The iPhone Jax Beach Bum Professor
What part of First Coast do you reside in now, and how long have you lived there?
I moved to Jacksonville right out of college to be near the ocean, and then just kept moving east over the years until I made it to Jacksonville Beach ten years ago.
What is your favorite part of the First Coast to photograph?
I live on the 16th floor of an oceanfront condominium, so I have a unique view of our sunrises, sunsets and various birds flying by.
What type of equipment do you use?
I only use my iPhone (11 Pro Max).
How long have you been part of the hobby?
I started with an iPhone 5 back in 2013. I would walk the beach every morning and take sunrise photos. Over the years, as my photography developed, I upgraded my iPhone along the way with the latest versions.
Do you do any type of planning before you head out to take photos or do you just wing it?
I take photos daily, so I’m always looking for sunrises, moonrises, sunsets, storms, rainbows, lightning strikes and birds in flight. Because of where I live, I only have to “head out” to my balcony, so when I’m home I’m always on the lookout for a good shot all day long.
Are there any constants in your photography? If so what are they? (ie. subjects, editing, lens, etc.)
Clarity, good lighting, and layering of subject matter
How would you describe your style of photography?
Beach life iPhone photography
Do you edit your photos right after your shoot or do you let them sit for a while?
I always let them sit. I take lots of photos at the moment and then save them for later to review and edit.
Where is your favorite place (or type of place) to take photos?
My backyard view is of the ocean on Jacksonville Beach (and it’s always changing), so it’s my favorite place to shoot.
If you could live in any decade (with your current photographic gear), which one would it be and why?
I’d love to go back to when I was a kid growing up in the 70s and have many more photos of my childhood and family than I have now. We’ve come a long way from dropping off film at Fotomat, hoping to get 1 good shot out of the film roll of 30 after a week-long of waiting!
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
Ansel Adams
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)
Practice, practice, practice. Like anything you want to get good at, you have to work at it, and when you do you will learn from your mistakes and improve your shot composition over time.
Is there a ritual that you use to get into a creative zone?
I just try to stay present and pay attention. Enjoy the ever-changing view and find beauty in the moment.
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
My photography started as a hobby. As I began sharing it with friends and family they encouraged me to develop it further. As I shared it with strangers, I received even more encouragement, so I feel like my community has been a big influence (and very supportive) on shaping my photography.
What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
Play around with it. Experiment. Take lots of photos. Go online and watch some videos on how to use it. Consider taking a class (online or in person). I’ve been teaching an introduction to iPhone photography class at UNF since 2019 – here’s a link —> https://www.campusce.net/unf/course/course.aspx?C=1681
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)
I want to continue sharing my photography to the world, and help others get better with their own photography. I post on social media via Instagram @TSRTACTICAL. I donate some of my photographs to local hospitals and doctor’s offices for art therapy and patient recovery. I also sell some to private owners on occasion.
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
I edit based on the shot I get. I don’t have a one-size-fits-all model. I like to see how the shot develops.
Do you prefer to photograph alone or in a group?
I prefer to photograph alone.
How do you feel like social media has changed photography and do you think it’s a good or bad thing?
I think social media has allowed people to share their photos (and ideas) with others – providing insights into parts of the world most would never have a chance to see or know about. And that’s a good thing, so long as photographers have good intentions.
What is the best way for photographers to network?
There are local photography clubs and classes to get involved in, and social media allows you to follow and connect with so many photographers with similar interests.
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
Yes, I’m actually a published science fiction and fantasy author, so I enjoy a good medieval sword & sorcery novel … www.tsrbook.com is my website for my books.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
I have 3 beach photographs on large canvases that I donated to our Beaches Baptist hospital that I’m proud of as they hang on their walls for art therapy.
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?
How many shots do you take to get the one that you want?
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Being able to live on the ocean has been life-changing for me. I’m very grateful.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
Patience and persistence are all you need to be successful. If you love it, stick with it. It just takes time. Enjoy the journey, not the destination.
How can we see your work?
TS Robinson, Founder of TSR Tactical (www.tsrtactical.com)
Instagram @TSRTACTICAL
- About the Author
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
