Robbie Dark
Robbie Dark is a photographer based in Jersey, Channel Islands. He grew up here, and his work is inspired by a childhood spent by the beach. His work whispers bold words, and he looks for quiet spaces, strange light, moments in-between where the beauty found is subtle and discreet. He creates emotive, visceral and timeless imagery.
“Make time to figure out the sort of work you’re really into, and develop your personal style."
Tell us about your path to setting up your business and what motivated you?
I grew up in Jersey and had a camera in my hand since I was 12. I haven’t put it down since. Work came organically through sharing my work online, and doing work for family and friends. I remember standing in St. Ouen’s Bay on a crisp clear winters day as swell rolled in and everything clicked, everything felt right. There was something fascinating about the process of photography.
How do you work and what is a typical day like for you?
Each day varies. My favourite days are working alongside a team on-location, shooting in-water content, and shooting personal work. In the summer my energy is focused on commercial work, and editing. And if I’m on a trip it’s shoot, edit, sleep, repeat.
What are the best parts about your business?
The freedom. It can be empowering as well as intimidating depending on how you look at it. The endless potential for growth. The endless learning curve. Working with lots of different people. Being outside. The joy that comes from sharing your work with others. Giving people prints, and of course being based in Jersey.
What has been your greatest struggle as a business owner so far?
The fear of not knowing what next month will bring, and the fluctuation in income. I don’t think these things have gone away, but the pressure has eased off. The first few years were hard. But I’m aways learning, and have developed a thicker skin. You find out what you need. For me, it’s having a focus, a community of people around me and from a practical point of view, a financial safety net to buffer the inevitable peaks and troughs in income. Creativity must have space to flow.
What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?
The necessity of community.
Do you have any advice for other small business owners?
Being 23, I still feel I should be the one taking advice! This is what works for me: I love the freedom of this job, but miss the security of a 9-5 so I look for ways to create structure, and security. I learnt that going freelance isn’t necessarily a leap of faith but rather a slow transition. A transition that comes from necessity, where you can no longer manage to do both your original job, and the freelance work at the same time. I aim to have a financial safety net i.e three months living expenses to take the pressure off. And, I'll try and ask myself the difficult questions like, is there a clear market need for my product/service? Do I need to get a side job if things slow down? Do I need support? Do I need to go surfing?!
What currently inspires you?
Australia. Italy. Art. 35mm film photographers. Beautiful cinematography.
Anything else you would like to share?
Avoid idle time and just do. Create momentum, and go with the flow of the work. Make time to figure out the sort of work you’re really into, and develop your personal style.
You can contact and find me here
