Daily Inspiration: Meet Rob Flores

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Flores

Hi Rob, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography has always been more than just a profession for me—it’s a way to tell stories, preserve memories, and highlight moments that matter. Whether it’s the determination of an athlete mid-play, the atmosphere of a live event, the character of a home, or the artistry of a portrait, my goal is to capture images that connect with people on a deeper level.

I started TeamFlo Photography with a simple mission: to provide high-quality, storytelling-driven photography that stands out. My work spans sports, events, and real estate photography, along with painterly-style portraits and artistic composites that bring a creative touch to traditional imagery. As an FAA-licensed drone pilot, I also offer aerial photography, 360-degree property tours, and virtual walkthroughs to help businesses and realtors showcase their spaces with professional visuals.

My background as a veteran has influenced how I approach my work—discipline, adaptability, and attention to detail are core to everything I do. This has allowed me to thrive in fast-paced sports photography, where I cover everything from high school athletics (as an NCHSAA-credentialed photographer) to professional teams like Carolina Crew Soccer, where I am part of the media team.

Beyond sports and real estate, I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my photography to support and uplift my community. I had the privilege of covering a milestone event for Fayetteville Urban Ministry, documenting the impact of their work in the community. I also work with Gracefully Fit, owned by Grace, capturing her Ladies Lift Night events that empower women through fitness. Additionally, I support Brittany and Cari over at Valor Massage, a business dedicated to providing essential care and recovery services.

I also enjoy collaborating with other creatives, including Lee, a talented local videographer, by capturing moments for the Holiday Highlander Games, a unique and exciting event celebrating Scottish heritage and strength competitions.

I believe photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating something meaningful, something that resonates. Whether I’m capturing the action of a game, the details of an event, the beauty of a home, or the artistry of a portrait, I strive to deliver work that is professional, creative, and impactful.

At the heart of TeamFlo Photography is a commitment to excellence, storytelling, and community. I am always working to improve, to learn, and to bring the best possible images to my clients. I truly appreciate every opportunity to do what I love, and I look forward to continuing to grow and serve through photography.

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?
Like any journey, building TeamFlo Photography hasn’t been without its challenges. From balancing a military career and family life to breaking into competitive photography industries like sports and real estate, I’ve had to navigate obstacles that have tested my resilience and adaptability.

One of my biggest challenges has been transitioning from military service to full-time photography. The military provided me with discipline, structure, and a strong work ethic, but stepping into the creative world of professional photography required me to develop a business mindset, build a client base, and establish my reputation from the ground up. Learning how to market myself, network, and manage the business side of photography was a steep learning curve, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

Sports photography is fast-paced, competitive, and demanding, and it took time to earn my place on the sidelines. It wasn’t easy breaking into the industry, especially when competing with well-established photographers. I had to prove myself, often working for little or no pay at first, just to showcase my skills and build relationships with teams, coaches, and organizations. Over time, through persistence and high-quality work, I gained official credentials with the NCHSAA and became part of the Carolina Crew Soccer media team, opening doors to even greater opportunities.

Expanding into real estate photography and aerial drone work was another challenge. Unlike sports photography, where action drives the shot, real estate photography requires a meticulous eye for detail, lighting, and composition. I had to invest time into learning new techniques, mastering drone piloting, and understanding what realtors and homeowners need in their marketing materials. The competition in this field is high, but through dedication and consistency, I’ve been able to carve out a space for myself and offer services like 360-degree virtual tours and aerial property showcases.

As much as I love the creative side of photography, running a business means juggling marketing, client relations, scheduling, and finances. Finding the balance between staying true to my artistic vision and making sure TeamFlo Photography grows sustainably has been an ongoing challenge. I’ve had to learn from experience, take risks, and adapt to the needs of my clients while continuing to push my creative boundaries.

Photography is an industry that constantly evolves, and staying ahead requires investing in high-quality equipment, software, and continuous learning. Early on, upgrading cameras, lenses, and drone gear was a significant financial hurdle, but I knew that delivering professional-level work required professional tools. Beyond gear, I’ve also worked hard to improve my editing techniques, refine my artistic style, and stay updated with industry trends to ensure I provide the best possible service.

Like any entrepreneur, there have been moments of self-doubt—wondering if I’m on the right path, questioning if my work stands out in such a competitive industry. But every time I see a client’s reaction to a photo that means something to them, or when an athlete sees themselves in action and feels proud, it reminds me why I do this.

Through all of these challenges, the unwavering support of my family has been the backbone of my journey. My wife’s encouragement, understanding, and belief in my vision have kept me grounded, while my kids inspire me to push harder and set an example of dedication and perseverance. They’ve been there through late nights, long shoots, and moments of doubt, reminding me of my purpose and fueling my determination. Their love and support have made every obstacle feel surmountable, and I truly couldn’t have built TeamFlo Photography without them by my side.

The support from my family, friends, and clients has been a huge motivator, and every challenge I’ve faced has only made me more determined to keep growing. Every obstacle has been a learning experience, and I know there will be more challenges ahead. But through hard work, adaptability, passion, and the strength I draw from my family, I’ve built something I’m proud of. My goal is to continue pushing my photography forward, supporting my community, and telling powerful stories through my images.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At TeamFlo Photography, I specialize in creating dynamic, storytelling visuals that capture the essence of both people and experiences. My work spans across sports photography, creative composite portraits, event coverage, and FAA-licensed drone photography. I’m known for my ability to blend artistic vision with technical precision, whether it’s freezing the intensity of a game-winning moment, crafting composite images where clients become the art, or producing cinematic videos that bring stories to life.

What I’m most proud of is how my work connects with people on a deeper level. Whether it’s an athlete seeing themselves in action with pride, a family cherishing a timeless portrait, or a business using my visuals to elevate their brand—I love knowing that my work holds meaning beyond the image itself. Projects like capturing the Hope Mills Rockfish baseball games, producing a high-energy video for the Crew Soccer Team, and supporting the Fayetteville Urban Ministry’s 50th anniversary are milestones that remind me of the impact photography can have.

What sets me apart is my unique combination of experiences. My military background has instilled in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and adaptability, which translates into my photography. I don’t just take pictures—I tell stories, focusing on emotion, energy, and authenticity. Additionally, my ability to offer diverse services, from ground-level action shots to aerial drone perspectives, allows me to approach projects with a creative versatility that not many can provide. At the heart of it all, I’m passionate about capturing moments that matter and creating visuals that resonate.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in California, in a typical Mexican household where family, hard work, and resilience were the foundation of everything we did. Life was rooted in tradition, respect, and the mindset of pushing forward no matter the challenge. My parents instilled in me the value of earning what you have, taking pride in your work, and always striving for something better, lessons that have shaped who I am today.

Growing up, I was your typical teenager with a strong passion for sports. I loved being active and competitive, and that drive led me to play high school football. Being part of a team taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of showing up not just for myself, but for others. Sports gave me an outlet for my energy, a space to build resilience, and an understanding of how hard work on and off the field pays off.

After high school, I decided to join the military because I wanted to do something bigger than myself—something that would challenge me, give me direction, and provide opportunities to grow. The military shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, teaching me discipline, adaptability, and the mindset of always pushing forward no matter how tough things get. Those lessons have been the foundation of how I approach both photography and business, always striving for excellence, precision, and meaningful storytelling in my work.

Though my journey has taken me far from my childhood in California, those early experiences, the culture, the family values, my love for sports, and the drive to work hard, still influence everything I do today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teamflophotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamflo_photography/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teamflophotography/