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Meet Robert Tsai

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Tsai.

Robert, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I absolutely hated being in pictures. Not much has changed these days, but I am so thankful for the memories that had seemed so burdensome to create. In high school, I worked my first job as a cashier and saved to buy a little Sony digital camera. I would take pictures of anything and everything that caught my eye: terrible little still lifes, macro shots, people, cars and animals. Aside from playing sports and video games, taking pictures was a hobby that kept me creatively entertained. After getting my first DSLR in college, I was always snapping pictures of everyone and everything so we could look back and laugh at all of the stupid things we used to do.

My original plan was to get into pharmacy school while I was working as a pharmacy technician, but after two years I didn’t see myself having the same passion or desire for it as much as I thought I would. Knowing a restaurant company and an interior designer looking for new photography options at the time, I was given the opportunity to put my skills to the test. With some early success and constructive criticism, I had turned my hobby into paid work. Turning a fun and enjoyable hobby into serious work can sometimes take the fun out of things, but my passion for photography and competitive nature made it clear that I could thoroughly enjoy doing what I love as work.

Not being the typical medical or law student was a little frightening to reveal to my mom. However, my loving and supportive mother welcomed the idea with open arms. I would finish up my schooling at UTD with a marketing and business administration degree while photographing smaller jobs and numerous weddings throughout the years. I was given an incredible opportunity to work at a commercial photography studio as an assistant and second shooter, and after several years part-time and one and half years full-time, I decided I would try things on my own. It was a big leap, but the decision pushed me to grow and better myself to where I am today.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has had its fair share of challenges, but nothing worth having comes easy right? There have been plenty of moments of self-doubt, creative blocks, time-management and work-life balance issues throughout the years. I have my amazing wife to thank for always supporting and reassuring me during these times of hardships.
Learning from these challenges is a never ending process that has been shaping the way I create and handle business on a daily basis. There is always room to learn and improve, and this has helped push me past my comfort zones to continually grow.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Robert Tsai Photography – what should we know?
Whether it’s uniquely designed homes or offices, styled interiors or beautifully delicious food, my business focuses on delivering consistent, quality images for clients that need to market their incredible work and talents. Most of my work currently revolves around architectural, interior design and commercial food photography. It’s commonly described as clean and moody but lively at the same time.

It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to work alongside some of the top designers, brands and architects in the area and shooting for national restaurants and chains. Knowing that my images can help clients gain recognition locally and nationally is so rewarding and fulfilling.

I like to think that finding the little things and details that are commonly overlooked is something that sets me apart. Trying to see things from a unique and less common perspective keeps me on my toes, and it helps me convey scenes with feelings and emotions.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being my toughest critic has led me to some of my best work, and I am always looking to find better angles, light, or compositions that are picture perfect.

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