We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Purchase II and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Robert, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my work ethic and the hunger for knowledge. I’m obsessed with my craft and I put that over everything. I know my strengths and weaknesses and I’m constantly working to improve in every aspect that I can whether that is finding the best angles to shoot at, finding the perfect composition for my shots, figuring out the best lighting setups and color combinations, etc. I am a student of the game, I’m always open to tips and advice from others, every little thing helps. I’m always studying my work and studying other work from other photographers and videographers, I even started diving into old film directors, learning the different styles and techniques that others use to film or shoot. I also study and watch others who are more successful than me and I love to analyze their strengths and what they use to make themselves stand out from the rest and I take little things from each person and add it to my bag and throw my own touch to it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m really just proud of myself and my growth. Last year, I was still trying to figure out the path that I was going to take with my photography , I was shooting in Automatic for the first half of that year and started learning how to shoot manual and all the rules that come with it during the summer. I only shot one time in studio, it was a new experience for me and I didn’t know a thing about studio lighting. I shot one visual as well and was new to that as well. As of right now, I’ve shot 6 music videos and a couple of visuals. I’ve shot in studio a whole bunch of times and I’ve began to learn how to properly set up lighting for my shoots, Everything from recieving pointers from others and me just studying has helped me get to where im at now. I’m more confident in myself, my work and my ability to give my clients the end results that they want work wise. Art is becoming apart of my everyday life, As I said previously, I started diving into old films and studying film directors for my videography, I’ve been studying colors and color theory. I’m going to start learning how to draw, paint etc. I’m not going to make those things a MAIN focus but I know all of those activites will help me stay inspired to create, stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. I know this will help me out in the long run.
Just know that my time is coming . Just give me a couple of years and you will see me signing my name to become a member of the @collectivegllry. The first “Record Label Style Company for Photographers” created by @thecamkirk.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still becoming familiar with the city of Atlanta myself so I don’t really know too many places, to be honest, I still need to do some exploring myself. I would show them some of the go-to locations that I use for photoshoots or video shoots, Krog Street Tunnel and Market, Ponce City Market, visit Wish and Heat in Lil Five Points and the BeltLine, check out Centennial Olympic Park and The High Museum of Art. We could fade to Buckhead too but I’m not really a bar or club type of person so we would really just be chillin’ and probably get some food. I would make them eat at Helens Hot Chicken in Lil Five. I am going to start getting out and exploring more and finding more spots once things somewhat go back to normal with this whole Covid situation.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my Mom and my Dad, they play a big role in my success and have helped me tremendously along the way. Shoutout to my brother @Jxrichh, been there from the beginning, My shooter @ElijahJVisual, My boys back at home Vince, Tyriq, and Zeke for always showing support and love. My Brother Gio @Blvckprvnt, for showing love and plugging me in for work opportunities, My Brotha 2Gs @coldcooper8, for the love and support, @whoiskaid and @zekeedafreak__, we got some heat coming soon. My roommate @biggerdreamsuno and the squad, Justin, Moose, Ced @bdm1k_, and others for the support, plugging me for opportunities. Shoutout to the Collegiate 100 Men of CSU @collegiate100csu, joining that organization has helped me grow in many ways and I’m thankful for the connections and support from those guys.
Website: https://shotzbyblvck.myportfolio.com/work
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7lvck_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/7lvck_
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNw-6mbi708UzbE11unYwIg
Image Credits
@7lvck_ @elijahjvisuals