Meet Rance Robinson | Portrait Photographer and Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rance Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rance, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m a native of Memphis, TN. That’s the city I take the most pride in claiming even though I left there when I was eight years old because the city had an identity. Especially for black people. Staxx Records was founded there. Issac Hayes made his name there. Whether you understood it completely or not, you couldn’t help but feel like Memphis is important. From the BBQ to the musical impact. When I was a kid, Graceland and The Lorraine Motel were places we had to pass by to get home. My parents and my big brother would talk about the meanings of it all. I’d ride past Graceland and see Elvis’ airplanes. I remember being at church one time and Al Green happened to be there.

I also lived in Lansing, MI which was the opposite. I had relatives and love there but to me, it was a town without the identity that Memphis had. There was a huge tradeoff but we left M-Town and it was culturally different. The real claim to fame was Erving “Magic” Johnson, General Motors, and Michigan State athletics. Then after my father passed in 1997, we ended up in Columbus, OH. I’ve watched the 614 grow into quite a city. In Columbus I became a responsible man with a family. So I really have love for every place I’ve lived.

The impact of my upbringing has been an emotionally nomadic one. No place feels like home. But wherever I am, I feel like I belong there. It’s weird. So, professionally I’m never married to one style or idea. I can be ready to move and flow.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run my very small photo studio Rob The Moment | A Visual Co and I’m also a realtor. Service has been my life for a long time. Using my talent and giving that to people and helping them get what they want is really an incredible feeling. From the photography side, I love shooting with people who don’t like the idea of themselves. I understand how that feels. I love finishing images of people and seeing their faces light up because they can’t believe that they are looking at themselves. That means something. No matter if its a commercial project or a personal project, the important thing for me is the feeling of the client.

I also get this feeling when I help people close on their new house or I help a seller put $40K+ dollars in their bank account from the sale of their home then wow. I’ve been on both sides of that. I can’t express how exciting it is to see people who are worried about the buying process — full of fear that they won’t be approved — see their dream of homeownership realized in the next 30-60 days. It’s amazing.

In both of my businesses I manage the emotions of people. It’s not easy but it is rewarding. I solve problems every day. I help people discover their powers whether visually or financially.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re coming to Columbus and you want to kick it, there are options for sure. This is a food town and there are plenty of restaurants that you may not find other places. One of the most common areas for shopping, bars, and restaurants that is really walkable is The Short North. The major outdoor mall Easton Town Center is also a good option. In Columbus there are a lot of pockets to chill in, so there are spots in Bexley, Grandview, Upper Arlington, and other boroughs to hang out in.

Depending on when you come we can check out the 2023 MLS Champion Columbus Crew, the Blue Jackets might be playing, and if you really really wanted to go, we’d check out a game at Ohio State but be ready for some drama because I’m wearing maize and blue.

One of the newest spots is Bridge Park out in Dublin. If I was in my young 20s or 30s I’d want to live out there. If you were into standup comedy, I’d take you to Oak St in Olde Town East to The Attic Comedy Club because there’s always a good show. Dave Chapelle tends to show up there unannounced.

If you’re trying to go to the club, I might put you in an Uber and have you check out Noir Lounge Pure Ultra Lounge, or Avalon. I’m not gonna go with you, but you can tell me all about it the next morning on our way to the church house.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have made impacts in my life, whether positive or negative. One of my biggest inspirations have been my wife (Jovanna, CEO Tonē Bekka) and our children in my adult life. They’ve kept me motivated through the difficult times. Both of my parents have transitioned from this life but I couldn’t not mention them for all that they have taught me. I still carry lessons with me. Oftentimes those teachings were observed. They lived their lives in a way that taught me what this is all about.

I’m inspired by so many people. From people like Bishop Howard Tillman who I have been blessed to have a personal relationship with. He’s the type of guy that is known by the most important people in the world, but you’d never know it. Then I draw inspiration from the Myron Goldens of the world who give up good game.

I’m surrounded by so many good people. Shoutout to everyone in my sphere.

Website: www.robthemoment.com

Instagram: @closewithrance or @robthemoment

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robthemoment/

Image Credits
All images are mine