We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rob Flores. Check out our conversation below.
Rob, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of the foundation I’ve built in silence—the resilience, discipline, and perspective that comes from years of balancing military service, family, and building a creative business. Those unseen habits—waking up early to edit when the house is quiet, pushing through setbacks, learning new skills when no one is watching—are what give me the strength to show up for my clients, my family, and my community. It’s not the photos or videos people see that I’m most proud of; it’s the mindset and character I’ve built behind the scenes that make those visible things possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rob Flores, and I’m the founder of TeamFlo Photography, a brand built on the idea that photography is more than just capturing a picture—it’s about creating an experience and a story. After more than two decades of military service, I’ve carried over the values of discipline, leadership, and service into my creative work. What makes TeamFlo unique is that we approach every project like a collaboration: whether it’s sports, portraits, community events, or creative composites, my goal is to highlight people as the art itself and give them images that feel larger than life.
What started as a personal passion has grown into a way to serve my community—supporting student-athletes, local businesses, and families—while also pushing creative boundaries with cinematic concepts and storytelling series. Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding our sports photography program to give young athletes professional-level images they’ll cherish forever, and continuing to build unique creative series that blend imagination, artistry, and emotion.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a playful and adventurous kid who thrived on curiosity and imagination. I wasn’t the one sitting still or writing things down—I was the one outside, climbing, exploring, and always turning ordinary moments into adventures. I loved to laugh, to test limits, and to find new ways to have fun. Back then, life was simple: it was about connection, joy, and discovering the world one playful step at a time.
As I grew older, responsibilities and expectations began to shape me—through school, the military, and the many roles I’ve had to carry. Structure and discipline became second nature, but I never lost that playful spirit. In fact, I think it’s what kept me grounded through the toughest times. That sense of curiosity, joy, and adventure is still very much a part of me, and it shows up in how I live my life today.
Photography, in many ways, brought me back to that original version of myself. Behind the camera, I get to see the world through that same playful lens—spotting little details, chasing moments of joy, and turning them into something worth holding onto. What I create now isn’t just images; it’s a reflection of that kid who never stopped looking for adventure, laughter, and wonder in the world.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. There was a time when depression had me in a place where I felt like giving up. On the outside, I was holding everything together—serving in the military, providing for my family, and showing up day after day. But on the inside, I felt empty and overwhelmed, like I was quietly failing the very people who mattered most to me. Depression has a way of convincing you that you’re not enough, that you’re letting everyone down, even when they don’t see it that way.
What almost broke me was the pressure of always being strong for everyone else while silently struggling myself. But what saved me was realizing that giving up would have meant more than just quitting on myself—it would have meant letting down my family, my community, and the purpose I hadn’t fully stepped into yet. That thought forced me to fight back.
I had to learn that asking for help, slowing down, and admitting I wasn’t okay didn’t make me weak—it made me human. That shift gave me strength to keep moving forward. Photography became more than a business; it became therapy, a way to turn pain into something beautiful. And it gave me a deeper empathy for others, because I know what it feels like to carry invisible battles and still push forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the photography industry is that it’s all about the gear, the trends, or creating images that look “perfect.” Too often, photographers convince themselves—and clients—that a certain camera, preset, or styled shoot is what makes the art valuable. The truth is, none of that matters if you can’t connect with people and make them feel seen.
Another lie is that success in this industry is measured by followers, likes, or how polished your social media looks. That mindset creates a culture of comparison that steals joy from both photographers and clients. For me, photography isn’t about chasing numbers or perfection—it’s about capturing something real, raw, and lasting.
I’ve learned that the best images aren’t always the ones that fit into industry trends—they’re the ones that tell a story, reveal emotion, and give someone a piece of themselves to hold onto. That’s what I focus on with TeamFlo Photography, and I believe that’s where the true value of this work will always be.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Much of my life has already been lived that way. In the military, I learned quickly that some of the most important things you do will never be seen, praised, or even recognized—but they still matter. Service, sacrifice, and leadership often happen behind the scenes, and the true reward is knowing you gave your best, even if no one was watching.
That same mindset carries into my photography and into my family life. With TeamFlo, I don’t create for applause—I create because it’s who I am. The joy comes from the process itself: capturing a fleeting moment, turning it into something lasting, and giving people images that remind them of their worth and their story. I’d do it even if no one ever “liked” a photo or gave me recognition, because I know the impact is bigger than me.
At home, it’s the same. My wife and kids may never fully see the weight of every sacrifice or late night, but I know they’ll feel it in the example I leave behind—that you give your best not for praise, but because of who you are. My hope is that when people look back—whether it’s through my work or through the way I lived—they’ll see a legacy of service, creativity, and love. That will always mean more to me than any applause.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teamflophotography.com
- Instagram: teamflo_photography
- Facebook: teamflo_photography
- Yelp: Teamflo Photographg LLC
- Youtube: teamflophotography
Image Credits
All images are mine, Rob Flores TeamFlo Photography
