Many years ago when our CEO started producing modeling portfolios and providing model management for upcoming models in the industry, the expert photographer behind the lens at RNB2 Photography, Robert Birge was well underway building his collection of stellar images of gorgeous models throughout Michigan and across the country. You might as well pull out one of those big TI-83 graphing calculators if you want to try to add up the number of models and shoots under his belt. Instead of that just take a glimpse into his view from behind the lens.

At what point did you know that you wanted to be a photographer?

I have been a lover of photography as long as I can remember. I used to burn up rolls after rolls of film taking shots of sunsets and wildlife in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan when on vacation. I actually fell into professional photography. I was just a guy with a camera, snapping shots of a friend next to a boat for a classified ad. Offers started pouring in shortly after that. I made some new friends. I met a couple other great photographers. While working with Dave Oke from Paladin Photography, he introduced me to Andy Greenwell. I ended up working with Andy for almost two years. Assisting him with his work, I learned a great deal about lighting.

Any obstacles you’ve had to overcome?

Getting established as a professional photographer was really hard. Being taken seriously and booking shoots was difficult at first. I spent the first year, shooting for free, building up my portfolio, just to get the word out I wasn’t some creep or scam artist. Word of mouth advertising is the greatest though. Referrals from models and companies I have shot for have done very well for me.

What makes a successful photographer?

It takes professionalism, creativity, a good sense of humor, determination to succeed and obviously, knowing how to work with a camera and light.

Who would you say was your favorite client to work with?

Too many! I really like to have fun at work and my job now is a blast! If I had to narrow it down, it would have to be my Lake Michigan Group Shoots. They started with me taking a few models from WMU to Holland, Michigan to shoot on the beach.  Now… I have 25+ photographers and 50+ models coming to my next beach shoot in June. It is an opportunity for other photographers, models, hair stylists and make-up artists to network and work with others in their field all weekend. It really is a great weekend and I walk away exhausted, but having had a great experience.

What is the worst part of your job?

Not having a really steady income. I have been fortunate, I have seen several studios fail. But it takes a lot of work to bring in the business, shoot, and finish each project. I have to do all of the jobs myself. If I hired someone to help, there would be two of us wondering about next week’s dinners

Have you photographed any high-profile clients?

I guess it depends on your definition of High Profile. A couple of the cast members are involved in a video game that already has a worldwide following: Warriors Of Elysia. (The next edition is soon to be released). I have worked with Danielle Richardson, who has been on the Playboy Cyberclub, Axe promos, and a few other projects.

Any future goals as a photographer?

Always have bigger and better goals. Everything in my life has been worked this way. I am always looking to learn more. I want to work with more people, strive to achieve my goals and set new ones for the future. I would love to contribute on a regular basis to a magazine.

Where can readers find your work?

You can find links to my portfolio pages through my website, www.RNB2.com. I am on OneModelPlace #62600, MIOTalent #60, Model Mayhem #8552, Myspace and several other sites.

Anyone you’d like to thank for helping you get to this point in your photography?

Wow, so many! There are numerous photographers, models and friends, David Oke from Paladin Photography is one. He’s a good friend and the two of us have worked together on many occasions.  Andy Greenwell is another. He has taught me so much about lighting and shooting. Many, many models who have been with me from the beginning and given me the chance to better my skills. Brit, was my first serious model. Without her I probably never would have taken this seriously. She has done so much over the years to inspire me to improve, be creative and keep on trying new ideas.