Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Ballard.
Hi Rob, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been snapping photos with disposable film cameras as far back as the 80s. My journey with making a living from making photographs started in late 2008, the economy was in a recession, and starting a new career in photography was not advised. After losing my job in shipping industry back in Texas, I decided move to Arizona from El Paso. I ended up sign up for photography school after being gifted a DSLR for Christmas. Once I had the camera it felt like it was a sign for me to follow my love for photography. While in school I connected with working photographers in the valley would hire me to assist on photoshoots like the ones I imagined shooting myself one day. I continued to shoot small jobs, learning more and gaining more experience. Those experiences were invaluable. After about 3 years I got a photography job at Sprouts Farmers Market, shooting everything from organic lima beans to executive portraits. I was a great place to polish up my skills both behind the camera and the business side of photography & marketing. While at Sprouts I continued to build my skillset and client list. After 3 years, I left Sprouts and went to a marketing agency that specialized in food & beverage space for almost two years before covid 19 hit. From that moment on I’ve been a freelance photographer for hire. Like everything else, it has its ups and downs but rewarding on many levels.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the struggles I faced was entering a new industry and not having a portfolio showing the work I needed to get the jobs I wanted. Building a body of work that can get you work takes time. Once I had the portfolio to show the next challenge was to get it in front of the right people in order to get hired for jobs that I want to shoot. This is still a challenge for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Arizona-based photographer who specializes in but not limited to food, beverage, and product photography.
I’m known for photographing food and beverage for local establishments and publications here in the valley. I enjoy photographing liquid pours and splashes used in cocktail/beverage photography as well as in product photography.
The relationships that I have made from working in this industry is something I am proud of. I believe that you are only as good as your team.
What set me apart from others, I strive to deliver an image that is dynamic, intriguing, and conceptual to the viewer.
How do you think about luck?
I worked hard in preparing to be a photographer, harder than anything before. So, when luck came knocking, I was ready.
Contact Info:
- Email: rob@robballardphotography.com
- Website: https://www.robballardphotography.com
- Instagram: yo_robballard
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robballardphotography/
- Twitter: @yo_rob_ballard
Image Credits:
Paul Markow (for my head shot)
