Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Gallagher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Robert with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I credit my never-give-up work ethic to my Northern England roots. A gritty, hard-nosed, working class part of the world. The hub of the Industrial revolution, where nothing is given and respect is earned. But those lessons teach you well for surviving in a career where broad shoulders and thick skin are essential to resilience.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve always had a photojournalistic approach to my work, whether it be a documentary photo essay or a portrait shoot, I always aim to capture the essence of my subject.
I started my career as a Sports Photographer in London, mainly working for The Independent and The Guardian, at a time when both those titles were at the leading edge of a strong visual integrity where creative, thought-provoking photography was king. Quite unheard of for the newspaper business.
From there I knew I wanted to also create more intimate work and moved into editorial portraiture. Which, with a relocation to Los Angeles, also gave me the opportunity to shoot more celebrity portraiture.
But my ideal work today is still any project where I get to peak behind the curtain of a subject and my job is to capture life unfolding.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Running a creative business is never a smooth road. There are many hats to wear, not least of which is the constant switching from business development to legal advisor to creative artist. And with being a content creator of intellectual property, each new client means a new contract to dissect. Learning that language has certainly been an essential lesson I would never have anticipated in school.
I think there’s a tendency for photographers these days to simply replicate what’s popular on social media. Admittedly it’s an easy trap to fall into. But I would advise to shoot what speaks to you. Be true to yourself. That’s what gets you noticed over time and how you develop your own style.
Also, there’s a great rule of thumb I follow when deciding to take on a project: Does if offer an opportunity to work with great people and networking? Does it offer creative freedom where you can feed your soul? Does it pay in line with your standard rates? If I can answer YES to TWO of the above, then I’d consider taking on the project!
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Last year I took a semi-sabbatical by taking a Creative Coach role at my alma mater in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I was tasked with mentoring Higher Education students across the entire Art & Design and Digital Arts faculties. I wrote, designed and delivered an eight-part professional creative development course which essentially had me doing around sixty public speaking’s in the first three months! The idea of it scared the hell out of me – and kids these days are a tough crowd, half engrossed in their screens while apparently listening!
Public speaking is not easy, especially when it’s about your own work. I think most photographers struggle with it. We all fear the being judged, the imposter syndrome. The first time I did it I fell off the stage! That’s how non-present I was. But I found the impact and engagement of the students to be extremely rewarding and just to be able to inspire future storytellers.
Upon my return to Los Angeles I was invited to speak about my work at Red Bull and I noticed I’ve started this year with a new attitude. A separation, a peace, an ease about it. Which leads to a presence. And then even maybe satisfaction and enjoyment.
I talked about my recent project ‘The Struggle’. A photo essay on an uphill killer of a cycling event. And it occurred to me, we’re all battling our own inner uphill struggles, constantly. But I feel I’ve overcome this particular struggle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gallagherphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallagherphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gallagherphoto/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gallagherphoto
Image Credit:
Robert Gallagher
Photographer • creative lead
Los Angeles, CA, USA
gallagherphoto.com
