Robb Davidson
INTRODUCTION: "We have had the ultimate pleasure to work with Robb to compile quite the portfolio for the models featured on the Bare & Hatchet website. He is so much fun to work with and has this contagious energy that fills a room and leaves everyone in a joyful mood. We are blessed to call Robb a friend and for your sake hope you will someday have that same pleasure." -Tricia Kaufman
1. Where are you from?
Where am I from? Well, I moved a bunch growing up- all within a few hours of Chicago. Currently, I’m putting a pretty dang heavy stake in Wheaton.
2. How did you get into the photography business?
It’s funny. I got into photography when I was in college, but it wasn’t a story of a kid wanting to “express himself through art” (….not that there’s anything wrong with that…). I had a point and shoot camera that was stolen. So, in my “go big or go home” ways, I bought an SLR thinking it would just be better. At first, no. Not even close. MUCH worse. An SLR just exposes how much you really don’t know. Notice I didn’t point out the photog pu…nevermind. So, I had this SLR in college, and started learning bits and pieces while taking pics of friends for fun. Eventually, when I had stuff online, the college asked me to shoot events and do brochure work. Also, keep in mind I went to a small school with no photography clubs or anything. Just like, 2 or 3 classes. (I got a C- in my Photo I class). Eventually, I saved up for better gear, learned way more, shot my first wedding and was MASSIVELY hooked. After graduating I thought I would have a few fun weddings a year to shoot with a 9-5 job…turns out I was too busy to make an interview for those jobs. So, I just stopped trying and went full time on it.
3. I heard you just updated your studio- what new features did you add to it?
The studio! Fun stuff!!! I put in some desks and chairs to, first and foremost, feed my extrovert’s appetite. People can meet here, collaborate, hang or anything. Also, I’ll be teaching photography classes there with different levels of experience, categories, a customized speed of learning, etc. The typical chill out space for consultations and studio set-up have remained the same, though. :)
4. Who or what are your favorite subjects?
My favorite subjects are EASILY those who are most real. There isn’t any specific type I learn more towards, but when I know it’s really them, it’s a friggen BREEZE to bring out their personality. Oh, and anyone that likes Cigars and whiskey, cause I know what we’ll do before/after we’re done shooting.
5. What is your second strongest passion outside of photography?
I have to convince myself that I’m passionate about different things per season. If you think that sounds flakey, you’re right. So, let me clarify that you may be confident in your assumptions. I love a good cigar and company. So, until I finally live my personal life dream of having an in-home exhaust fan in my make-believe cigar room, I have to convince myself that cigars are warm weather passions, and whiskey by the fire is a great way to stay warm in cold weather. Oh, and I really like pogs.
6. I’ve also been told you’re kind of a rockstar. When did you start your music career?
Rockstar, you say? You’ve been talking to my mom, haven’t you. In the third grade I started to play the drums and piano; then, I added trombone to the mix. Eventually, after being in a band with my really good friend, who does NOT suck at the guitar, I learned the bass as we had struggled to find someone to record who could play it. Now, I still play the bass but, I eventually added faux guitar. I’m so thankful for that STUPID rule my mom made about practicing each instrument 30 minutes a day. :)
7. If you were a crayon color, which color would you be and why?
100,000% orange. I mean, it could be just about any shade or hue of orange. For any mega, ultra, super nerds, anywhere in the 585 to 620 nanometre scale. It’s my favorite color, and I haven’t really come across anyone who feels bad after seeing some orange appear in their life. Just saying.
8. What do you think of cow tipping?
It’s kind of like how I got into photography. All or nothing. If you’re gonna shove that sucker over, you better be sure you get her to the ground so she doesn’t swing back the other way. And I wish I could speak to this from just “hearing about it.” All that to say, pro.
9. So, why is your name spelled with two b’s at the end?
I have theories and benefits as to why. Theory: My pops was temporarily stricken with a rough case of stuttering when naming me. And writing it in pen without clarifying was a thing in 1985. So, no take backs. Benefit: I’m way more google-able. And it’s really just Robb. Birth certificate Robb. Not Robert. Crazy, huh? Real reason: Parents didn’t want me to be a Junior, as my pop’s name is Robert. So….there.
10. What’s your favorite brand of whiskey?
MMMMMMaker’s Mark. Sure, it’s not the BEST out there, for sure not the worst, but it’s super available in most sane places…and always stocked in the studio.
11. Any last words?
Last words? Well, to any of you who ever take pictures for fun, or professionally, you can never take enough. At the end of the day, it’s better to figure out storage space than wish you had pictures of someone. I say this from experience with a few important people in my life passing recently, and as a reminder to myself to continue taking pictures.
Check out Robb’s work here: Robb Davidson Photography
Interview by: Tricia Kaufman