Meet Robin Henson | People Photographer

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

Hi Robin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Quiet rooms are not for me – a creative environment is where I thrive!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Stepping into Atlanta fresh out of college, I jumped into a role as an E6 lab technician for Moakler Photographic located in Midtown, the center of a thriving community known as the photo district. Working there enabled me to establish connections and understand the photography industry. I had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some of Atlanta’s most prominent photographers at that time. It served as a hub for networking and forming connections with individuals whose work I deeply respected and admired.
I eventually shifted to freelancing and assisting and never looked back.

My proudest achievement over the decades is the enduring working relationships I’ve built with my clients. In the fiercely competitive world of photography, you have to be on top of your game. I attribute my success to listening closely to client’s needs, understanding what is required to carry out their vision and to be flexible, prepared and positive. My ultimate goal is to bring out the best in individuals and businesses and for everyone to have fun in the process.

In addition to a thriving headshot business, I also dedicate a significant portion of my efforts to corporate shoots and editorial photography. The bulk of my creations find their way into both web and print platforms.

A highlight for me is documenting a range of civil and social issues for Southern Poverty Law Center
Their mission to fight for justice and equity and combat white supremacy is one I strongly support – I jump when they call. (www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2018/stone-mountain-monumental-dilemma).
(https://www.splcenter.org/news/2016/02/12/settlement-reached-splc-case-highlighted-plight-transgender-prisoners)
It’s a true honor to see my image from the 2012 Sikh Vigil in Centennial Park included in the Morris Dees Legacy Fund Book: “Keeping the Dream Alive.” Additionally, I’m proud to have other images permanently showcased at their Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Alabama.

Don’t forget to help your friends – I take on photo requests from friends when time allows – more often than not, these collaborations turn into something truly remarkable!

I make a point to regularly return to personal projects, one of my favorites being “People in My Neighborhood.” It started way back in 1998 when my husband and I moved to East Lake. I began capturing my neighbors with my plastic Diana camera and have continued now digitally and upload to IG regularly.
Many special people and memories captured throughout the years.

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.
Ria’s Bluebird – I get there early to snag a table or a seat at the bar. All-day brunch including biscuits & rum-soaked French toast or their famous banana pancakes!

The High Museum of Art – It’s spacious, cool and quiet, I love their nicely stocked gift shop.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights –
This educational space shines a spotlight on civil and human rights. Its thoughtfulness and beauty are inspiring.

Jackson Fine Art – A must hit hub of high-end photography nestled in the middle of Buckhead.

Criminal Records in L5P ( www.instagram.com/criminalrecords/ ) – My besties own this place – extensive selection of vinyl, cds and comics, hard to find, collectable items and art – they also host impressive in-stores!

Mother Lode, Decatur Estate & Kudzu Antiques – These 3 gems offer hours of primo antique, vintage and mid century shopping opportunities.

Later spots –

Poor Hendrix (https://www.instagram.com/poorhendrix/?hl=en) is our go-to spot close to home – Covered patio & Bar 21+ offering amazing small plates, drink specials, entree’ specials, phenomenal desserts including a rice crispy treat made w/salted brown butter!

Plaza Atlanta Theatre – Atlanta’s oldest operating independent cinema and a cool place to catch a movie or the Silver Scream Spook Show https://www.silverscreamfxlab.com/spookshow!

Star Community Bar in L5P and The Earl in EAV are my favorite music venues.

Clermont Motor Hotel/Clermont Lounge Basement – Music, dancers, dancing, and late-night celebrities – bring your folding money and leave your cameras at home!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to a handful of fantastic individuals:

Shoutout to my father who gifted me my first 35mm SLR camera, a Canon AE-1.
To my sisters who chat me up while traveling from shoot to shoot in rush hour traffic.

Shoutout to my first photo teacher and remarkable artist, Sandra Garritano, an amazing woman who urged me to capture intriguing images while mastering all the technical intricacies of the camera. Her guidance also paved the way for me to pursue a photography degree, setting me on a rewarding career journey. (instagram.com/sandra_garritano)

Shoutout to Ruth Leitman, one of the first Atlanta photographers to hire me as an assistant.
Our time spent in her Cabbagetown studio, back when the neighborhood was quite different from today, was an absolute blast. Ruth photographed countless musicians, most memorable for me were the Rolling Stone shoots, George Clinton of Parliament/Funkadelic and Moe Tucker of The Velvet Underground. We also photographed the Indigo Girls for their album, “Swamp Ophelia” .
She has since relocated to Chicago where she teaches and continues to create inspiring documentaries. (ruthlessfilms.com)

A big shoutout to my enduring photo buddies, Kathy Wolfe (kathywolfe.com) and Dave Knox (instagram.com/davidknoxphoto/), they’ve been the rock-solid constants for many years.
From studio collaborations to location shoots, to teaching an array of classes at The Showcase School, we’ve not only worked hand in hand but forged an incredible bond.
In early 2000, Kathy, David and I opened Eyebox, a sweet studio space and darkroom in Oakhurst where we focused on our art and freelance business. Yes, there was a bullet hole in the window and yes, there was a floating mattress in the tiny, flooded basement when we first moved in but it soon became a hub of creativity, endless work, and endless laughter! We have all found success in our way and I’m not sure where I would be today without their creative energy and inspiration.

And finally, a huge shoutout to my husband Curtis. Not only is he my biggest fan, but also my IT/Photoshop guru and the one I can always rely on to take action when I leave home without my SD cards or light stands!

Website: robinhenson.com

Instagram: instagram.com/robin_henson_photographs/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/robinhenson/

Facebook: facebook.com/robinhensonphotos

Image Credits
Robin Henson’s headshot by Kathy Wolfe All other images by Robin Henson