Daily Inspiration: Meet Robert Rostick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Rostick.

Hi Robert, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born on Christmas Eve, for the next 13 years, rather than being over the top double the parties and presents, both of my celebrations were diminished. Family and friends didn’t send two presents, just the one. I got one present for birthday/Christmas.

Determined to flip the script, prior to my 14th birthday, I saved up some money and bought myself a camera from the pawnshop to celebrate. Thus began my interest and pursuit of photography.

Later, I enlisted in the military at 18. After four years of service, I left the Air Force. Still interested in photography, I decided to go to school to formally learn and make a go of it as a career. After college, I worked as an advertising photographer’s assistant for six years before going at it alone. As a freelancer, I worked in a number of different areas of commercial photography such as product, retail, medical and a brief go at fashion photography. I loved it all.

After ten years in the field, a friend asked me to teach a class on basic photography. I did. I loved it even more than just shooting pictures for money. Thus began my foray into teaching while still making a living in photography. As photography transitioned from film to digital; from darkrooms to LightRoom, I continued learning and riding the wave of technology, becoming an expert in helping others bridge the divide.

I moved to Tampa in 2001 and opened a studio, blending both entrepreneurial endeavors: commercial photography and digital photography training. Both have proved successful as tRg Studio has made its mark on Tampa Bay.

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?
“Smooth is relative. Struggles are plentiful.”

My biggest challenges in over two decades of running my own photography studio are finding work, finding students, finding my own identity,

Happily, opportunities have outweighed the obstacles. I take it as all a part of life and I love life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The type of work that I do is not special but it does serve a need.

I am a generalist when it comes to the type of photography I provide: corporate headshots, events, weddings, product and general studio work is the bulk of the commercial photography side of what I provide.

Teaching is what brings me the most reward.

I help develop the photographic mind. I teach people how to tell stories with their images. Someone will walk into the studio and ask me to teach them how to use their camera. I’ll teach them how to make an image into an identity of themselves. I want them to recognize that the photography they make is an extension of who they are; visual storytellers. I show them how to see light, record light and shape light to persuade others to see photography “my way,”

I’m known for helping my students recognize their contribution to history by making good solid images today.

My creative outlet is in manipulating light. My current focus is on ICM – intentional camera movement.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I thrive off of support and collaboration. TRG Studio has an open door policy, providing use of the studio, availability by phone or Zoom if a student is stuck in the middle of a photoshoot. As a self-proclaimed amateur psychologist, I enjoy having dialogue and delving into people’s experiences to help draw out the inner self.

I, too, am an open book. Whatever I can do to help, I’m your man.

When students ask how they can in turn support me, I encourage them to tell others who are interested in photography to come see me.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.trgstudio.net

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Lidiana Puig
All other Photos: Robert Rostick TRG Studio.