Voyage Miami Interview

My name is Robert, I am the creator of this shop. We decided to build this shop to showcase my work as well as many talented artists. The shop is a perfect spot where these artists can showcase there work as well as collaborate on works together.  There will be canvas, surfboards, skateboards, prints, and much more. Please check out the article below to give you some background on who I am.

 This article can be found at: http://voyagemia.com/interview/life-work-with-robert-exelbierd-of-miami/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Exelbierd.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from Memphis Tennessee where I grew up with a big family always taking pictures and playing sports. My career path as a photographer/filmmaker is interesting though since I definitely didn’t have this in my plans as a kid. I moved to Florida in 2007 and fell in love with nature and the ocean. In 2013, I purchased my first drone & Gopro and realized capturing the world’s beauty from a higher perspective became my passion. It started as just a hobby but in 2018 I got my remote pilot license to be able to fly a drone for professional purposes. This license gave me the ability to sell my work. That is when my life changed. I was able to capture moments people dream about and I went from capturing sunrises in Delray Beach to documenting Sea Turtles and Manta Rays for non-profits.

At the same time, I would drive to Wynwood to capture beautiful murals from the same aerial perspective. I would fly my drone and document the street art not knowing the artists or how the wall came to life. In 2019, I really started photographing and documenting the artist process in addition to taking the finishing shots. This is when I knew I wanted to be surrounded by the art community and immerse myself with these unbelievable people. The art makes you feel a certain way and to be able to capture those moments and document it is everything, that’s why today I am a self-employed photographer and videographer.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some people are forced or lucky to learn about struggles early in life. No road is ever smooth, but you have to make the most of it. I was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 11. I am very lucky it gave me an appreciation for life, but the journey didn’t start that way. When I film for the day it can be a struggle to capture every moment while balancing my diabetes, but it makes me more prepared and focused. At the beginning of any career path there are always hurdles. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful group of artists who accepted me, even with my challenges, and let me in their world. I wouldn’t call it a struggle, but the time I spent to form these relationships and bonds is the road!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer and videographer that specializes in filming mural artists from all over the country as they travel painting what inspires them. I am known for taking these moments to all new heights by capturing images and video by drone. I have been flying for years and have the trust of the artists to not only capture them from the sky, but also up close and personal as they create their masterpieces. I am most humbled of how I started as a drone pilot and am now a filmmaker with equipment for any situation. More importantly, I am most proud of how I have been able to find something I love to do every day surrounded by great people I cherish being around. Being myself sets me apart from others. When I go to film, I am very passionate and take the event/task seriously. I am willing to work all day and form a bond with the client because I know that relationship is everything in business. The artists I work with are not just clients but friends/family.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The best part about our city is the ocean, growing up in Memphis I appreciate Miami weather and nature. No matter what time of year there is always something to explore and enjoy. The only thing I don’t like about this city is the traffic. Between the Palmetto Expressway and I95 it can be a fun afternoon or evening jamming out in the car daydreaming about my last shoot. I am usually on the road and this can make or break a day. Last, but definitely not least, I love the culture and people of our city! They make this place somewhere you never want to leave and have turned Miami into a place I can call home!!