Robert Mullins Photography
P.O.T.P.: Robert, I’m am really happy that you have agreed to talk with us. I’ve known you for a couple years and have always admired your work. Would you please tell our readers a little about your history.
Robert: My life as an artist began at the point my Dad finally left the military and we settled in Huntington Beach, CA (I was 14) – and I immediately became fascinated with everything surfing. I surfed three times a day, before school, after school, and after dinner at night by the lights of the pier – life could not have been simpler!
Surfing is art as a lifestyle. I think that was the foundation of my quest to blur the line between work and play. I’ve spent the last 28 years chasing passion before profit. I never really wanted just a job.
I feel that art isn’t limited to producing visual delights (of course); it should be one’s passion – no matter the passion. I lived and surfed in California and Hawaii for 16 years until I broke my neck racing motocross (as a hobby).
For the next 15 years I spent my days teaching and playing golf as a PGA member, during which time I got my B.A. in Organizational Management.
It may sound trite but ‘wedding photography’ is my latest, and quite possibly greatest passion. The way I see it, everyone is beautiful and everyone has a story to tell. My goal is to tell a story with my images …
P.O.T.P.: How long have you been in the business?
Robert: The short answer is: completely full-time since 2003 – but it’s really not that simple.
Beautiful masterful light that brings out the beauty of the day.
P.O.T.P.: How did you get your start?
Robert: After my son was born in Dec. 2000, I decided I didn’t want to spend 70 hours a week away from home any more. At the time I had been managing golf country clubs for a few years … naturally, many weddings were performed on most Saturdays in Southern California and I found a way to meet a few very talented photographers. Between 2000 and 2003, I assisted or was second shooter working for free or for very little money, with some very gracious and talented photographers. I didn’t want or need the money, I needed an education and believe me I got one … I lost count after over 100 weddings …
P.O.T.P.: What is your favorite subject to photograph?
Robert: I strive to capture images of the bride living the wide range of emotions she’ll undoubtedly experience on probably the most emotionally charged day of her life … I want her to look back and remember what she was feeling at the precise moment the image was created.
Capturing exactly the way the bride felt on her day naturally and in the moment.
P.O.T.P.: Name a major photographic rule that you find yourself breaking frequently?
Robert: I love this question because I’m really still learning the rules and honestly I have always championed the quote, “I may not know art, but I know what I like”. Lately I have become a better student of my craft – I’ve been to some very good workshops and seminars in the last two years and I’m blessed to be friends with some talented, amazing wedding photographers.
P.O.T.P.: What would you say sets you apart from other wedding photographers in your area?
Robert: Honestly, if I had the answer to that one I wouldn’t share (laughing)! It’s no secret that I’m located smack dab in the middle of the most saturated market in the world here in Southern California, more specifically; the OC … to stand out here is tough. Only thing I can do is continue to produce work that attracts a specialized client; one that appreciates my eye and style and can tell the difference between good and great.
P.O.T.P.: What do you feel is your weakest area in photography?
Robert: Honestly, I would like to get better images of the flow of the ceremony without being obtrusive. The images like the father spending time with his daughter prior to handing her off to the groom; the groom as he’s watching his bride approach; the many different expressions of the parents during the ceremony; the ring exchange is a challenge for me – all these type images I feel I’d like to be able to get in physically closer. However, it’s alarming to me to see photographers encroaching in the personal space of the ceremony. I just don’t want to work that way – I’m looking at trying out a 300mm f2.8 lens here in the near future; but I’m not sure that’s the answer.
P.O.T.P.: What is the best part of being in business for yourself?
Robert: It’s the time I get to spend with my son … He’s now in second grade and I have yet to miss one day walking him to school or walking him home. This year we’re going to ride our bikes a couple of days a week. I love the opportunities I’ve had to watch him grow and learn – I’m definitely lucky. Of course I think he’s special and different because he’s my son; but he truly has a special sensitivity and is already an artist in many ways … I can see his passion for details, the little things …
P.O.T.P.: Any tips for those considering getting into your line of work?
Robert: Yes … know the equipment you use intimately. I mean really get to know your equipment – I practice getting camera settings with my eyes closed; I change CF cards and batteries (in my camera and all my equipment) blindfolded or in the dark just so I know how if I need to. I walk around all the time with a simple light meter taking readings everywhere I go because I want to know my exposures without chimping the histogram. I play a game with myself all the time – I walk into a room (or other naturally lit location) with my camera, find a subject, then set what I think the correct ISO, aperture and shutter speed would be to get a properly exposed image. My point is: become a technical genius and you’ll become free to do what inspires you … operating your equipment should be second nature.
The other piece of advice I have is to have a goal to assist and second shoot at a minimum number of weddings with an experienced pro or two (or three or four), before you take money from a bride and her family. My goal was 100 – It took me about 24 – 36 months to get there.
P.O.T.P.: What do you feel is your strongest area of photography?
Robert: This may not have anything to do with photography in general but it is what keeps me in tune. Over the years I have developed a keen intuition and sensibility into how people interact with each other … I think this gives me the ability to anticipate moments and capture them in a way that is memorable. I love to go out and just watch people – I live very close to a medium size harbor that has so much activity I often sit on a bench with my laptop and morning coffee and just people watch.
P.O.T.P.: What photographers have influenced you?
Robert: My inclination is to name off some quasi-famous names of a few of my friends but really other photographers do not influence me. I’m attracted to images based on what I like and what I try to achieve usually because I’ve thought about the same things … I’m more influenced by cinema. One of my heroes of cinema died recently, Bud Browne the father of surf films, he was 96!
P.O.T.P.: Robert, your insight is really interesting. Your attitude is really great and we can all learn from you. Very good points you make. Thank you again for taking time to sit down with us and talk to us about your work!
Can’t get enough of Robert? Check out his website!
