photography isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life for me. I believe in giving each client my undivided attention, capturing the authenticity of every moment, and blending comfort with luxury in every shot. Integrity and continuous improvement are the cornerstones of my work, guiding me as I strive to capture the confidence, drive, and lifestyle of each person I photograph.
Looking to the future, I see a world where every image tells a unique story and personalized photography reflects individual identity. My mission is simple: to elevate every moment and timelessly capture each person I photograph. Regarding growth, I’ve learned that sometimes, we have to unlearn old beliefs. That meant letting go of the idea that success comes from working faster and harder. I realized I wasn’t dreaming big enough. I achieved my goals and got bored.
Now, I dream big, aiming for a seven-figure year while dedicating some of my income to making clean water accessible to everyone.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I was never dreaming big enough. I was dreaming small, got them, and then I got bored. Now I dream big! I want to have a 7 figure year. I want to donate a quarter of my energy to making clean water accessible to every human. I want to live on a lake where I can swim daily. I want to create a legacy of ease, joy, and slowing down.
I had to unlearn; faster and harder means a more lucrative life.
What’s worked well for you regarding a source for new clients?
Word of mouth. I put myself out there, I talk to people, and if they like me, they refer me. We weren’t the right match if they didn’t refer me. It’s just that simple.
Contact Info:
- Wedding: robinjolin.com
- Portraits: lifestyle.robinjolin.com
- Print Shop: robinjolinprints.com
- Instagram: @robinjolin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinjolinweddings
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-jolin-b5b7082/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/robin-jolin-photography-san-francisco-3
Image Credits
My portrait credit to: Jessica Baum @ https://www.jessicabaum.com/ The rest credit me: Robin Jolin