Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Hammer.
Rob, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’m a self-taught photographer originally from up-state New York. Moved out here about 10+/- years ago and just kinda bummed around doing random bullshit jobs. During that time the only constant was photography. I always loved it, and knew after enough miserable years sitting in an office working for other people that photography was the only way. So I started shooting a bit more seriously trying to build up a portfolio, and eventually started showing it around. Slowly received little assignments here and there, but nothing great. Still though, I kept pushing and pushing and naturally found myself in the “advertising” world of sports, shooting a lot of professional athletes. It was great for a while, but I grew tired of all the politics that surrounds so much of the advertising world, and started working on my own long term projects. There are still aspects I love about commercial work and continue to do some of it if the fit is right, but my focus has definitely switched more to adventure and documentary work. When I’m not shooting commercially, most of my time is spent on the road (with my dog Mojo) shooting personal projects that I later turn into a book, prints, or license the images commercially. In a given year, I’ll drive about 40k miles to all different parts of America.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
There are a couple different types of images that I create. In the commercial world I make images of professional athletes for brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, etc., which help them sell their products. Secondly, I’m a big fan of what most people call “adventure” photography. Mostly because it’s a lifestyle that I enjoy living, and hope that the images will motivate people to get out and enjoy that lifestyle as well. Lastly, I spend a large amount of time on the road working on personal projects that have more of a fine art/documentary feel. Most recently I published a book called “Barbershops of America -Then and Now”; a documentation of the disappearing traditional barbers in all 50 states of the USA as well as the explosion of “next generation” traditional barbers. I’ve always loved barbershops, and wanted to document that rich piece of America culture before it was all gone. It’s a way of preserving those places I suppose. Another long term series “The Basketball Hoops Project” is something I’ve been working on for 5+ years. Inspired by Larry Bird’s childhood hoop, I often see old decaying hoops during my road trips and wondering what kind of stories they could tell. During that time I have also been documenting small town America, to show people the often overlooked of forgotten pieces of our country. Its project I’ll probably work on forever. And most recently, I have been documenting the commercial fishing world, a “job” that has intrigued me for some time. I appreciate what they do, and the certain freedom that their lifestyle affords them. It’s also something that most people don’t get to see behind the scenes of, so I like to share that.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
Depends how you look at it? On one hand, there have never been so many “photographers” in the world as there are now. Anyone with an iPhone or decent camera can call themselves a photographer and charge horrible rates, which only hurts the industry. On the other hand, there has also never been such a need for images as there is today. Brands need constant content for their websites, social media channels, advertising etc. There is a massive need for content just to keep up. So if you hustle harder than the next guy, there is no reason why you can’t succeed.
One thing that I would like to see change is more support between photographers. I think the industry does its share to help, but photographers on the whole do not. Of course there are some great shooters out there who are happy to help and share their knowledge. But for every one of those, there are a handful whose egos are too large or are afraid of the competition. It’s kinda sad. We should all be helping each other.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My website is the easiest place to see the work as well as Instagram.
@robhammerphoto
The barber shop book is available through the website, and fine art prints are available through Fathom Gallery in Los Angeles.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robhammerphotography.com
- Phone: (858) 869-7573
- Email: rob@robhammerphotography.com
- Instagram: @robhammerphoto
Dramatic portrait of Kobe Bryant
Portrait of professional boxer Canelo Alvarez in a gritty warehouse gym.
Image Credit:
Rob Hammer
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