Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Randolph.
Robin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Believe it or not, I’m a native Angeleno – born at Cedar’s Sinai and raised in Sherman Oaks, California. Yes, a total Valley girl. I went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA in 2011 (Go Bruins!), but my journey took me far from the sunny hills of Los Angeles to explore a different side of the world.
In January 2011, I packed my bags and moved to the East Coast, right in the middle of one of the coldest winters on record, to pursue my dream job at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. I worked in sports production for two years, surrounded by iconic figures like Stuart Scott and Linda Cohn. But during that time, I was also learning something deeper about myself: I was more than just a lover of sports. I was a lover of stories. And I saw how powerfully photography could tell those stories.
I remember being on the East Coast, walking through snow-covered streets in New York City, capturing everything from the changing leaves in Central Park to the first signs of spring and cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. Photography quickly became my way to connect with the world around me. The simple act of freezing a moment in time was a new language I wanted to master. My Instagram became a gallery of my travels, showing off breathtaking skylines, street scenes, and nature’s beauty – but I knew I wanted to take it further. I started investing in better gear, designing my logo, and creating a brand that reflected my artistic vision.
When I moved back to Los Angeles in 2014, it wasn’t just about getting closer to family or the sunshine. It was about finding a place where I could truly pursue my art. I worked in Hollywood entertainment for a couple of years, but photography was always calling to me. I started taking classes and diving deeper into my craft. Every shoot, every photograph was a step towards honing my skills.
But it wasn’t just LA that inspired me – it was the world. I was constantly traveling, chasing new experiences, and capturing cultures and landscapes that felt foreign and exhilarating. Whether it was hiking in the mountains or exploring city streets on foot, I was always looking for new perspectives. Photography became my passport, my way of documenting the beauty and chaos of the world.
In 2016, I had a moment that would change everything. I took a photography class at Samy’s Camera and met a photographer whose work blew me away. After the class, I walked up to her, told her how much I admired her work, and she said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Quit your job and come work for me.” At that moment, I realized I was at a crossroads. I had been playing it safe, working a desk job, but photography was what I truly loved. Life was too short not to chase that passion.
So, in January of 2017, I made the leap and left my 50+ hour-a-week desk job to pursue photography full-time with no set hours or guaranteed income. Since then, my business has flourished in ways I never expected. I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot extraordinary events and work with incredible people who inspire me daily. My camera has taken me places I could never have imagined, and each new adventure – whether it’s in a foreign country or a hidden corner of my own city – is a chance to tell a new story through my lenses.
What I’ve learned over the years is that photography is more than just taking pictures – it’s about capturing moments that tell the stories of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we dream of. And for me, the adventure is always around!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any creative journey, it’s been full of ups and downs, challenges, and moments of doubt – but also moments of triumph and growth.
When I first started out in photography, it was just a passion on the side. I was working long hours at a desk job, often squeezing in shoots when I could, but it felt like I was always juggling two worlds. There were plenty of times when I wondered if I was doing enough or if I was good enough to really make a career out of photography. It’s hard to start from scratch when the road ahead seems so uncertain.
One of the biggest struggles I faced was the fear of taking the leap to go full-time with photography. Leaving the stability of a 50+ hour-a-week job to pursue something creative was terrifying. I questioned whether I’d be able to support myself, whether I’d find clients, or whether it was all just a dream. It took a lot of soul-searching and courage, and I was lucky to have some incredible mentors and supporters along the way. But at the end of the day, the biggest hurdle was believing in myself and trusting that if I followed my passion, the pieces would fall into place.
Another challenge has been finding my unique voice as an artist. The photography world is filled with incredible talent, and in the beginning, it was easy to compare myself to others. I had to learn that my journey and my perspective were valid, even if they didn’t look like everyone else’s. And that took time – it wasn’t just about technical skills, but about finding my own vision and learning how to communicate that through my work.
And let’s not forget the financial side of things. In the beginning, it was hard to make ends meet. There were months when the work wasn’t flowing, or I didn’t know where the next paycheck was coming from. But those moments taught me to hustle harder, get creative with how I marketed myself, and how to build a brand that resonated with people.
But here’s the thing – every struggle has made me stronger and more determined. Those late nights editing photos, the rejection emails, and the doubts I’ve faced have shaped me into the photographer and artist I am today. I’ve learned to embrace the grind, and I’ve learned that it’s okay to stumble and fall along the way, as long as you get back up and keep moving forward.
So no, it’s definitely not been a smooth road – but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step has been part of my story, and every challenge has led me to where I am now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a photographer, I specialize in capturing moments that feel both genuine and artistic. Whether I’m shooting lifestyle, portraits, or events, my goal is always to create images that not only look beautiful but also tell a story. I want my clients to feel like they’re “living in the moment” while I’m there to document it, seamlessly capturing emotions as they unfold.
