Passion and professionalism: Winning formula for Rob Photography

UNTIL recently, photography was not a respected profession; it was somehow seen as a job for dropouts and people were not willing to pay much for the services of photographers.

Fast forward to today and it has become a lucrative venture with many people now taking it up.

Although the field is fast becoming saturated, only those who do excellent work are getting the big jobs and one such person is Robert Abban, CEO of Rob Photography, who in the relatively short time he has been in the business, has established himself as one of the foremost celebrity and event photographers in the country.

They say follow your passion and that is what Rob, as he is usually called did. Photography has been his passion since he was a little boy and despite the negative perception attached to the profession, he did not relent so it is not surprising that he has become successful at it because he has poured his heart into it.

Sarkodie is one of Rob Photography's clients

Events
Since he made the decision to pursue his passion full time about five years ago, Rob’s lenses have captured some of the biggest entertainment events in the country.

These include the Bhim Nation Concert, Sarkodie’s Rapperholic Concert, the Golden Movie Awards, Ghana Music Awards UK among a host of others.

He also counts Shatta Wale, Osei Kwame Despite,  Abeiku Santana, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, George Britton, Keche, Anita Owusu of Fashion Gh, D Cryme, Chemphe among others as clients.

For him, photography is flourishing today because of the efforts of young people.  “In the past, many young people shied away from photography just because they felt the profession was reserved for the unemployed.

“That was the reason photographers earned the nickname, “photoo.” However the story is very different now thanks to the exploits of many young people.

"They have managed to make the profession a viable one and are making a good living out of their talent. Any parent will be proud to let their children pursue photography today,” he said.

Increased Demand
He added that Ghanaians are also beginning to understand the value of capturing their precious moments despite the prevalence of digital cameras and mobile phones.

“Almost everyone has a mobile phone with a camera but the truth is Ghanaians understand that to capture their truly precious moments they need to hire a professional.

That is the reason photographers are always present at birthdays, awards, outdoor and indoor events, during pregnancyand after birth shoots to pre and post wedding photo shoots among others,” he stated.

Passion may have brought him but Rob says it is professionalism which has endeared him to numerous celebrities and the reason why he keeps being invited to shoot events.

“For me professionalism is at the forefront of everything I do and that is what sets me apart from all others. The work always comes first and despite many difficult moments I always make sure the satisfaction of my clients is achieved,” he said.

Rob is a graduate of Asuansi Technical School, NVTI and Zepto Professional Institute and credtis his mother for supporting his decision and helping him get to where he is today.

Currently the editor for 30minitz Live, Rob said his goal is not only to leave his mark on the photography scene in Ghana but across the world as well.
 “I think photography has the potential to put Ghana on the map globally and although only a few Ghanaian photographers are known internationally we can still make an impact on the world stage,” he said.

Rob’s advice to young people in the creative sector is for them to pursue their passion even though they might face some difficulties.

“The creative sector is one of the most challenging sectors for young people to break through but the truth is with determination and hard work it is possible to turn your passion into  lifelong employment,” he said.

Besides photography, Rob’s hobbies are video editing and cinematography.