I originally published this piece on Rob in March of 2023. One year after meeting Rob, I am still connected with him. I am so honored to learn about his continual evolution. I applaud him for achieving a recent milestone with one of his photos (see below). He has so much wisdom to share:
Two photographers go to the St. Louis Zoo. They stand shoulder to shoulder with one another to take pictures of the same subjects, in the same environment at the exact same moment in time…yet each of their photos are so different. This is perspective: viewpoints and outlooks live in the eye of the beholder. Perspective was is the theme I walked away with after my thought-provoking interview with local R-7 native, Robert (Rob) Chance.
I “met” Rob via Instagram in December, 2022, when I started posting on social media. He commented on several of my posts and offered his unique insights to add further depth. I was intrigued to learn more about this gentleman so I invited Rob to meet with me over coffee. On The Grind Coffee Company in Crystal City, MO was perfect for our time together.
Born and raised in the R-7 area, this 55-year-old reflected on how the landscape, buildings, businesses and culture has developed over time. Rob used to squirrel hunt in the woods, which is now Gannon Plaza.
Rob keeps up with the many new businesses in the area and supports all who live and work here. If someone gave Rob $202.30 to spend in the Festus, Missouri area, he would treat his wife, Christina, to her favorite “frou-frou” drink at Pine Mountain Coffee, eat shrimpalya at Taytro’s Bar and Bistro and buy educational books from the new bookstore: Riverbend Bookstore (located by Thai Rama and set to open this summer with the Books Galore inventory).
Rob and his family have fun at area events such as Music Festivals in West City/Larry G. Crites Memorial Park and at the Mayor’s Summer and Fall Cruises on our historic Festus Main Street.
In addition to loving local happenings, Rob identified three itty-bitty reasons why he adores living here:
– Friends and family
– Conveniences without the craziness
– He is always only three minutes away from being in nature
As a natural early riser, Rob savors quiet time in nature before going to work at Mississippi Lime in Ste Genevieve. Rob gains knowledge while working and in his free time. He has developed a newfound passion for studying all aspects of digital photography. With his Canon camera and a patient “beginners mind,” Rob is intentional to discover something new about photography every day. He sets micro-challenges for himself with zero expectations of the outcome. While Rob finds fulfillment in taking pictures of nature, animals, landscapes and cars, he has a new goal of taking more photos of people.
Rob does not promote selling his photos or his services, but uses photography and narrowing in on the camera’s lens as a way to gain clarity and a snapshot of the world, in that moment of time.
Rob told me the story (from the beginning of this post) about him and another photographer at the St. Louis Zoo. They were taking pictures together but their final images were completely different. Just as two people may have the exact same environment, circumstances and situations, no two people have the same outlook.
Living in the flow of photography is a way for Rob to peacefully escape from all the noise and distractions in the world. Isn’t that what we all crave in a hobby – an activity to mentally getaway to feel genuine joy? A way to have an avenue to replenish our soul?
My soul felt revitalized after talking with Rob. I am inspired by his exploratory perspective. Sometimes we are fortunate to cross paths and connect with someone we gain real insight from. I am beyond honored to have met Rob Chance. I look forward to more seeing more of Rob, his work and learning from his positive perspective, through the lens of his life lessons and his camera.
This is a nonpaid endorsement encouraging you to reach out and talk to strangers in our Festus-area community. You never know what you may have in common.
Connect with Rob and see more of his recent work:
One of Rob’s stunning deer photos was also pictured in the December 2023 issue of The Missouri Conservationist Magazine. Check him out on page 20 & 21.
He told me, “I’ve been looking at the pictures in that magazine since I was a little kid, and my goal for this year was to get one of mine in there.”
WOW! Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Rob!
Rob and I connected over coffee and conversation at:
On the Grind Coffee Company in Crystal City, MO…and now in House Springs, MO!
A story from Rob:
