It's with a saddened heart that I update this blog. Rest in Peace Robert Kennedy, 1938-2012. Your work on earth is complete and you have positively touched millions, including myself.
Someone always plays an intricate role in the start of something successful. Maybe it was simply a belief in you that someone important shared, or perhaps it was someone giving you a platform to propel yourself in front of the masses. For me, there was one person who dramatically changed my confidence in myself as I started my photography career back in 2003. That was Robert (Bob) Kennedy.
I bought my first Musclemag in 1986 and built up quite a collection. I converted many of Musclemag's pages into wall paper where Cory Everson, Anja Langer, Cori Nadine, Debbie Kruck, Marla Duncan all had their place alongside Arnold of course.
Fast forward to 2002 when I bought my first camera. I experimented on friends and family and quickly earned the respect of competitors at my local gym. I would shoot slides, then wait 4 weeks to see the results. I bought my first set of MultiBlitz lights from Technicare in Calgary in 2003 and conducted my first studio shoot with Debbie Barrable shortly after. Excitedly I submitted my slides to Musclemag and American Curves. I was sitting editing photos of Jen Stell when the phone rang. The caller display showed "Robert Kennedy". I was beside myself. OMG!! I picked up the receiver and Bob introduced himself. I was thrilled. We chatted for the first time and in those forty minutes or so I learned more than I had or have since. Bob asked me about my lighting and my experience. We continued to talk and he shared different insights that would benefit me in the future... insights I keep with me till this day.
Over the course of the next few years Bob and I would talk regularly. He would even go so far as to sketch poses he would like to see from me. We would talk about various models in the industry. A couple examples. I remember talking to him about Kira Forster and his comment was "She's the find of the year David but you need to get sexier shots of her, in skimpier bikinis, and she'll do very well." I was the first photographer to submit photos of Annette Milbers and similarly Bob told me, "She's a beautiful model David, but she needs more colour. I want you to use more oil too. It'll bring up the contrasts." Over the next few years I would visit Bob at the Arnold. At another event, I remember sitting next to him as Tosca Reno competed and he excitedly said to me, "That's Tosca, my wife. She looks great doesn't she!" He was so proud of her. I have many more memories but possibly the one that impacted me the most was a compliment he paid to me, Bob said, "David, you're a great photographer, but a little conservative." I was flattered. He encouraged me to follow his style and that of Rob Sims and Eric Fremanis. I did to some degree but I tried to keep my style my own. I teamed up with Rodney Jang and Status Fitness in early 2006 and my submissions, as well as conversations with Bob, slowly decreased.
Bob believed in me from my start and that played a vital role in me becoming who I am today. It's with a heavy heart that I write this now as Bob just passed away. His battle with lung cancer has ended. He has been relieved of his pain in this world. I look forward to seeing him again one day and sharing stories of the "good 'ole days".
Thank you Bob for your help in my career. Your kindness has never been forgotten.
David
