Meet Bob Hodson of Bob Hodson Photography in Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Hodson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Bob. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well heck, let’s see. It all started in 8th grade. My junior high had a communication and technology program, one part stills and one part video. If you had enough talent or displayed any vision you were invited into the more advanced class in 9th grade. It was here where I learned all the basics: how to shoot, how to develop film in the black room, how to print in the dark room. Oh, that sweet smell of stop bath in the air!

Junior high flashed past and I didn’t take another photo class until 12th grade at Villa Park High School. A good friend to this day, Greg Benoit challenged my skills and got me to seriously think about a future in photography. I researched my options post-high school and everything lead me to Orange Coast College.

OCC was rated number one in junior colleges at the time and is probably still one of the best. Their photo program was taught by working professionals and that felt important. There was one class that laid down the world of photography to me: Photo 188 taught by Rick Steadry.

I’ll never forget the first day of class when Rick gave us a massive assignment due at the end of the semester. Then came a flurry of additional assignments… a one-week job here, another due in three weeks, a two-week project in between. The entire class bitched and moaned every day but it taught me a valuable lesson: in the real world you don’t start one assignment, finish it, then move on to the next. You juggle.

Thirty years later, the things I learned in Rick’s class are the foundation of my professional career. I work with multiple clients at the same time, all wanting images yesterday. You need to get used to it if you want to shoot.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Struggles are a part of life, they’re good for keeping the ego in check. But from the moment I picked up that camera I got from Santa in 8th grade, the “smooth road” has been knowing what I wanted to do. Now, in terms of the industry today? Hell no! It’s a long road in the desert full of potholes, speed traps, and mirages.

The toughest obstacle today that I don’t see going away anytime soon is social media. It’s opened the door for anyone to claim to be a photographer. Instead of complimenting the photographer, in some cases it’s replaced the photographer. Having studied and learned the craft of photography—I mean creating an image—it’s a hard pill to swallow.

Don’t get me wrong, social is allowing anyone to express their vision and I’ve supported that concept for years, long before social media. But the struggle for professionals now is to convince potential clients to invest in a brand that lasts more than five seconds [laughing].

Please tell us about Bob Hodson Photography.
My studio has been in business for close to 32 years. I get asked all the time whether I specialize a particular type but truth be told—I’m a photographer. I specialize in people, places and things and every project I shoot 100%.

What I think sets us apart from other photo studios is our mentality. Most photographers start by talking about the cameras they own. They talk about lenses, digital chips, and exposure. Only at the end do they talk about light. I never think about creating a photograph in that order. Balancing light with subjects and composition is paramount to my success. In the end, the secret to a clear picture lies in focus.

For me each assignment is as much an experience as it is an opportunity to share my unique style and artistic point of view. A photograph is hardly a snapshot in time, each capture is a representation of the photographer’s character.

One thing I am particularly proud of is Chef’s Insight, a passion project I started with my partner, Justin Veiga; after spending the last 25 years shooting the restaurant industry. Chef’s Insight is my perspective of the ideas, methods and creativity that goes into being a chef—a raw behind-the-scenes vantage point of the creative process and the people behind it. It’s my way to pay homage to the craft and showcase these people in different ways.

What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.?
I was a pretty cool kid, I think. Ha! I had the best family ever. Didn’t do too bad in school. I pretty much spent my days doing homework, chores and screwing around as much as I could get away with, laughing all the way. I played most sports but I really got into soccer. I had a lot of friends and still have many of the ones I grew up with. Not just “keep in touch” kind of friends, we still hangout. I photograph their families, even mentored some of their kids. It’s awesome to maintain such long-term relationships; it helps build a sense of community.

Contact Info:

• Address:
  Bob Hodson Photography
  1375 Logan Ave Studio K
  Costa Mesa CA, 92626
• Website: studiohodson.com chefsinsight.com
• Phone: 714 708 3450
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
© Bob Hodson Photography

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