Rob Birkbeck

International Photojournalist and Author – USA
Robert is a great photojournalist with an eye for a creative and enduring image. His ability to obtain inspiring photos, to faithfully record events and to digitally capture the human soul (sometimes under difficult and adverse circumstances) is a rare talent. From major international events to individual portraits, corporate and family gatherings, his passion for excellence and technical skills are reflected in his work. It is always a joy to work alongside Robert on a shoot.

Dr. Robert Kowalenko

“I say this is the best photograph of Lucia that I have yet to see. I’m bowled over. Congratulations on the great work. Dr. Robert Kowalenko”

Danae

Business Owner & Wife
I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me today! Wow, I just had a look at that photo again and I still cannot believe that it is me Haha!!! And my hubby can’t stop staring at it!! He keeps on saying : “Wow…that is my wife!!!” He just loves it! I am looking so forward to do the photo with the wine! It is going to look amazing!!

Andrea Chetty

Model
Robert you have made me the best model I can be, other photographers who use me for jobs are amazed because of my posing skills and I tell them its all Robert Russell. In my website I mentioned that you are my favorite photographer and you are a force to be reckoned with not that you don’t know it already he he.
Thank you for making me a real model and giving me much more than just great pics, but self-confidence, a on screen personality and the ability to understand my body and mind in photography. Will see you soon for our next shoot, once I confirm about the penthouse suite.

Andrea Chetty

Model
“Wow Rob what did u do to me?????? Its damn amazing!!!!!!!!! No man you are a miracle worker!!!!!!!”

Juanita Fouché

South African Pole Dancing Champion 2006, 2008 & 2009
Loooooove it! Want more!!! Have an ass-shakingly good day!

Nelisiwe Nkosi

Owner of Haute Couture House: Perfectly Suited
Your work and service are beyond reproach, top draw all round. I have seen my business go from strength to strength since your photography and DTP work was put into place. I will recommend you to any and all that need a quality job done, at a fair price.
Many Thanks & Regards

Nombuso Zoy Mngomezulu

Bona Magazine
Thanks, you are such a great spirited guy. Your work is inspirational. Many thanks & Regards

Ntombi Radinne

Professional Model & Student
Morning Robert
I just wanted to say thank you so much, the pictures are absolutely amazing. I thank God for granting me the opportunity to work with such a gifted photographer.
Thank you so much.
Ntombi

Veronica

Multiple Business Owner
Dear Rob,
I just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks so much for the awesome photo shoot. Other than being a lot of fun, you made me feel really beautiful and at ease in front of the camera, even though I’ve never done modelling, or been in front of a camera like that, before! And the photos were absolutely stunning – I couldn’t believe half of them were me! I am the envy of all my friends.
You are truly world-class. You managed to capture so many aspects of me that I hardly knew where there, and to bring them out and show them off in amazing ways. I felt confident and sexy and totally at ease. You are so professional, but made the whole day fun too. The quality of the photos is brilliant – I especially love the one you had printed for me on canvas. I look forward to our next shoot.
Love
Veronica

Estelle

Business Women / Part Time Model
Robert is an absolute pleasure to work with. I felt really comfortable at the shoot and pics came out stunning…

Lee

Make Up Artist & Model
Working with Robert was brilliant. Not only did we get amazing shots in the time that we worked together, but he taught me so much as well. I would work with him again any day:) thank you so much Robert for a wonderful shoot and I cant wait to work with you again

Sisianda

Business Executive
The first shoot I ever did was with Robert Russell. What an experience! He has the most extraordinary ability to make one feel comfortable and confident. He is an absolute magician and made me look great. I had no idea what I was delving into with the fine art shoot but working with him has definitely done away with any reservations I might have had about this kind of work. I have just finished my second shoot with Robert and all I can say is “Ayobaness!”

Eva

Student & Model
He is one of the best photographer I have worked with….. He knows how to make the model confident and able to show the best out of her (his)… Working with him has always been a pleasure and full of fun…. It is so easy to work with him and you will always want to back for another time…..

