"Ottawa's Most Trusted Photographer" ™
Ottawa Headshots
and Grad Photos
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
SORRY NO WALK-INS
Grumpy... But Wise Mentor
I’m the mentor your mother warned you about,
grumpy, offbeat, and usually right.
Now 70 and after 47 years as a full time professioanl photographer, learning from many stupid mistakes, surviving five recessions, COVID shutdowns, and unethical competitiors, I’m taking on a new role: Grumpy But Wise Mentor.
If you’re serious, dedicated, obsessed and want no-BS advice from someone who’s actually lived it, coffee’s on me. No sales pitch. Just pay it forward someday as I'm doing now for my mentors.
If you're a photography student, new full time professional photograher, solo entreprenuer looking for free advice on getting paid, getting booked, getting noticed, getting better or just learning from my stupid mistakes I'd be happy to share. EMAIL Grumpy Mentor to Apply
Mentoring is in-person only
We can only accept one or two mentees per quarter
“The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.”
from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (Founder of Nike)
Here's what photographers and professional associations are saying...
An Endorsement From Bruce Hudson...
"Robin is a freak of nature in the world of professional photography. He's extremely creative behind the camera and in his approach to marketing his craft. Robin has a way of cutting through the BS with his blunt humor, yet showing a true passion for the clients he works with and the people in his community.
Study with this man & you will take away the secrets that you'll need to become successful in any business."
Bruce Hudson
Mastercraftsman PPA,
Member of Camera Craftsmen of America
Here's What They Are Saying...
“ ...had the immense pleasure of being introduced to the clever and insightful world of Robin Spencer… a humorous and slightly irreverent look at this profession” …… “Robin delivered in spades…” , Ward Robertson, Exposure Ontario Magazine 1999
"A Master photographer, and masterful marketer, Robin Spencer's irreverent views on the state of our industry do not score points with those who have so heavily invested in maintaining the status quo. If you as a photographer are interested in economic viability and longevity you owe it to yourself to invest in a day with Robin. His levity and wit will make the learning experience entertaining, but no less poignant, and you'll walk away with a mindset and the tools necessary to thrive and prosper." Rene R.
“For someone with a great sense of humour, Robin’s no-nonsense approach to sales and profitability and a lot of cents ….. Robin had many ideas that you could take home with you... and right to the bank”. Toronto's Central Portrait Newsletter January 2000
“I think it’s his raw honesty that I love”, Aaron Reid, Scarborough Colour Lab Manager
"...a lot of very useful tips, techniques and strategies for successful marketing. Entertaining, witty, laced with dark sarcasm... ", Robert Provencher
"Excellent presentation learned a lot about owning a photography business.Thank you for coming in and talking to us", Alex Dell, High school business student
"Very informative and inspiring guest speaker when he came into my business class. Thank you Mr Spencer" Joel Bailey, High school business student
"Spencer came in to talk to my business class about his business model and experience over the years. Very Inspiring!!!" Donald Truong, High school business student
Speaking To Students
I really enjoy speaking to students. Here I am at the Entrepreneur and Business Management class at Cedar Ridge High School in Kanata.
It was nice to share some ideas about business and working for yourself. It was more of a discussion than a lecture so that made it very easy on my part. They students had some great questions and we had some laughs and I'd love to go back anytime.
My talk to high school business classes is motivational and humorous (well at least think I'm hilarious). They'll learn the three super simple steps to deciding on and starting their own business and why it's less risky to start now.
Robin's Professional Photography Awards and Recognitions
Master of Photographic Arts (awarded 1996)
Master's Gold Bar Recipient (1999)
Craftsman of Photographic Arts (awarded 1992)
Awarded Paul Harris Fellowship (Rotary International 2011)
Awarded National Formal Wedding Accreditation (PPOC 1987)
Awarded National Candid Wedding Accreditation (PPOC 1987)
Awarded National Portrait Accreditation (PPOC 1988)
National Award Winner (9 times)
International Award Winner (11 times)
International Award (Canada/USA) 2nd Place Wedding Category
National Level Ranked Judge (1996)
Awarded Qualified "Licentiate" Certificate (PPO 1986)
Awarded Qualified "Associate" Certificate (PPO 1992)
Wedding Photos featured on "Say Yes to the Dress" (2011)
A CHANNEL Viewers Choice Award 2006*
OTTAWA METRO Readers Choice Award 2010**
Readers Choice Best Wedding Photographer in Barrhaven/South Nepean 2010 & 2011***
* Top 3 Best Christmas Portrait Photographers in Ottawa
** Top 5 Best Photographers in Ottawa
*** BEST Wedding Photographer 2010 (Platinum Award)
*** BEST Wedding Photographer 2011 (Diamond Award)
Online Reviews
