NOT JUST A ”PICTURE MAN” -JMG INTERVIEWS

With all the pictures that are posted here on a daily basis, Robert Cooper’s pictures appear more than just pictures, perople here actually like his work. An unno know that is an unsual thing here on JMG. His pictures are always clear, always focussed and do actually make the person appear beautiful..at least to me. Well here is a little something about Robert Cooper. Endorse and Enjoy:-

When someone looks at your pictures the first thing they ask is ”Who took these pictures” and with that I ask , who is Robert Cooper?

Who is Robert Cooper? I’m a variety of things, I’m conscious, I’m a Pan-Africanist, I’m a photographer, a journalist, a nerd, and a movie and music buff

 

 Looking at your photographs it is clear that they are more than just photos , the art and clarity that goes into them states more than the obvious, when did your love for photography begin?

 I’ve always loved photography, starting when I was younger I would look at books and magazines for the photos, as well as album covers. It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I learned I had the talent for photography.

Who is the man behind the photographs, the man behind the lens, opposed to Robert Cooper the person?

 How long have you been taking professional pictures?

I have been a photographer for about 5 yeas, but I wouldn’t call the first two years professional, then it was just something I was learning.

Is photography a natural talent for you or were you trained in the art of photography?

 It is definitely a natural talent. No disrespect for those who go to school, but I feel that you can’t teach art, and if I went to school, I doubt my photos would be as good, because I would be a text book photographer instead of someone looking to take risks and change it up.

 

 

 

 

My site is contraversial , most people think its negative but I must say when your pictures are put up pthe reaction from people are less about the person in the photographs and more about the quality of your work. How does that make you feel?

 Anytime someone likes my photos, it makes me feel good. I want people to enjoy, and talk about the people in the photos whether it’s good or bad. I’ve been told several times that I make ugly people look good. I don’t know about that, but I hope to make everyone look good. p.s. I like your site, and for those who worry about being on it, if no one is talking about you, then you are doing something wrong.

Are you where you want to be in your career as a Photographer, what is your dream?

 I am not where I want to be in my career as a photographer right now. What I want is to do high end fashion magazines, music artist promotional pix and album covers, take pix for music magazines, and books.

 What is the most challenging part of your work?

 Behind my lens I see people who want to be seen, people who are ignored by mainstream society, and wish to be validated in the surroundings that they know.

 

 Who influenced your love for the art of photography and who encouraged its persuit?

 I am influenced by Gordon Parks a great Black photographer, and Francis Wolff who took photos for the jazz label Blue Note. But my mother is the one who bought me my first camera, changing my life forever.

 

 

 

 

 What kind of camera do you use for your photoshoots?

 I have a Nikon D300.

 I am impressed by your humilty behind your talent, who is your favorite person and why?

Well thank you, I am a very low key person and I stay humble. I have a lot of favorite people, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Fela Kuti, and Barry Sanders (whom I get my humbleness from) among others.

 

Last but not least, my site is mostly about dancehall, what do you think about dancehall’s past, present and future?

As I said, I am a music buff, and I started listening to dancehall in the late 80’s, and in that time the music has definitely changed tremendously. I think today the music is definitely more slack, and is influenced way too much by Hip-Hop. Now I love Hip-Hop, but I want Hip-Hop to be Hip-Hop, and Dancehall to be Dancehall. But I am happy to see the popularity of Dancehall increasing, and how it is influencing other genre’s of music. I think the future we’ll see the music getting even more creative and experimental.