Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Sullivan.
Hi Robert, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I could remember, but I’ve been a photographer in earnest for about a decade now. Just over ten years ago my parents bought me my first professional camera for a holiday gift and I immediately knew I wanted to someday make it grow from just a hobby to, eventually, my life’s work.
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?
Definitely not. Between going from student to caregiver for my parents to working full time on my own now, time for photoshoots has been increasingly difficult.
With the rise of COVID, photoshoots had to evolve to accommodate and help protect me and my clients. Not to mention while I’m more than happy to provide whatever theme and aesthetic my clients want, my bread and butter is a lot of dark, contrasting tones.
Whenever I present that work, I’m sure in some ways it deters people who are looking for something more light and airy for their family photos or portfolio.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a portrait photographer, specializing in boudoir, beauty, and events. A quick glance at my portfolio and you’ll notice a lot of dark, contrasting tones.
What I’m most proud of are the reactions I’m able to get from my clients who have never seen themselves through the eyes of a photographer, clients who hesitate at the idea of modeling but try anyway and realize that they don’t give themselves enough credit.
Part of what keeps my love for the craft going is seeing that reaction in the people I photograph.
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?
Film photography is coming back in a big way, and many will rightfully say it never went away. Much like the vinyl resurgence in music, film photography is hot on its heels. There’s something truly special about the deliberate, careful pace of film.
Every shot costs you money, and you have to think about the shot before you take it. The public at large is back to taking Polaroids and using instant film, I’m willing to bet film cameras will soon be back in a bigger way than they were a decade ago.
Contact Info:
- Email: rdsullivanphoto@gmail.com
- Website: rdsullivanphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rdsullivanphoto
Image Credits
RDSullivan Photography
