Hi, I’m Rob!
Photographer. Neurodivergent. Twenty-six year partner to a beautiful soul. Parent to a kiddo almost as tall as me. Dog dad of two. I live for my partner’s laughter and my kiddo’s hugs; have a deep reverence for the ephemeral; desperately miss living in Hong Kong; and could easily make a habit of eating more Korean rice cake than is healthy for me.
After two decades of working with children, both as an early childhood educator and a homeschool teacher, I’m meeting this moment with a camera in hand.
Using an approach akin to photojournalism, I photograph ways of being, becoming, and belonging in the Pacific Northwest with an emphasis on family life and offbeat performance.
Neurodivergent? Tell me more.
I’m a late diagnosed, high-making autistic and ADHD person, or AuDHD’r. I’m open about my identity because there’s so many misconceptions surrounding both autism and ADHD that I feel are important to subvert. Also, I’m parenthetically drawn to neurodivergent clients and creators. As for you, my potential collaborator, I feel it’s important to address a few communication differences so you don’t walk away from an interaction thinking, “That dude’s odd.”
Body language
I sometimes have a noticeable sway from side-to-side when standing and “bouncy” legs when sitting. This doesn’t mean I’m board with or disinterested with our interaction. It’s simply my nervous system regulating itself so I can be fully present with you.
Verbal communication
I experience expressive language challenges that sometimes show up as a delayed response after being asked a question; longer pauses than what you might be used to when speaking; and eye contact differences (not as much when listening, but noticeable when speaking). The later is a hot topic for some. If I’m not making eye contact with you while speak, I mean no disrespect. My brain is simply diverting more processing power to its language processing center so you and I can talk with one another.
Hi! I’m Rob.
My heart is made happy when non-normative ways of being are welcomed. It’s crushed when they’re othered, excluded, or erased. My default stim is a noticeable sway from side-to-side. I experience expressive language “hiccups” that sometimes show up as long pauses when speaking. And my eye contact might be noticeably different than yours when I’m talking to you. When I’m not playing my dogs or being the best possible parent and partner that I can be, I’m documenting the everyday lives of families or photographing non-normative performance and alternative events. If you’re looking for a curious, heart-led documentary photographer with artistic sensibilities, contact me and I’ll be in touch!