Lish

Student & Model
Where do I even start? Rob taught me so much on our shoot! He is an amazing person and a really talented photographer. He is a dream to work with, easy going fun & lets not forget talkative so its really easy to shoot with him:) I loved working with him & recommend that everybody does! Rob thank you so much.

Mich123

Employed & Part Time Model
My first shoot was done with Robert from Fine art! And Wow!! What can I say… He is absolutely awesome and he is a wonderful tog to work with. I would recommend Rob to anyone as he guides you through the whole shoot and makes you feel so comfortable! Thanks again Robert! It was wonderful working with you and hope to have the pleasure to work with you again!

Elvira

Employed & Model
Well all I really have to say is that this is the greatest guy ever. And yes just like all the other girls I have to say he is very patient and he took me step by step through everything. Robert you are the greatest, I loved working with you and can/’t wait for my next shoot. Robert has really shown me the women side of me and I really appreciate and admire the way he helped me and made me look absolutely gorgeous.
Love you lotz Robert.

Myla

Employed & Model
Working with Robert was great. We had a little bit of time but managed to do a lot, I learnt so much on our shoot and really easy going and eccentric and fun, and also interesting. I would recommend him to anybody and the pictures came out stunning.. I will definitely work with him again and can’t wait for the next shoot! :0) Thanks Rob!!!

Sweetlou

Employed & Model
Two words: Super Awesome! Wow, working with Robert was super rad! I was sooo nervous before the shoot (and during) but Robert put me at ease! I will never forget the doughnut moment Robert!!! Cannot wait for our next shoot!! Truly a stunning guy to work with!! HUGS and Hi-5/’s to you Robert!!! SweetLou

Craig

Multiple Business Owner & Fitness Model
I highly recommend Robert Russell. When I was looking for a photographer to do my portfolio he immediately caught my attention, first from his website and then when I spoke to him via telephone. Robert is a true professional and it shows in his work. He made me feel at ease from my first meeting with him. I left there totally energized and excited about working with him. On the day of the shoot I was completely free and I felt like I knew him for years. That was very important to me. Its important to work with a photographer that allows you to be you and who brings out the best in you.

Lydia

Employed & Model
Up until I stopped at Roberts studio to do my shoot with him, I was thinking of excuses not to do it BUT now I am extremely glad I did He/’s the type of person that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin and has the ability to bring out the beauty that lies in every woman. Cannot wait for our next shoot!

Tahlita

Employed & Model
If there is one photographer that lives by his status, work and passion it’s Robert. It was a great privilege and honor to work with Robert and defiantly an experience I will never forget!! I would recommend Robert to anyone, anytime, any day. Thank you for an amazing shoot!! xx

Telle

Business Owner
Robert is larger than life, and any time spent with this man just dissolves into fits of laughter. This is definitely his secret weapon, as it just puts one so much at ease. As a result, my shoot with Robert was completely relaxed. We even tried one seriously risqué pose that I wouldn’t have tried with a photographer I didn’t trust. Where is that image Robert? This man is also a great teacher, and I believe that many of the things he taught me during our time together will stay with me for as long as I continue doing this. Thank you for not only a liberating experience, but an educational one too!

Eva Wakam

Model & Chem Eng Student, Tuks
I have worked with Robert Russell many times. He is such a professional photographer!
He has a very ongoing personality and makes you feel relaxed and calmed.
I enjoyed the different themes and the way he conducted himself using so many different types of equipment to make every shoot a success. Helping me as well with pauses, advice and fashion design tips.
I also greatly appreciated the fact that he respects each model and asks for her permission for anything concerning her, all this while still keeping the smile and relaxed atmosphere.
I will shoot with him again and again, knowing that I will not be disappointed.
If you are reading this, You should use him.

