“One of the things that I teach my team, is to diminish the amount of ‘un-controllables’ on a shoot - know your camera so well that nothing can throw you off…..”

We’re very grateful to have you and your studio as a part of Headshots Matter. We really enjoy viewing your social posts about your creative studio in Johannesburg.

Can you tell us a little bit about Robyn Davie Creative Studio and what have you’ve done in the past that has led you towards photography and creative entrepreneurship?

Thanks Dwayne - it's such a pleasure being part of the headshotsMatter family!

I've always lurked in the creative and entrepreneurial worlds - starting out working in the film industry as an art director and wardrobe stylist - and along the way reselling vintage clothing and my own jewellery line. I love being able to create things and then generate opportunity and growth using that process. About ten years ago, while living in Los Angeles, a friend of mine asked me to take his head shot - and it was the first time I shot anything professionally. These first photos were awful, to be completely honest, but I was hooked - I loved the inventive process involved within photography, and was lucky enough to have a big target audience within LA. It was a time of great discovery, testing out different shooting styles, learning as much as I could, and having a lot of fun with friends on out-of-the-box innovative shoots! Ten years later, and a return to my hometown of Johannesburg, and I now have a fifteen-member, all-female team, covering a variety of shoots, and a big natural light studio in Parktown North.

How do you cultivate an ongoing feeling of inspiration amongst your team?

This isn't easy, I'm not gonna lie. Life has certainly become heavier over the past few years, and there's a tricky balancing act between supporting team members through their own trials, while still maintaining overall team morale, and keeping one's own spirits boosted. It's one of the reasons why I have an all-female team - as we cultivate a supportive, understanding nature through the tough times, and a celebratory nature in the good times. Knowing we have each other's backs is a great feeling.

Besides weekly stand-up meetings, we also make sure to have team events at least every couple of months - ideally with a bit of yoga and meditation, and then the chance to just chat and bond over a glass of wine!

Your studio brand seems to be creatively interwoven into your own personal/professional brand. Can you tell us how being in front of the camera yourself, has given you perspective to the experience your clients have when they’re being photographed?

I think as a photographer it's incredibly important to be comfortable in front of a camera. When I was starting out, I spent countless hours with my camera on a tripod and a timer - shooting self-portraits - testing every possible setting on my camera - and testing out an endless array of poses and compositions. That time gave me a really good understanding of how pressured one can feel in front of a camera, and how to make clients feel comfortable and direct them into flattering poses. I truly believe that empathy is one of our best teachers.

Who would you love to photograph someday and why?

I officially retired from shooting for my own brand in 2019 - I have a whole team of associate photographers who cover all our shoots now. On the rare occasion, I'll pull out my camera to snap pics of friends or family - and I find a lot of joy and happiness right there - capturing my favourite loved ones.

We love the openness and the natural light of your studio. How do you decide when it’s best to photograph your clients in the studio vs a location environment?

Thank you! It's one of my absolute favourite places! We do prefer shooting at our own studio - Fynn Studio, as it has magical natural light all day long - perfectly diffused by big plexiglass doors. This gives us soft, gentle, flattering light to work with - which makes for fantastic photos. One of the things that I teach my team, is to diminish the amount of "un-controllables" on a shoot - know your camera so well that nothing can throw you off; limit your gear to only the most essential items so you're not endlessly scratching through your camera bag for an extra gadget; and familiarise yourself with how the light works and your shoot location so you know exactly the best spots to shoot in. Then it's easier to remain calm and focused on a shoot day, and easily handle whatever other hiccups may come up along the way. All of our team members absolutely love shooting at the studio - and know it so well - that we can guarantee excellent images within this space.

We'll shoot on a location if it's a specific business or look we're going for - a chef in a kitchen for example. These sessions are great as well - we love creating within a new space - especially one that is integral to telling the story of that client.

How critical is mindset when preparing for a photoshoot or a day leading your team - and is there anything you do specifically to prepare yourself?

I think mindset is everything. There is SO much going on in the world right now - and it's important as a leader and business owner not to get pulled down by all the negativity. A good night's sleep is step one - and then a quick yoga and meditation session each morning - even if it's only ten minutes of each - allows me the chance to ground myself and start the day on the right foot. I strive to be a fair and kind leader throughout the work day - and feel that starts with a grounded mindset.

Lastly, in your opinion, why do headshots matter?

Head shots are your way of showing up in the world - of saying, "hey, I exist". They're a chance to put your best foot forward, and show the person behind the business or brand. They can instantly bring a humanness to a big corporate website, capture the eye of a potential client, and remind users/followers that there's a heartbeat behind their computer.

We are so aware of how overcrowded and noisy today’s online space is - and aim to create fresh, bold, bright and eye-catching head shots, in order to stand out from the crowd.

Thanks so much Robyn, for the candid insight into your world. It sounds like a beautiful dance between entrepreneurship and creativity!

To learn more about Robyn Davie Creative Studio, please take a peak at their website: www.robyndavie.com

studiotalk

StudioTalk

Robyn Davie / Johannesburg, South Africa

“One of the things that I teach my team, is to diminish the amount of ‘un-controllables’ on a shoot - know your camera so well that nothing can throw you off…..”

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