Interview with Robin Baumgarten

Hi Robin! Tell us about yourself in two sentences - who are you?

I'm a game developer that works with custom hardware games and installation art. When I show these across the world, I use it as an excuse to travel and explore, and take lots of photos on the way. Right now I'm sitting in a café in San Francisco after a big games conference and a camper van road-trip to Zion National Park and Death Valley!

QWhat's the weirdest situation you've found yourself in while taking a photograph?

AProbably when I was all alone on Tower Bridge in London. It's not too far from where I live, and I usually cross that bridge once a week, but maybe that made it so strange when it was suddenly deserted, and just me on my bike were on it. Turns out they were going to take down the Olympic Rings after the 2012 London Olympics, and closed it off to road traffic. I had it all for myself to shoot an amazing panorama. A close second would probably be being trapped by a herd of mountain sheep on a small mountain pass in Nepal.

QWhat do you shoot on? What's your favourite set up?

AI like to travel very lightweight, and only use two lenses. My camera is a Sony a5100, the Sony/Zeiss 24mm 1.8, and the 16mm kit pancake with fisheye adapter. That, and lightroom for post.

QWhat's your number one tip for an aspiring photographer?

ATry not to worry too much about the hardware, but look into composition and post-processing. Also, don't forget to put down that camera and enjoy the view through your 'real' eyes, too.

QWhat's the one thing you love most about Picfair?

A Picfair is great because it's so easy to use and no hassle to set up. I also like how friendly all contact with the team has been, haven't seen that on any other photo sites (although I suspect they're lovely, too).