Meet Robert Peterson | Architectural and Interior Design Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Peterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I love my work, but nothing matters more to me than being a dad. As a single father to two young daughters, I recognize how critical it is to be present and engaged during these formative years. To make this happen, I’ve restructured my schedule and brought in support, allowing me to consolidate my projects into two focused weeks each month. During the remaining weeks, my bookkeeper and editor handle the backend, which lets me fully step into my roles as dad, homeschool teacher, playmate, and steady presence for my girls. This setup gives me the balance I need to excel in both my work and family life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m an interiors and architectural photographer based in Atlanta, and while I know there are many talented photographers with stunning portfolios, I believe it takes more than just great work to truly stand out in this industry. My approach has always centered on the idea that people invest in people. Crafting a positive, relaxed, and seamless experience on set is as important to me as delivering beautiful images.

Working with designers and architects is a joy; I’m a people person, and being on set with my clients is where I thrive. I want each person I work with to feel not only confident in the final images but also genuinely valued and appreciated throughout the process. I’m proud that clients like Matthew Quinn and Vern Yip trust me with their vision, and I’m excited about continuing to foster relationships in the industry that are built on trust, creativity, and collaboration.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in the suburbs of Atlanta, and when I’m not working or schooling my daughters, we’re usually out doing something active. If I had a friend visiting for a week, I’d want to give them a taste of our favorite spots. We’d start with a workout at Crossfit 11:24 to get energized, then head over to Stone Summit Climbing to tackle some rock walls and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

For outdoor adventures, we’d hit Soap Creek for a scenic hike or spend a day exploring the trails and lake views at Red Top Mountain. I’d also take them to our family’s lake house and farm property in West Georgia for some peaceful time by the water, paddleboarding or kayaking, followed by a bonfire in the evening.

For meals, we’d mix it up with a few local favorites—perhaps brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen, lunch at Taqueria Del Sol, and a dinner at Kimball House for a memorable dining experience. By the end of the week, they’d get a real feel for the active, nature-filled lifestyle we enjoy here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly believe there’s no such thing as a self-made individual. We’re each a reflection of the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped us. For me, there are countless people and chance moments that aligned to help me build the career I have today. Early on, when I was married, my wife and I fell into wedding photography almost by accident. Neither of us had formal training, but a couple took a chance on us, giving us our first big opportunity, which led to a decade of full-time wedding photography.

Around the same time, I was working as a personal trainer and happened to connect with interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn. He saw some of my work and invited me to photograph a few of his smaller projects. Those opportunities with Brian were a launchpad for me to build a portfolio and establish myself in the industry. Today, I’m grateful to work with incredible clients like Matthew Quinn, Vern Yip, and Jessica Webber, and to collaborate with talented peers like Suzanna Hamilton. These individuals, along with so many others, have been vital to my journey, each offering invaluable encouragement, trust, and opportunity.

Website: https://rusticwhiteinteriors.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rusticwhiteinteriors

Image Credits
Robert Peterson / Rustic White Interiors