What sets me apart is that my personality and expertise help create a relaxed, comfortable environment where my clients can truly be themselves. I’m not just there to take photos – I’m there to guide you through the process, make you feel at ease, and let your natural energy come through. My experience allows me to anticipate those little, candid moments that happen when you’re not even aware of the camera. It’s almost like I’m invisible, capturing the essence of what’s happening around you without interrupting the flow of the moment. That’s what makes my work feel so natural – it’s like a professional photographer is there with you, but it feels like you’re just enjoying life as it happens, without any distractions.
In terms of style, I draw a lot of inspiration from my travels and the different cultures and landscapes I’ve encountered around the world. I’m always seeking new experiences, and I bring that sense of adventure and curiosity into my work. Whether I’m shooting a couple’s intimate wedding or documenting a grand corporate event, I’m always focused on telling a story – the story of the people, the environment, and the connections that make the moment so special.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. I don’t take that lightly. To me, photography is not just about creating pretty pictures – it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. I’m honored when clients allow me to capture their most important moments, whether it’s an engagement, a family gathering, or a milestone event. Seeing the joy and emotion in their eyes when they look back at their photos is what drives me to continue doing what I love.
And, of course, I’m incredibly proud of the journey I’ve taken as an artist. From those early days of learning and experimenting to now, where I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing people and shoot incredible events, I’ve come a long way. But, at the heart of it, it’s always been about one thing: capturing the real, raw moments that matter most.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to create an experience that feels both effortless and professional – where the camera disappears and you’re simply living in the moment. That’s the kind of photography I strive for – authentic, beautiful, and full of life.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the photography industry is headed into an exciting, dynamic future, with a lot of shifts and changes driven by technological advancements and evolving creative trends. Over the next 5-10 years, I see a few key developments shaping the way we create and experience visual art.
1. The Rise of AI and Automation: AI and machine learning are already making waves in photography, especially with editing software like Lightroom and Photoshop. In the next decade, I think we’ll see even more automation in post-production, streamlining workflows and making it easier for photographers to handle large volumes of images. AI will also allow for smarter and faster editing, reducing the time spent in front of a computer. However, while AI will assist photographers in technical aspects, I believe the human element of creativity and artistry will remain irreplaceable.
2. Increased Demand for Video and Motion Content: The line between photography and videography continues to blur. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, there’s a growing demand for dynamic content that combines both still images and video. As a photographer, you’ll need to be versatile, adapting to hybrid forms of storytelling that include everything from short-form video to immersive 360-degree imagery. I believe the demand for photographers who can create this type of multimedia content will continue to grow, as brands and individuals seek more engaging ways to tell their stories.
3. The Shift to Immersive and Interactive Experiences: With the rise of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies, photography will likely become more interactive. Imagine viewing photos not just on a screen, but in 3D environments, or using AR to add layers to an image. I see more photographers experimenting with these technologies to create immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional photo album or gallery. These shifts could also change the way we approach branding and marketing in the photography industry, with new opportunities to engage audiences on a deeper level.
4. Greater Focus on Sustainability: As environmental awareness grows, I think the photography industry will shift toward more sustainable practices. This could mean fewer physical prints and more digital work or an emphasis on using eco-friendly materials for photography gear and packaging. Photographers may also be expected to incorporate sustainable or environmentally conscious themes into their work, reflecting the growing consumer demand for brands and individuals who prioritize sustainability.
5. Authenticity and Personal Connection: While technology will play a huge role in the future of photography, I think one thing will remain constant – people will always crave authenticity. There’s been a big push toward raw, real, unfiltered images over the past few years, and that’s a trend I don’t see fading. People want to feel a personal connection to the images they view. Whether it’s through capturing the beauty of everyday life or documenting genuine, unscripted moments, photography will continue to be a way for people to connect on an emotional level. As technology advances, I think the ability to create more deeply personal and intimate work will be an essential differentiator for photographers.
6. The Expansion of Social Media and Personal Branding: As personal branding becomes increasingly important, the demand for high-quality, unique photography will continue to rise. More people will be investing in professional photos for their online profiles, websites, and social media platforms. There will likely be a greater emphasis on photographers who understand the nuances of visual storytelling and how to help individuals or brands stand out in a crowded digital space.
In essence, the future of the photography industry will be a blend of creative evolution and technological innovation. While new tools and platforms will open up exciting possibilities, the core of the industry will always be about connecting with people through visual storytelling. As a photographer, staying adaptable, learning new skills, and embracing emerging technologies will be key to thriving in this rapidly changing landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robinrandolph.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinrandolph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robin.A.Randolph/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinarandolph/
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/robin-randolph-photography-los-angeles-3
