Name: Robyn Thompson
Year: Sophomore
Major: Fine Arts
Hometown: Beaverton, OR
As Maya Angelou put it, “people will never forget how you made them feel.” Robyn Thompson is one of those people you can never forget. She not only cares and motivates others around her, but her life thus far and her drive for the life she wants is awe-inspiring. With multiple jobs under her belt, her current employment is with Banfield Hospital as a client service coordinator. This job requires both compassion and commitment. Working at Banfield is much more than being surrounded by animals all day- that is definitely just a perk. It is with this job that she is able to sustain a life for herself and attend the University of Oregon as a full time student. But, as much as her work ethic and independence are inspiring, it is her passion for what she can do with a camera that not only inspires, but also impresses. Even though she wasn’t able to continue her higher education after having been accepted into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she continued to pursue her love for photography here in Eugene. She has been taking pictures and doing shoots since arriving here on campus, all of them making their way to her blog; however, this past summer marked the creation of R&H Photography. Since then, Robyn has been doing shoots here in Eugene, Beaverton, Portland, and even Seattle. They range from weddings and anniversaries, to innovative and wild. Not only can you see the skill within her work, but you can also see the passion and love she has for photography in every frame. Her latest project called “Project Real” is exemplary of the motivational and realistic attitude that Robyn has on life. Careers within the art world are hard to achieve, but this girl is a prime example of someone willing to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true.
HCO: Why did you start R&H photography?
I started R&H in the effort to jumpstart what I wanted to do for my future career. It wasn’t an easy start trying to get business and spreading what I do, but it’s nice knowing people appreciate me, and what I can do for them.
HCO: Have you always had a passion for photography?
I have always loved art. If you looked back at my “preschool future job” projects, they’d all say I wanted to be an artist. But, it wasn’t until about 3 years ago that I really took up photography and it has been a focus ever since then.
HCO: Tell me about your work on “Project Real” and what it is.
Project Real is what I believe in. With social media today people pick and choose who they are and what they do, how they act and who they want to be. I believe it’s a front, fake, and a whole lot of nonsense in a world that is so off-balanced as it is. So I started Project Real, first on Facebook, where I’ve been posting my work that originates around my emotions, aspirations, and truths. I show people who I am in a raw natural form, because I know I’m not alone. I love posting work that is relatable to people who are quiet and closed off. People aren’t alone and I know so many people think that. My main goal with project real is to show truth, and that we are all human. It’s to say that you don’t have to gloat over new Nike’s on Instagram even if you had to save four paychecks to get them.
HCO: What has been one of your favorite shoots so far?
My favorite shoots have been the shoots that challenge me. I constantly revise what I do and end up hating all of it because I know I can do better. New concepts and ideas, new perceptions; I love changing how people see things in the general form. Currently I’ve been working with a lot of boudoir style shoots, and I’m very excited to keep pushing forward in the genre.
HCO: Where do you hope R&H takes you?
I know R&H will give me a platform. It’s a growing portfolio that documents me, what I believe, as well as my changing style and talent.
HCO: What has your journey been like pursuing a career in photography?
It’s a challenge pursuing photography, as there are so many styles and aspiring artists out there and the job pool can’t accept them all. I take it as another motivational force that pushes me to work harder and learn more.
HCO: Where do you hope to see yourself some day?
I love making people happy and I love documenting life: the good and the bad. I want to be known for how real I am, as well as my work. I use editing programs as the final touch, not the retouch, because I can’t stand the altered images society has grown to seek normality in. I sincerely hope to change that one day.
Check out her blog http://robyncait.blogspot.com! And to contact Robyn for a shoot: (503) 956-7721