Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Litrenta.
Robin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Documenting life and storytelling has always resonated with me. My grandmother gifted me a Kodak Instamatic camera when I was five and I quickly began capturing images of my family’s outings to the park, local attractions or day-to-day events. I love details and how they help tell a story. So, rather than just photographing people’s smiling faces, I capture their interactions, emotions, and nuances. The silliness between young siblings or the way a mom brushes hair out of her son’s eyes is important details as they help document the connective story between people. The same is true for places. When I kneel down to photograph a cobblestone street or pull back to show a graffiti mural, I feel I am capturing the essence of a location.
Photography became more meaningful when my children were born. I documented moments both large and small. First smiles, first steps, the first day of school are all there, but so are muddy playtimes, snacks with pals in a homemade fort and giggle-filled sibling whispers.
In early Fall 2003, we hired a local photographer to take our first family portraits. These images were intended to not just document our family, but also serve as artwork for our home. Soon after, my husband began to not feel well and two months later he received a devastating cancer diagnosis. The next four and one-half years were peppered with surgery, treatment, and hospitalizations. But they were also filled with birthdays, little league, soccer, swim meets, playdates, family game nights, bubble baths, dress up, school plays, etc. The reality of how fleeting life is hit me hard but I was determined to document all the sweet moments in between the difficult times.
My family sat for another portrait session in Fall 2007, but this time, our eight-month-old puppy joined us. Those new images along with the original portraits gave me more perspective and solace to my children after their dad died.
Because I know first-hand how fleeting life is, I shoot with the intention to produce images showing my clients’ interfamily connections and love. I ask a lot of get-to-know-you questions when a client books me to establish a pre-session comfort level for the client. The resulting images show genuine smiles and soulful connections.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Photography is a subjective art. One of my biggest struggles has been self-doubt, but having work recognized and published by industry blogs, plus receiving positive feedback from the photographer community affirms this is the work I am supposed to be doing. As a self-taught photographer, I put a high priority on continuing to educate myself. I attend conferences and local shoot-alongs, read industry magazines, take online classes and ask questions to photographers who are further along the road than me. It was also important to find my tribe. I am a big believer in the community over competition and have found other like-minded photographers who understand there is room for each of us as we each bring our own artistry to the marketplace. For someone just beginning, ask questions, learn how to read light, kept taking photos and ask for constructive criticism to help develop your skillset.
Please tell us about Robin Litrenta Photography.
I specialize in natural light photography and primarily shoot during golden hour—the hour before sunset. Reading and correctly using light is critical and the soft glow during golden hour only enhances emotions captured in my sessions. I offer my clients a small boutique of services beginning with their first phone call. I provide an online questionnaire, chat with them over the phone and/or in person, provide wardrobe tips, discuss the flow of the shoot and show them sample images to ensure our visions for the photos align. My shoots are calmly paced, engaging and fun, but if someone needs a break, we take it. Approximately two to three weeks post-shoot, we meet again for the client’s viewing session, and during this time, many clients chose to order photos for their home from my recommended professional labs. For many of my clients, too many years have passed since they had professional portraits taken. I am always honored when I am hired to capture their story but my biggest thrill is their emotional reaction when viewing their finished images.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Many women, especially us moms, have a tendency to put ourselves last. I firmly believe in the importance of showing up for yourself and tactfully pushing forward to develop your skillset and achieve goals. It is important to understand asking for help and guidance along the way is not a sign of weakness, but actually a critical step in personal or professional growth. Some women step back and defer to men despite being equally or more qualified for a job. Having confidence in your work and being tenacious will help open doors to build your brand.
Pricing:
- I offer sessions for families, children, and couples, as well as individual sessions, which are ideal for seniors, headshots or mom-to-be only sessions.
- Family sessions: 60 mins, approximately 40 images, up to 5 people; start at $400
- Children sessions: 30 mins, approximately 25 images, through age 16 for an individual child or group up to five; start at $275
- Individual sessions: 45-60 mins, approximately 35 images, start at $325
- Couple sessions: 60 mins, approximately 40 images, start at $375
Contact Info:
- Phone: 858-776-2654
- Email: robin.litrenta@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlitrenta
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinLitrentaPhotography
Image Credit:
Robin Litrenta Photography
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