Robyn Arouty is a Houston based profile photographer that takes unmistakable images that one can spot from a mile away. Her work is often described as edgy, contemplative, unusual, creative, and filled with flashes of color! With a background in psychology, Robyn is able to use her training as she puts her clients at ease behind the lens. From the age of 6, destiny already had a firm grip on Robyn, as she began her career in photography by holding photo sessions with her dolls and toys. With her photography career in full swing, Robyn decided to give back to a cause that is very near and dear to her heart: dog rescue. She is a steadfast activist for animal’s rights and is a weekly volunteer at BARC; 
where she takes the pictures that go up for the Houston Press’s weekly, ”Hairballs” feature. She also designed and markets a dog bed called, “Project 71,” that is available for sale at Heights Urban Dog.When asked about her biggest success to date, Robyn simply states that being able to make a living doing what she loves is success enough! She also mentioned that recently, she was able to photograph one of the finalists for America’s Next Top Model, which was, “really fun.” As far as any trials and tribulations in the field, she mentions malfunctioning equipment, slow seasons, and, “haters.”
Patricia Sabinosa: What camera equipment do you use?Robyn Arouty: I shoot with a canon 5D & use 50mm & 17-85mm lenses. Sometimes we use reflectors/diffusers. For the most part I am a natural light photographer and I prefer it that way.
PS: In looking through your work, I noticed that you love taking pictures of feet, is there any particular reason for this?
RA: Haha! I get asked this question all the time. And it's not really feet that I love...it's shoes! I love great design and architecture...shoes fall in line with that... plus, it's a way to get the pet & the owner together in the photo in an artistic way...
PS: As a budding photographer, I have quickly learned that part of your job isn’t simply just to snap away, but to also put the subject at ease. Do you have any tips to help relax the models? Otherwise, things can turn very…”glamour shots” very quickly!!!
RA: Prior to each session, I speak to the client via telephone...joke around some and discuss what the expectations are for both of us. Then on the day of the shoot I always spend a little more time getting to know the client (& their pet)... We talk throughout most of the session... I make some more jokes... talking about farting always gets a laugh! I think the more real & relaxed you are, the more the client will pick up on that and relax too. It always takes a little bit for this to happen...so oftentimes, the best shots will come the last hour of the session...
PS: How do you stand out in a field that is already saturated with photographers?
RA: I think pet photography is my niche... I started taking pictures for the Houston Press, then people asked me to do portraits for them with their pets....and it just took off from there... I think it's important to have a niche. Plus...work hard and be nice!!
PS: What has been the strangest thing/request that you have ever had to do as a photographer?
RA: I am pretty open minded...so not much surprises me... but really nothing strange...yet!
PS: With the social media onslaught, have you been able to utilize mediums like Facebook and Twitter to build relationships with both current and potential clients?
RA: Totally. Facebook has been very good to me. My advertising budget has been very low as a result. I post new photo work on Facebook, my clients post to their pages and I get new clients that way all the time. Love it!
PS: Which photographers did you/do you admire? Have you had a mentor along the way?
RA: I have always loved Richard Avedon’s work...he inspired me to become a portrait photographer. Yes, many mentors along the way. But I have worked hard to create a style all my own...
Robyn's Advice to Budding Photographers
“Keep doing the free work and put it out there for people to see. Ask lots of questions. Enjoy the moments. Have a backup...camera, batteries, etc...but also a backup plan for finances when times are slow... Be professional. Be nice. Set boundaries & limits. Give back.” Robyn Arouty
(Photographs in the article are courtesy of Robyn Arouty Photography)