Rob Loud ’97 is a photographer and director who started his career shooting assignments for Getty Images in New York City. His relationships with Getty led him to official photographer roles for 12 New York Fashion Weeks, nine US Opens, and music festivals such as Lollapalooza. He has toured with Champions Series Tennis, which featured Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and John McEnroe. Most recently, he spent six years traveling to over 40 countries on five continents as the tour photographer for the band The Killers.
Today, Rob has switched his focus from bands to brands, filming and shooting campaigns for the likes of Kind Snacks, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Tag Heuer, Krups Coffee, and OpenTable. While he still works and spends time in New York, he recently relocated to Fort Worth, TX, with his wife, Madeline, and their two sons, Vincent and Arthur.
To see Rob’s work, please visit his website.
What inspired you to pursue a career in photography?
I stumbled into my career somewhat by accident. While I never set out for a career as a photographer, it ultimately ticked several boxes—being self-employed, working in a creative field, and facing new and exciting challenges daily.
Upon graduating college, I had a pretty typical 9 to 5. It was a worthy experiment, but it wasn’t for me. So I left my job and opted for an unconventional path through post-graduate internships, quickly altering my career trajectory. This journey has been filled with unique opportunities to work with people I’d never have the chance to collaborate with otherwise. From the biggest concert stages in the world to emergency rooms in impoverished countries – the power of photography has opened countless doors for me.
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for your success in your academic and professional pursuits?
So many of my experiences at Kellenberg profoundly shaped my future. The school’s values and faith-driven message provided tools that have not only guided my career but also prepared me for the big bad world beyond Glenn Curtiss Blvd. A solid education, athletic program, and extracurriculars helped me to be a better and more well-rounded person.
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in pursuing a career in photography?
Photography can be a challenging field to break into. As with many creative professions, it requires a thick skin and a lot of rejection. While it can be a fun and rewarding way to earn a living, it is still very much a job that requires hard work and a bit of luck. Being a freelancer comes with a lack of stability, which is not for everyone. This is why learning how to run a business and network is as important as honing your craft.
For students considering photography, I always recommend learning your camera first and foremost. Shooting everything you can, and learn what you are good at. And what you love. As you mature, you’ll start to see your personal style coming together, so lean into what makes you unique as an artist. I’ve always loved documenting people, and in hindsight, my earliest work is of my friends hanging out, surfing, and traveling. I didn’t know at the time that I was training for my future career. Some of those early images were even in my first portfolio, which helped launch my career. So get out there and shoot!
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
My time at Kellenberg was shaped by an exceptional faculty who left an indelible mark on my development. It’s hard to name just a few, but Father Tom, Brother Joe (now at Chaminade), Mr. Solosky, and Mr. Huggard are some teachers who stand out in my mind. Each instilled a confidence and humility that I still carry with me today. Their guidance made me a better person and equipped me with the tools necessary for life beyond high school.
