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Robert BIRNBACH
Photo Director | ORACLE
Robert Birnbach Is the Photography Director for Oracle and oversees the Oracle photography program globally including the brand library as well as the bespoke photography. He has worked with other large brands including Shutterfly, Pottery Barn, and Mens Wearhouse to establish signature photography styles and languages.
Prior to his tenure at Oracle Robert was a widely-respected commercial photographer for over 20 years. Robert has developed national campaigns for Williams Sonoma, Design Within Reach, Kinkos, Subway, and MTV. His editorial work has been featured in various international publications including Metropolitan Home, Wired, and Details Magazine. His techniques were featured in the book Shooting Digital and he is the co-author of the book Photos That Sell with Dan Gookin.
influences
questionnaire
1.) What was your very first job?
In High School I worked as a Bagel Baker
2.) Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails.
I oversee the photography at the brand level for Oracle globally, I oversee our Brand Libraries , Photography Style, custom and stock photography procurement, including event photography, sports marketing photography. All top level photographic brand assets. I work with a team of incredibly talented photographers, retouchers, and editors all over the world
3.) How did you discover that the creative world was right for you?
I loved looking at all the magazine pictures when I was a kid and as soon as I got my hands on a camera I knew I wanted to do something with photography.
Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery?
Going to sleep away camp when I was 11 they had a darkroom elective that I signed up for everyday until they told me I was the palest kid in camp and to do some outdoor activities
What was there train of events that brought you to where you are today?
As the photo industry changed I became more interested in working with brands to develop a visual language with photography that reflected both the voice of a brand and it’s place in the world, than I was in the actual taking of the pictures, I was fortunate to share my vision, and low and behold I got the opportunities to start to implement those ideas.
4.) In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
I am always looking at as much work as I can new and old. I read a lot of interviews and memoirs artists, musicians, comedians, anyone working in a creative field, trying to understand the creative process of others and spark my own.
5.) If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation it required, rather than its recognition or industry “success,” what would it be?
I don’t think I can pick one thing, I just feel lucky I get to wake up and play with pictures all day long.