Ryno Mulder

Fashion & Beauty Editor
Sundowner Studio is perfectly located 2 minutes from the central business district of Sandton. This proximity to the offices of the country’s glossy women’s magazines, leading beauty brands and fashion suppliers make it the go-to studio for cover, fashion and beauty shoots. They offer ample safe as well as undercover parking, supremely helpful staff who goe well beyond the call of duty to ensure the comfort of the photographic crew and studio management is willing to tailor-make packages that meet the requirements of different projects. My only regret is that I hadn’t discovered this studio years ago!

William de Lange

Photographer & Photo Journalist
I used Robert’s studio in the coldest part of winter one year.
I dreaded shooting in a studio which I don’t know, but upon opening the door, I walked into a friendly, warm space.
Robert was very helpful, providing me with a lot of things I couldn’t have brought along, such as scrims, backdrops, extension cables, etc.
The studio has a changing room/make-up room, along with a private toilet and basin, all very functional and easy to use.
All-in-all, my experience in the studio was very positive!

Myla Radicchia

Model
Robert was the first photographer I worked with when I joined Model Base. The first shoot with him was comfortable and fun with some great end results. Since then I have lost count how many times we have worked together, but each time we do work together our work gets better and better. I have developed a good friendly relationship with Robert and always enjoy working with him. Robert and I have made FHM models twice and a few other competitions because of his superb work. If you need a bit of modeling advice he is always willing to help, if you feeling down and out, he makes you see what you should love about yourself and brings back that confidence in you. Also he is honest, and honesty and trust is what ever model needs from a photographer. I have recommended a few models to Robert and will continue to do so! Each of those models have only had good to say about him. If you have the energy and flair to work with Robert, go for it and if you need some energy and flair Rob’s your man! Thanks for everything Robert!!

Michelle Moss

Model
I had my very first shoot with Robert Russell and wow what an amazing experience! He is professional at all times and calms your nerves before the shoot starts. He also teaches you a lot about modeling and how to use your body to get great pictures. He is brilliant in what he does and does it with so little effort. He has the patience of mouse and will take as long as needed to get that perfect photo. I refer lots of people to Robert as he has a great eye and is an amazing photographer! Not to mention the friendly, fast service you get when you work with him.

Michelle and I decides to enter her this year FHM 2010, she made the top 100 cut on our shoot designed to do just that. “Well done Michelle and good luck”.

Nombuso Zoy Mngomezulu

Bona Magazine
Thanks, you are such a great spirited guy. Your work is inspirational. Many Thanks & Regards

Hazel Chimhandamba

MTN – Innovation Centre
Wow Robert! You’ve really done some magic here! The pics are gorgeous.

Suzette Stoffberg

Business Woman
THESE ARE INSANE CRAZY!!! I LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sending you more business by the way!

Juanita Fouché

South African Pole Dancing Champion 2006, 2008 & 2009
Loooooove it! Want more!!! Have an ass-shakingly good day!

Danae

Business Owner & Wife
I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me today! Wow, I just had a look at that photo again and I still cannot believe that it is me Haha!!! And my hubby can’t stop staring at it!! He keeps on saying : “Wow…that is my wife!!!” He just loves it! I am looking so forward to do the photo with the wine! It is going to look amazing!!

Ryno Mulder

Fashion & Beauty Editor
Sundowner Studio is perfectly located 2 minutes from the central business district of Sandton. This proximity to the offices of the country’s glossy women’s magazines, leading beauty brands and fashion suppliers make it the go-to studio for cover, fashion and beauty shoots. They offer ample safe as well as undercover parking, supremely helpful staff who goe well beyond the call of duty to ensure the comfort of the photographic crew and studio management is willing to tailor-make packages that meet the requirements of different projects. My only regret is that I hadn’t discovered this studio years ago!

William de Lange

Photographer & Photo Journalist
I used Robert’s studio in the coldest part of winter one year.
I dreaded shooting in a studio which I don’t know, but upon opening the door, I walked into a friendly, warm space.
Robert was very helpful, providing me with a lot of things I couldn’t have brought along, such as scrims, backdrops, extension cables, etc.
The studio has a changing room/make-up room, along with a private toilet and basin, all very functional and easy to use.
All-in-all, my experience in the studio was very positive!