Robert Van Roo is a California-based photographer with over two in half decades behind the lens.

He was awarded a full merit scholarship to study photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Early in his development, he spent two years in mentorship with documentary photographer Mary Ellen Mark, working in both one-on-one and group settings. He later worked for and under portrait photographer Michael Childers, refining his understanding of composition, lighting, and presence.

Those experiences shaped a foundation rooted in natural light, authenticity, and attention to people.

Robert’s background includes documentary and exhibition work. Today, his focus includes portraits, events, brand content, and select lifestyle projects.

He works with a hybrid photo and video system built around the Canon R5 Mark II, capable of cinema-quality 8K capture and high-resolution stills. His kit also includes professional L-series lenses, 4K drone capability, immersive capture, and professional audio for interviews and live environments. From capture through post-production, he delivers clean, usable content suited for web, social, and long-form storytelling.

At its core, RVR is about honest light, real environments, and thoughtful execution.