Bio: As a staff photographer for Sports Illustrated, Robert Beck has covered numerous sporting events inluding the Olympics, NHL, MLB, NBA, PGA and pro surfing tours. He’s also served as the senior staff photographer for Surfer magazine and a contributor to Life Magazine.
Awards:
2010 NPPA Best of Photojournalism – Sports Feature – Honorable Mention
2010 POY – Sports Portfolio – Award of Excellence
“I don’t keep track of awards. The magazine enters them for me and I win, place or show once in a while. I’ve won 1st in sports picture/POY and a few thirds this year but I couldn’t even accurately name for what. If I like my own picture that is award enough.”
Web Site and Forum:
http://www.robertbeckphotography.com
http://www.sportsshooter.com/beck
Q & A:
Q: What’s your one best piece of advice for how a college photographer can prepare now for success in the workplace/marketplace after graduation?
A: Learn the value of determination, dedication and hard work. The world will not wait for you.
Q:If there was one mistake you could take back in your career path, what would it be?
A: I find it hard to look that way (backwards). Every assignment is a learning experience. You have to keep adding what you learn to your “files.”
Q: What technical skills for photographers will be valued in the coming decade?
A: Computer wizardry and digital video editing.
Q: With so much devoted toward new technical skills these days, how can photographers best also focus toward strong, meaningful content?
A: Technology has always been part of the process. It will always be changing too. That does not mean you will lose sight of the artisitic side of projects. You might apply it in a different manner but the creativity is still there.
Q: What are the names of two or three photographers whose work you presently admire?
A: I have always liked the work of Lebowitz and Seliger. My assistant, Kohjiro Kinno is quite good as well.
Q: When you look at portfolios of up and coming shooters, what do you most look for?
A: Backgrounds are always my starting point. If the shooter has a good eye for background, composition is next. I really appreciate the design of the frame.
Q: How did you get where you are today?
A: It wasn’t easy. I actually started out as a teacher. I graduated college with a degree in history and took pictures during my free time. I developed an interest in surfing and spent most of my time shooting surfers and refining my photo skills. Before I knew it, I was shooting for surfer magazine and was making enough money to quit teaching. Sports Illustrated came a few years later. My work with surfer magazine opened the doors to shoot my first assignment with SI in 1986. The rest is history…
Interview by Kevin McMahon
