Interview with a Photographer: Bob Hatcher
Welcome to my blog, where I explore the artistry and vision of talented individuals in the creative world. Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Bob Hatcher, a passionate photographer whose work transports us into unique stories through the lens. Known for their ability to capture the beauty in the everyday and the extraordinary alike, Bob Hatcher blends technical skill with an innate sense of creativity. Here are some of his answers:
1.I’m currently a full-time real estate photographer, capturing the essence of homes with a click. But let’s be real—my true passion lies in photographing people who are deep into their element. Whether they’re musicians lost in their melody, dancers mid-leap, or athletes giving their all, that's where the magic happens. I dabbled in wedding photography once, but between the bouquet chaos and the endless 'Is this pose okay?' I realized I’d rather stick to the smooth rhythm of a jazz performance.
2.I started off like most photographers—playing around with landscapes, nature, and animals. But where I’ve really found my groove is in capturing epic events. Picture this: I’ve shot the Barbados Marathon three times, conquered triathlons across Ontario, and even tackled a running cruise, snapping five races in seven days on five different islands. My adventures also took me to yoga retreats in India and Italy, and I even captured the summer solstice for Lululemon. Who knew a camera could be my passport to so many incredible experiences?
3.What sparked my journey into photography? It all began in 1977 with a borrowed camera and a Frisbee. Imagine this: I was playing with a friend and managed to capture him mid-stride, mid-catch, looking like an athletic superhero. That split second of pure magic had me hooked. Who would have thought that a simple game of Frisbee could turn into a lifelong passion for freezing moments in time?
4.I’m drawn to photographing people who are so engrossed in their passions they don’t even notice the camera. Ballet and yoga? Oh, I could shoot those all day—there’s something almost therapeutic about capturing their graceful flow. And don’t get me started on musicians and athletes; the suspense of their next move keeps me on the edge of my seat. As a recreational musician myself, I feel like I’m just another part of their performance, albeit with a camera instead of an instrument.
5.The biggest challenge in photography? It’s not finding the perfect shot, but rather making sure your bank account doesn’t get as empty as a black hole. There’s always someone ready to trade their time for "exposure," which isn’t exactly something you can spend at the grocery store! Sure, I did the same when I started, but now I’m all about ensuring I’m making a living between Monday and Friday, not just waiting for the next “thank you” note.
6.I’m currently wielding two NIKON D750s—because one is never enough. My gear lineup includes a 16-24mm lens, a 50mm lens, and a 70-200mm lens. It’s like having the ultimate toolbox for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups. I might not be a superhero, but with this setup, I feel like I’m ready to save the day, one shot at a time!
7. I didn’t really have any early influences or mentors that I gravitated toward, but there was one key figure—Randy Smith, who worked at Henry’s in Hamilton. He was instrumental in guiding me from amateur to professional. While I now follow a multitude of incredible photographers, Randy, a regular guy with a shared passion, remains one of my earliest and most influential mentors.
8.I’ve been promising myself for the last four years that I’m going to exhibit my work. Yet, here I am, still talking about it. I live in a space I’ve occupied for seven years and still haven’t hung a single photograph on the wall. Maybe this is my own version of a high-stakes game of procrastination. Here’s hoping this little nudge will finally get me to showcase my work and stop being my own worst critic.
9.To all the aspiring photographers out there: shoot like there’s no tomorrow and ask questions like you’re on a game show. Don’t shy away from working for free or offering your services—it’s like paying your dues in the coolest club around. Even after all these years, I still make it a point to dive into a YouTube channel, read a chapter, or learn a new trick every day. Photography is a never-ending adventure, and each day is an opportunity to level up!
10..A quote that keeps me inspired is: "Under promise and overdeliver." In the world of photography (and life), I strive to have those heart-to-heart chats with clients to make sure I don’t just meet but exceed their expectations. It’s all about delivering more than they imagined, and maybe even making them think, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!”
Photo of Bob Hatcher: is by @thehatchfactor
Photo of Cover image: is by @monikatiedtke
Instagram: @thehatchfactor
Website: www.bobhatcher.ca/
