Portrait Photo by Joshua McLaughlin

Growing up in Gary Indiana, Bob Soltys discovered his love for photography while shelving books in his local library. It was then he encountered The Eye of Eisensteadt which left an indelible impact on him. From photographing Bobby Kennedy’s rally with his humble Instamatic camera to investing his earnings in a 35mm, he honed his skills and creativity.

An unexpected opportunity arose when teachers at his school went on strike. Bob, then a student, documented the event, leading to a job offer from a local newspaper. Over time, he expanded his portfolio, capturing everything from weddings to street scenes. His journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, patience, and persistence.

Bob also shares his insights on presenting a portfolio effectively. As an experienced photographer, he understands the importance of making a good first impression and provides practical tips to achieve this. He emphasizes the need for preparation, rehearsing the presentation, and being concise. And he advises bringing supporting materials like a Zine or prints but only leaving them if asked by the reviewer.

Bob’s website is more than a simple portfolio. In addition to being a showcase for his Paris work, he uses it as a creative journal of his personal story, eclectic interests, charitable work and his dogs.

A selection of Bob’s street photos

Links from the show

• Bob’s Website
• Bob’s Book: Paris, the Art of Living
• Bob’s Book: A Lucky Life
• Bob’s interview with Valerie Jardin about portfolio review preparation