Interview with Joel Robison on Photography Trends

Website:
https://www.joelrobison.com/

Country: United Kingdom

Photography Genres: Conceptual and Fine Art

Fave Camera Brand: Sony

Socials:
Instagram

What’s in your camera bag?

• Main Body: Sony A7riv
• Backup: Sony A7riii
• Sony 85mm 1.4,
• Sigma 35mm 1.4
• Sony 50mm 1.4
• Vanguard Altra Pro tripod
• Vanguard camera bag
• LumeCube lighting for wireless lights if needed.

Where do you get the latest news on new gear? Where do you usually buy new gear?

I usually buy gear from Sony directly or from local camera shops. Sometimes, I will buy gear from MPB if the quality is good and the price is fair. I get photography gear news directly from PetaPixel or Sony.

How is photography making the world a better place in 2024?

Photography provides an escape from reality at times. It shows the beauty of the world but can also be used to inform others of what is happening. In an age of misinformation, it can be used to document real events. I think my photography makes the world (or at least my world) better by showing a more gentle, whimsical view of the world and promoting a sense of calm and wonder.

What emerging photography trends do you foresee gaining popularity in 2024?

Unfortunately, I see using AI mixed with photography as a trend. I don’t agree with it, but I can already see it taking over the industry.

If you could pick a photography mentor in 2024, who would you pick? Why?

Wayne Simpson – He has a fantastic work ethic, and his images are incredibly powerful and meaningful. He is able to capture images with such beautiful light.

The unavoidable question: How do you see the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning impacting photography in 2024?

I see it making our work even more important because it will be up to real photos with metadata to document events in real-time. I think it will make certain genres much harder to gain any sort of foothold in and will likely make it very hard for many artists to continue to make money or pursue photography full-time.

What is your go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration in 2024?

I give myself permission to take a step back and to spend time building up the other areas of my life that make me who I am; doing that gives my mind a rest and allows it to start to filter through ideas again. I allow myself time each day to daydream and to allow my mind to wander where it needs to go, and usually, that helps me overcome any creative block.

If you could give one piece of advice to a beginner in photography, what would it be?

Do it for yourself first. Find joy in what you’re creating without the pressure of pleasing anyone else and certainly without the stress of trying to perform for an algorithm.

Can you share a specific tool, technology, or software that has revolutionized your workflow and significantly enhanced your creative process as a photographer?

Using the Surface Studio has greatly impacted my workflow. Working on a large touchscreen surface has made it easier to edit and has made my work stronger and cleaner.

Any thoughts on the relationship of NFT and photography?

It’s not something I’m interested in.

What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness as a photographer in 2024?

My biggest strength is my ability to see wonder and whimsy in a world that sometimes makes it difficult to do so. My biggest weakness is lacking the confidence to pursue all the ideas or meet my own potential.

Find joy in what you’re creating without the pressure of pleasing anyone.

Joel Robison

What is the biggest challenge in your photography genre in 2024? What are the solutions?

In my genre, the biggest challenge is AI and trying to find a way to keep creating without relying on it. I think the best solution is to continue to push for more limits on its usage and to push them to compensate artists who have had their work used without permission.

What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a photography niche or specialization in 2024?

Only do it because you love it.