The Creative Economy: Photographer Marries Passion With Business
by January 16, 2012 11:53 am 96 views
Little Rock photographer Bob Ocken didn’t choose his profession. It chose him.
“I was encouraged by a friend in college to photograph for the yearbook and the news bureau at the college I went to. From there, it just grew. I got freelance assignments for the Associated Press covering high school basketball and football, and just started working more and more,” Ocken tells Talk Business.
Today, the Little Rock photographer is a sought-after shooter, working for private clients, magazines, corporations, and in the lucrative wedding industry. He looks for ways to marry his passions: photography and other outside interests.
Lately, he’s landed an account that fits the bill perfectly. Ocken is shooting stills for Orbea Bikes, a Spanish-based company with a major distribution center in North Little Rock. Ocken captures enticing shots to showcase the latest road bikes to avid enthusiasts.
“I’ve managed to take this career in photography and turn it into another love of mine, which is cycling,” Ocken said. “I’m producing still image content that they can then use all over the world to sell their bikes.”
He also shares advice for budding young photographers who may be eager to “take a shot” at going solo. Learn more in this video from our “Creative Economy” series.