Hitchhiking in Ireland 

In 1992 he was awarded "Craftsman of Photographic Arts", then in 1996 he was awarded Canada’s highest photographic award "Master of Photographic Arts". He became Ottawa’s fifth master photographer, joining others like Malak and Yousuf Karsh.  Then in 1999 he was awarded the prestigious "Master's Gold Bar".  

Robin’s soft focus style of photography has taken over fifteen years to perfect. He has traveled throughout Canada and USA to study lighting, posing and composition with North America’s leading master photographers.

His use of natural lighting and soft focus has given his wedding and portrait photography a special look that people love.

He has written a regular humour column for Exposure Ontario Magazine and Texas Professional Photographer Magazine.  

Hundreds of professional photographers in both Canada and USA have been enjoying and learning from his seminars since 1998.

Robin Spencer

• Master Photographer (awarded 1996)

• Master's Gold Bar Recipient (1999)

• National Accreditation for Formal Wedding Photography

• National Accreditation for Candid Wedding Photography

• National Accreditation for Portrait Photography

• National Award Winner (9 times)

• International Award Winner (11 times)

• 2nd Place International - Wedding Category (1990)

• National Level Professional Photography Judge (1996)

• Photographic Craftsman (awarded 1992)

• Awarded Paul Harris Fellowship (Rotary 2011)

• Two terms as Chairman of the Professional Photographers of Ontario (EOB)

• President of the Rotary Club of Ottawa 2007-2008

• A CHANNEL Viewers Choice Award 2006*

• OTTAWA METRO Readers Choice Award 2010**

Favourite Food: Pad Thai (Spicy Noodles)

Favourite Dessert: Cake, any kind

1996 Master of Photographic Arts, 1996 Degree in Marketing (Canadian Institute of Marketing))

Greatest Strength: He can find humour in any situation

Most annoying habit according to his wife: He can find humour in any situation

Greatest Weakness:  Did we mention cake? 

Robin Confesses: "It was me, I let the dogs out".

Oddest Childhood Pet: "Buster" a Piranha  (also snakes, raccoons, chameleons and rats)

Favourite Pet: "Chico" his 13 year old loveable Black Lab (1991-2004). 

Most Annoying Habit: His Sarcasm

Pet Peeves: Political Correctness, Mixed Metaphors and Weak Coffee. 

Favourite Book: John Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flats"

Favourite Vices: Doesn't drink or smoke but did we mention cake?

The Book He Reads Over and Over "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders"

Favourite 4:00AM Hang Out: Tim Horton's (But hates their coffee, prefers Starbuck's)

Shares a Birthday with: Annie Leibovitz, Famous photographer 

Also shares a Birthday with: Vladimir Horowitz, Walter Matthau, Jimmy Carter, Tom Bosley, George Peppard,

Odd Fact: Robin holds a "Top Secret" security clearance rating (Since 1978). 

Odd Talent: Can swear in Italian, German and Vietnamese

Odd Fact: Hitchhiked across Canada at 17 (Summer of '73, again in '74).

Odd Fact: Robin is Dyslexic 

Odd Fact: Robin has 34 red ties 

Odd Fact: Robin meditates everyday, since he was 14 His BLOG Morning Meditation http://meditatingman.blogspot.com/  

Odd Fact: Robin knows the difference between a metaphor and a simile.  

Odd Fact: He is an excellent and creative cook, but totally inept at baking

Odd Fact: "Robin" is his middle name.  His first name is Gordon and was named after his father, artist and sculptor, Gordon Spencer (1925-2001). 

Collections:  He has collected 40+ Buddha's ranging from 1" to 31" tall 

Collections:  He has 3 Shakuhachi Flutes, end blown Japanese bamboo flute. 

Living on the Edge Activities: Runs with scissors 

Favourite Singer/Song Writer: Bob Dylan (his real name... Robert Zimmerman)

Ancestry: Mother's side Northern Ireland and Wales, Father's side England (Manchester), Ireland and French

Claim to Fame: World's Biggest Cynic

Oddest Vacation Spot: Harlem, NY (November 1999)

Marital Status: Married to Judy since 1977, Two daughters: Kelly and Tina.

Most Rewarding Experience: Through World Vision, sponsored a little girl in Africa (1985-2000) then a young boy in Northern China (2000-present) 

Oddest Vacation Memory: Being removed from the Chrysler Bldg. by security (Manhattan in July 2000)

Largest Fish Caught: Bull Shark - 622lbs, 12 feet (Gulf of Mexico August 1983)

High School: Fisher Park High School (1970-1974). But didn't attend the graduation ceremony or prom because he graduated a year early.

Life Long Goal: To go backpacking from Bhutan to Northern China before his 55th birthday 

Most Ticklish Spot: His Ribs

Favourite Popsicle: Banana Flavour