We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robin Litrenta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robin below.
Robin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As a photographer I am drawn to light and emotions and find inspiration all around me. When I watch movies I notice how light is used to help convey emotions and add to the mood of a scene. I study paintings, especially the impressionists who used light to convey a fleeting moment, as well as the Dutch masters whose paintings included deep tones and strong directional light to help tell a story. One thing I regularly do is go on photo walks. I recently grabbed a photographer friend for a few fun hours doing creative photography at our local county fair. We used prisms, copper coiled sponges and a few other items in front of our lenses to create cool effects in camera and played around with slow shutter speed effects.
I take breaks to spend time in my garden or walk my dog. I find the fresh air and brief time away from my camera and computer helps me reset and clear my mind to make room for new ideas to pour into my client work. Reading poetry or learning something new are other helpful ways to expand creativity and keep me moving forward with my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
It’s one thing to make a photo and another thing to use it to tell a story. For me, photos are about the stories they hold. Who the people are and what is happening in their lives. My goal for each family portrait session is to provide an hour of uninterrupted quality time to play, explore and express their love for each other. What unfolds is pure organic bliss and it’s an honor for me to witness a family loving on each other. The photos I make for families are undoubtedly unique to them rather than a one-size fits all approach with poses recurrent through other sessions. My sessions are joyful and playful. Families leave with a new cherished memory of their time together.
My boutique photography business provides clients with high-touch service and added value which they appreciate. For new clients, we briefly chat by phone for introductions, questions, make sure we are the right fit for each other and determine how I can bring their vision to life. I offer a quick video chat with the rest of the family so they meet me prior to the session. This helps them show up relaxed and ready to have fun. Many of my clients have a great eye for fashion, but I do help many curate a perfect camera ready wardrobe that is reflective of who they are. When the session is finished and photos are edited, my service continues with assisting clients in printing photos for large wall art, albums and frames. I regularly hear from clients how much joy they have in seeing their family’s love on display throughout their home and reliving their fun from the portrait session. Returning clients benefit from all the same value-added services too.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Learn what it takes to run a business. For photographers, it’s necessary to be licensed and insured. It’s also necessary to determine your cost of doing business (CODB) so you know how to run a profitable, sustainable business. There are many free resources but investing in a good business course and mentor can help a new photographer ramp up for success much more quickly.
As for the creative side, pick up your camera every day to create and learn something new. There is a vast amount of online photography courses from the technical side all the way to pushing creativity. But the quickest way to learn is to shoot daily to see what works and how you can make the photo better with a change in settings, different technique or composition.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is anyone who values photography and its role in freezing moments to reflect their current season of life. These clients return yearly, or every other year, to document new babies, new puppies, new homes, growing children, engagements, pregnancies, milestone birthdays or events, one last San Diego photo before they move…all the things which make their lives unique to them. They love to display their photos around their home and regularly refer me to friends which is the best compliment they can give me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robinlitrentaphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/robinlitrenta
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RobinLitrentaPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-litrenta-75916568/
- Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@robinlitrenta
Image Credits
Robin Litrenta Photography
