Conversations with Robert Ascroft

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Ascroft

Robert, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was raised in Rochester NY and my father worked for Kodak. Moved to LA full time about 12 years ago and work as a photographer and director in the entertainment industry. I am also a music producer and just released a record of original music with songs that have a similar esthetic to the imagery I create as a Photographer/Director. My work has been described as Dramatic and Beautiful. I think those themes carry on through the photography, film and music that I create. Work can be seen at robertascroft.com

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working as a freelancer has its challenges of course. I think one thing people do not realize it this is a business. I spend a lot of time dealing with running the business. Accounting, taxes, payroll, promoting, archiving etc. It all takes precious time away from the most important thing and that is the actual work. As far as the artistry, I continue to grow and my style evolves along with the times and I am on top of new technology to realize my vision. So there is a need to always be creative and push the boundaries of what I do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make photographs and cinematic portraits for Movies, TV, Album Covers, PR, Fashion and Beauty campaigns. In addition to that I work as a Director seamlessly moving between stills and motion. The last few years I have added Music Producer and songwriter to my job title. The visuals and the sound go hand in hand and are part of the whole package. I have a released a vinyl and streaming record of 10 original songs. These songs are all cinematic in scope and would easily find their way onto television and movie soundtracks. My work as a Photographer and Director uses dramatic lighting and storytelling. The world is filled with pretty pictures and I find that if I work in a more cinematic way I land more interesting assignments. It has taken years to get this kind of work.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Everyone is talking about AI. I do have some concern that in some cases AI will take away work from real people. Technology has alwasy moved the needle forward and new jobs have been created with every innovation. For image making it is an an amazing tool that will soon be the norm alongside innovation such as Photoshop, Digital Photography, DSLR Motion capture, quality home studio recording etc. All of these things when they first came out were going to “kill the industry” according to everyone talking about it at the time but have indeed leveled the playing field. I think incorporating new technology into what I do has always been part of my workflow. It is an exciting time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://robertascroft.com
• Instagram: @robertascroft

Image Credits
All photographs by Robert Ascroft
Photograph of Robert Ascroft by Luz Gallardo