APA Scope - “My name is Robb and my voice is f$96^ed up”

APA Scope presents hosts Laura Chase de Formigny & Inti St. Clair with guest Robb Scharetg

"My name is Robb and my voice is f$96^ed up."

You can join this monthly conversation on diversity & inclusion for free, on May 23, 2022, 4 pm PT, 6 pm CT, 7 pm ET.

"I’ve had a voice disorder (vocal dystonia) since 2001, it can make creative calls a challenge, and ordering in loud restaurants . . . ‘interesting’. But I’ve also found it to be a vital tool - NOT a handicap, as it forces my subjects - CEOs, politicians, athletes, celebrities and regular people to ALL slow down and listen. As a result, my images show a true connection between me and those in front of my lens. As much of a pain in the ass as it can be, I’ve found it to be a powerful tool." Rob Scharetg

Hosts: 

Inti St. Clair is an approachable artist who seeks to create community and share her hard-earned knowledge with other photographers trying to make their way in the industry. She truly believes we will all achieve greater success by lifting each other up. (No more gate-keeping!) In addition to serving as Executive National Vice President of American Photographic Artists (APA), Inti teaches at Rocky Mountain School of Photography, mentors a number of up-and-coming photographers, provides one-on-one coaching sessions, and conducts portfolio reviews to help photographers present themselves in the best way possible so they can get the jobs they dream of. Her award-winning imagery has been recognized by Cannes Lions, International Photo Awards (IPA), Communications Arts, APA, ASMP, PDN and Lürzers Archive.

Laura Chase de Formigny is a DC-based editorial and commercial food photographer with a passion for capturing the place where food, life, and storytelling combine. With a background in photojournalism and time spent working as a staff photographer at the Annapolis Capital Gazette, it’s no surprise that she’s sought after for her strong editorial eye by regional restaurants, chefs, and clients like The Washington Post, AARP, NPR, Smithsonian Institute, Science Magazine, and the Michelin Guide. When she’s not shooting an assignment or creating food libraries for her restaurant clients, you can find her expanding her commercial portfolio - most recently providing the photography for National Geographic’s Attainable Sustainable.

Guest:

Rob Scharetg:

I’m not big on ‘third-person speak’ - so this is me: I’m a native Californian, who moved from San Francisco to the Nation’s Capital in 2000, and despite missing the surf and sailing of home, have gradually come to love living ‘Back East.’ I try to ‘go home’ as often as possible!

I’ve worked in the photography industry since the late 1980s - starting out assisting, then later moving into production, casting, and location scouting. I was blessed to work with and be guided by wonderful mentors at every stage! I’ve been involved with APA since 1989, first volunteering with the SF chapter and then the DC chapter since 2002. I’m a HUGE believer in giving back - to that end, I volunteer, mentor, and otherwise weigh-in, and I’m SO proud of the successes of those I’ve worked with!

I’m a passionate lover of the outdoors and people and often get to fuse those two subjects, making emotionally connective and market-effective images for my myriad clients.

My photography work has been featured in three volumes of Lurzer’s Archive - ‘200 Best Ad Photographers Worldwide’, four volumes of OneEyeland’s ‘Best of the Best Photographers,’ recognized with numerous Addys & American Advertising Awards, AIGA awards, and selected for inclusion in APA/SF’s Something Personal exhibition three times.

I’ve had a voice disorder (vocal dystonia) since 2001; it can make creative calls a challenge, and ordering in loud restaurants . . . ‘interesting.’ But I’ve also found it to be a vital tool - NOT a handicap, as it forces my subjects - CEOs, politicians, athletes, celebrities and regular people to ALL slow down and listen. As a result, my images show a genuine connection between me and those in front of my lens. As much of a pain in the ass as it can be, I’ve found it to be a powerful tool.