Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Ballesteros.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rob. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a 70’s child and grew up in Manila. My family traveled a lot. It would usually be a summer trip to Chicago, Buffalo NY, Florida or Subic Bay area where my family also had a summer place.
Traveling a lot and photography just came naturally to me. As far as can remember I was always thinking of how to capture scenes and memories. I was given my first Nikon Film FM10 camera by a family friend and the rest is history.
My earlier photos comprised of street photos, photographing friends and family, co-workers and landscapes. Fast forward a few years later, my camera handling skills were sharpened at the University of the Philippines, where I was privileged enough to earn a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, major in Visual Communications.
This landed me jobs as an account executive in multi-national advertising agencies in Makati City, here we produced magazine, print and billboard photo shoots along with TV commercial productions.
I’ve just started to venture into strobe lighting and portrait photography around two years ago. It rekindled my love for capturing light and shade using my camera.
Today I operate a small business in Fort Worth, Texas where I provide services for clientele that need headshots, model portfolios or personal prints.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, that’s funny. I think the ones that enjoy a smooth road to their goals are missing some key learning points. I have learned a lot during the times when I thought I wasn’t good enough and just took a back seat.
Family and life happened and there were people that discouraged me and let it affect my creativity. Then the digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras started making an appearance and got myself a Nikon D200, a basic DSLR. (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Camera. Back then it was still considered a no-no and frowned upon by the purists. This opened a whole new world for me. I still prefer the old school film look which will still show in some of my processing. The instant gratification of seeing what you captured and going back in for a different angle or look is so amazing and to me, there are always opportunities for more learning.
I consider myself a Vagabond and I think I have a gypsy soul. I like traveling off the beaten path and finding interesting people, places and things. People who do not sharpen their skills and sit back are missing out.
Those who follow or get led to the easier path to success usually triumphs and get stuck in a plateau. I consider myself still learning and evolving. I don’t consider myself a digital guru, I take photos and capture in cam as much as possible but I’m not opposed to giving my output some digital flair nowadays. Events are always challenging to me unless you have help like second/ third shooters and a whole crew. I tend to turn down events that have a tight time frame. Most of the potential event clients don’t agree with the gear we propose to use and make it foolproof. Doing fine art portraits and boudoir sessions are nice and so satisfying to me. The feeling of making (a) client/s near swoon over a portrait session product is so satisfying to me. I am not claiming to be the best in the area, but my team will slug it out with other outfits around here.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rob Ballesteros Photos story. Tell us more about the business.
“A new idea is a combination of two or more old ideas” – Mr. Abaya (Marketing Class) I like learning from multiple sources. Rob Ballesteros Photography Services is based on a small enterprise business plan. We have professionals on board like stand by second shooter photographers, and multi-awarded hair and make-up stylist for certain projects. We also have access to commercial photography studios. My current style is based on all 40’s to 50’s pinup, that led to glamming up pin-up style, then came the 60’s to 70’s, thanks to Playboy Magazine, Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner, this was when photo props were introduced into the mix and the glory days of “boudoir”. The capacity to provide commercial-grade photography services, while maintaining highly competitive package rates is one of our unique selling points. Being a small outfit means giving our clients greater customer service and the results are always a win-win situation. Our current clientele includes local fashion models, professional portraits or headshots, lifestyle photography, and we also offer boudoir services, along with various kinds of photography requested. We aim to have a relaxed environment before, during and after the photo session is done. We are punctual and professional. I think humanity would benefit if we all strive for a win-win situation in any situation.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
When these new mirrorless cameras become more consumer friendly and comparable to the DSLRs of today? I think this will be a game changer. Just like the time when DSLRs first showed up. Time will tell if the photos will finally look better than film produced images.
The shift towards mirrorless cameras might be in full swing and new talents honed in the millennial era will emerge. Hopefully, bringing the scene in the limelight again. It has already started by movies being produced with iPhones and phone photography is a thing nowadays. Maybe we will all learn new things from the future creatives that come out of these young blood evolving. At the end of the day, it boils down to the artist behind the camera. I know that is such a cliche for a photographer to say.
I half believe that honestly. Digital manipulation will probably be widely accepted and maybe boudoir will be celebrated again? We will see. Cheers Dallas!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3529 Kelvin Ave.
- Website: https://rob-ballesteros.com/
- Phone: 5042754334
- Email: portraits@rob-ballesteros.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_real_rob_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rob.Ballesteros.Photography
Image Credit:
Models: Julia Pryorr Bessler; Destanie Eastman; Emily McDaniel; Victoria Castillo; Hair and Makeup Artist for Destanie; Candace Marshall of Three Zero Six – Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry.; Hair and Make-up Artist for Emily; Sally Alvarez of Ark Beauty
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
