Meet Robert Jeffers | Professional Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Jeffers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always been a hustler. Ever since I was a kid. I always had my own little business or side hustle. So when U got older it was always a goal of mine to have my own business doing something that I enjoyed doing. And once I got serious about becoming a photographer, I absolutely knew I had to start my own photography business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a professional portrait, headshot, & fashion photographer. It kinda took a while for me to narrow it down but this is where I feel the most confident photography wise. I would like to believe that what sets me apart from others as a photographer is my love for the era that I grew up in (NYC in the 80s & 90s) and how I would like to incorporate that feel into my images. I also feel that one of the things that separates me is that I actually went to school and studied photography for 4 years and earned a degree. I also think that should show my level of dedication to this art. It definitely wasn’t easy but it was worth it. And I love what I do, so that’s what helped me to overcome the challenges. You gotta love what you do, because that’s always what’s gonna help you get through obstacles. Lessons learned: 1) Never stop learning, 2) Always stay on top of your craft, & 3) Network every chance you get. The thing I would like the world to know about me and my brand is that when you shoot with me, you’re shooting with a real professional and you’re gonna get a real authentic 80s & 90s hip hop vibe!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I live on Miami Beach, however my favorite spots here in Miami are Wynwood & Little Havana. I love Wynwood for the artistic culture and music spots. There are no clubs really in Wynwood, just bars & restaurants with amazing Dj’s (at least that’s been my experience). So Wynwood is a great place to visit if you’re into art, food and music. My favorite was Wood Tavern because they played a lot of old school hip hop & R&B but unfortunately after Covid hit, they were never able to fully recover. I also enjoy Junkanoo for their great Jamaican food and music. Another very chill spot. The next place I absolutely love is Little Havana. I love them for their culture, their food which is amazing, all of the live band and salsa dancing spots because I LOOOOOVE to salsa dance and also as a cigar smoker, Little Havana is a must to pick up some great hand rolled cigars. My favorite spots in Little Havana are “Ball & Chain” and “Guantanamera”. These are my absolute two favorite spots to hangout in Miami and these are my place of choice to take my friends when they visit!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout all of the things and people who have motivated me and inspired me to become a photographer. My parents, Queens NYC (born & raised), the hip hop culture, music, fashion, The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham, all of my professors & talented classmates, the city of Miami, and those photographers who I aspire to be like: Jonathan Mannion, Chi Modu, Danny Hastings, Antonio Platon, Annie Leibowitz, Gordon Parks, Jamell Shabazz, & fashion designer Dapper Dan.

Website: https://www.robertantonio.com

Instagram: @officialrobertantonio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertantonio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialrobertantonio