We recently had the chance to connect with Dylan Roberts and have shared our conversation below.
Dylan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think at all levels of photography imposter syndrome is really prevalent. No matter what skill level you may be at, there will always be someone with more experience or a different style than you. I think creatives tend to get really stuck in their own work, which can make us question our creative style sometimes. It’s important to step away from our work and sometimes find inspiration elsewhere, but to always continue developing our own creative style, which is what makes all artists respectively unique.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dylan Roberts, a photographer based in Nashville working primarily in music, fashion, and lifestyle. I spent 3-4 years shooting street photography in New York City as a hobby before ultimately quitting my job in architecture in 2023, as I was presented with an opportunity to tour with a music artist full time. In the two years I have been shooting professionally, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the country and the world shooting for music artists, modeling agencies, professional sports teams, and fashion brands.
Recently I’ve been splitting my time between domestic and international tours with rapper Yung Gravy, while using my time off tour to focus on editorial and fashion work, which is something I’ve really developed a passion for. Shooting fashion and portraits on the street in NYC had a really big influence in shaping my creative style, and I’ve felt really fulfilled developing my style further with the commercial projects I’ve been shooting. Right now, I’m focused on partnering with agencies and high-end fashion brands to expand further into editorial and fashion projects. A big goal of mine is to photograph fashion week in New York, Milan, and Paris.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My closest friends definitely saw my potential before I did. I set a really high bar for myself with things I pursue, which is a double edged sword that causes me to doubt my capabilities at times. I’m really grateful to have such a supportive group of friends and family that helped give me the confidence to pursue photography as a profession.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
So many beautiful things came from a time in my life when everything fell apart a couple years ago. In a matter of a few weeks, I lost my job, my life savings, and I was hospitalized for a severe leg injury. Despite all of this, I knew I had to keep my head on straight, and this time cleared a lot of space for me to think about what I really wanted to do with my life, and what career path would give me the most fulfillment. That period of time taught me so much about self belief and the ability to get through hard times. I look back now with so much gratitude all of those things happened, as it cleared space for some beautiful opportunities that allowed me to step into a career path that has given me so much freedom and fulfillment.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you need the newest and most expensive gear to take better photos. Yes, there’s definitely a point where equipment makes a difference, but I think mastering the fundamentals is the most important part of developing as a photographer. Some of the most talented photographers I have encountered are shooting on camera systems that are 10-15 years old, even more. If you have the budget to afford high quality camera systems that’s great, but i credit so much to what I have learned from shooting on an old, beat up camera body with one cheap prime lens.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Environment is a huge factor – having quiet and peaceful space to create, and being in a beautiful place is important to me. Being surrounded by people I’m inspired by and have similar values also gives me a deep sense of peace. Every year I try and take a week or two at a time for a creative reset and unplug from screens, which really helps me revisit my work from a refreshed perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dylanrobertsphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylansnapped/?hl=en
