"Ottawa's Most Trusted Photographer" ™
Ottawa Headshots
& Grad Photos
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - SORRY NO WALK-INS
Robin Spencer Speaking to Students and Camera Clubs
After 42 years in one of the most competitive professions on the planet I can tell you I'm in still in business full time, and happier than I have ever been. Really. Living and profiting through several recessions, you learn things. Seeing dozens, if not hundreds of my competitors just give up and close up shop, you learn things. I've learned that it has little to do with equipment, more to do with your skills, constantly re-inventing yourself and problem solving. Lessons that apply to any business.
I love talking photography, business and marketing. There is no charge to talk to high school photography classes or clubs. For camera clubs I ask for a $250 charitable contribution to The Salvation Army's Downtown Ottawa Soup Kitchen.
I was so fortunate to have studied under some of the great masters of our time. My mentors; Tibor Horvath (Toronto) who taught elegant posing, soft focus portraiture and how to get great portraits under any lighting condition.Tim Kelly (Florida) for his high quality fine art style of portraiture. And of course Bruce Hudson (Seattle) for teaching me his location and studio lighting and posing, plus customer service and studio marketing. I also learned so much at PPA's Winona International School of Photography in Chicago and also their Atlanta campuses.
Here's what photographers and professional associations are saying...
An Endorsement From Bruce Hudson...
"Robin is a freak of nature in the world of professional photography. He's extremely creative behind the camera and in his approach to marketing his craft. Robin has a way of cutting through the BS with his blunt humor, yet showing a true passion for the clients he works with and the people in his community.
Study with this man & you will take away the secrets that you'll need to become successful in any business."
Bruce Hudson
Mastercraftsman PPA,
Member of Camera Craftsmen of America
Here's What They Are Saying...
“ ...had the immense pleasure of being introduced to the clever and insightful world of Robin Spencer… a humorous and slightly irreverent look at this profession” …… “Robin delivered in spades…” , Ward Robertson, Exposure Ontario Magazine 1999
"A Master photographer, and masterful marketer, Robin Spencer's irreverent views on the state of our industry do not score points with those who have so heavily invested in maintaining the status quo. If you as a photographer are interested in economic viability and longevity you owe it to yourself to invest in a day with Robin. His levity and wit will make the learning experience entertaining, but no less poignant, and you'll walk away with a mindset and the tools necessary to thrive and prosper." Rene R.
“For someone with a great sense of humour, Robin’s no-nonsense approach to sales and profitability and a lot of cents ….. Robin had many ideas that you could take home with you... and right to the bank”. Toronto's Central Portrait Newsletter January 2000
“I think it’s his raw honesty that I love”, Aaron Reid, Scarborough Colour Lab Manager
"...a lot of very useful tips, techniques and strategies for successful marketing. Entertaining, witty, laced with dark sarcasm... ", Robert Provencher
"Excellent presentation learned a lot about owning a photography business.Thank you for coming in and talking to us", Alex Dell, High school business student
"Very informative and inspiring guest speaker when he came into my business class. Thank you Mr Spencer" Joel Bailey, High school business student
"Spencer came in to talk to my business class about his business model and experience over the years. Very Inspiring!!!" Donald Truong, High school business student
Speaking To Students
I really enjoy speaking to students. Here I am at the Entrepreneur and Business Management class at Cedar Ridge High School in Kanata.
It was nice to share some ideas about business and working for yourself. It was more of a discussion than a lecture so that made it very easy on my part. They students had some great questions and we had some laughs and I'd love to go back anytime.
My talk to high school business classes is motivational and humorous (well at least think I'm hilarious). They'll learn the three super simple steps to deciding on and starting their own business and why it's less risky to start now.
The 1-2-3's of Photographing People
Provided at no charge to Ottawa area high school camera clubs and photography classes.
Best lenses to use, best angles, cheap and easy lighting basics.
Contact us for more information.
Robin Spencer was interviewed by Genbook for their "Expert Series." Lessons learned from our 40 years in business.
"How This Entrepreneur Overcame Recession & Other Small Business Challenges:
A Q&A With Robin Spencer"
Robin's Professional Photography Awards and Recognitions
Master of Photographic Arts (awarded 1996)
Master's Gold Bar Recipient (1999)
Craftsman of Photographic Arts (awarded 1992)
Awarded Paul Harris Fellowship (Rotary International 2011)
Awarded National Formal Wedding Accreditation (PPOC 1987)
Awarded National Candid Wedding Accreditation (PPOC 1987)
Awarded National Portrait Accreditation (PPOC 1988)
National Award Winner (9 times)
International Award Winner (11 times)
International Award (Canada/USA) 2nd Place Wedding Category
National Level Ranked Judge (1996)
Awarded Qualified "Licentiate" Certificate (PPO 1986)
Awarded Qualified "Associate" Certificate (PPO 1992)
Wedding Photos featured on "Say Yes to the Dress" (2011)
A CHANNEL Viewers Choice Award 2006*
OTTAWA METRO Readers Choice Award 2010**
Readers Choice Best Wedding Photographer in Barrhaven/South Nepean 2010 & 2011***
* Top 3 Best Christmas Portrait Photographers in Ottawa
** Top 5 Best Photographers in Ottawa
*** BEST Wedding Photographer 2010 (Platinum Award)
*** BEST Wedding Photographer 2011 (Diamond Award)
Online Reviews
