Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Kolk.
Robyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for documenting my life because when nostalgia hits, it’s always so fun to look back on the times you’ve shared with the people you love most. In 2017, I was in a relationship I thought would last forever, so when it ended I was devastated. After a time of grieving, I realized I never chose to pursue anything solely for myself. When I considered what I really loved to do, photography was an obvious answer. I wanted to love myself more than I had in the past so I decided to purchase a DSLR camera and improve my hobby. Shortly after that purchase a friend got engaged and I asked if I could take some photos of them. To both of our surprise, they turned out great and they asked if I would shoot their wedding. I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous, but I did it! And I loved it! I consumed any and all education the internet had to offer. That is when I found a photography retreat where I could learn the business side of things as well as build my portfolio with a few style shoots. After I came home from this retreat, I decided to go all it. I now had the basics down and the tools I needed to start a business. I incorporated as soon as I got home. After a year of working a full-time job while growing up my photography business on the side, I decided to go all in.
In 2018, I became a full-time photographer. All of this happened in Charlotte, North Carolina. A little over a year ago, I felt the pull to continue pursuing my dreams and made the move to Austin. I knew it would be tough to transfer my business here after building such a strong client base in Charlotte, but Texas is where I was born to live. I had already proven to myself that I can do hard things, so I knew this would be possible as well. I had one friend in the city when I moved. Making friends in the business was one of my top priorities. I reached out to other photographers on Instagram, asking if they wanted to be friends and grab coffee. It was a successful endeavor! Once I had met a good number of fellow photogs, I decided to start a little community group where we meet once a month in my home, sharing our successes and struggles, and we have a group chat where we share any questions or jobs with each other. It’s so great to have this group of friends since it can be lonely working for yourself. Today I am focusing on shooting more locally because I love the Texas culture so much! Give me all the cowboys! It’s been a journey of ups and downs, and I’ve loved every minute of it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but I would say the road has always lead me in the right direction. It took a break up for me to realize I could start a business of my own. It took the loss of work at the beginning of the pandemic for me to take a leap of faith and move my business to Austin. It took courage to reach out blindly to other photographers to meet up for coffee, but now I have a solid community I can reach out to. I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, thinking I’m not good enough or worth the investment. Through it all, I have become better, stronger and more confident in myself and my craft.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I photograph people, specializing in families, couples, and weddings. I most proud of photographing Kenny Barnes’ proposal at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was featured in People Magazine! My documentary style of shooting is what sets me apart from other photographers. I love capturing moments as they happen, storytelling through emotion-filled photographs.
What’s next?
My plans for the future include mentorship options for other photographers starting their businesses and wanting to level up their images. I’m really looking forward to creating a coffee table style book that will include portraits of local cowboys paired with their ranch stories.
Pricing:
- Families starting at $550
- Couples starting at $650
- Weddings starting at $3950
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@robyndawnphotos.com
- Website: www.robyndawnphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robyndawnphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynkolk
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/robyndawnphotos/_created/
Image Credits:
Robyn Dawn Photos
