If you look at some of the photos used in this issue of VivaTysons (such as those in the Bay Buchanan story), you might notice a difference in the style and quality of the images. Even the untrained eye can spot the difference between photos taken by an amateur and those by a seasoned veteran, and we are lucky enough to have Deb Cobb contribute to our publication now.
Cobb is a Chantilly-based freelance photographer whose work can regularly be seen in The Connection Newspapers as well as in wedding albums and on walls of Northern Virginia residents.
“I have been doing this for about four years, and I love the newspaper work because I get to do some really exciting and interesting things, I get to meet some interesting people, and I get to share what interesting people are doing in the community with the community, so it’s like a public service in my mind,” Cobb says. “It’s awesome and a lot of fun.” Her photography jobs for the paper have required her to rappel down a building for a story on the Special Olympics, ride in a helicopter, and even documented in pictures a training session with the county police underwater rescue team.
“Each job has its own challenges, but the consistency is that you walk on scene and you have to make quick, accurate judgments, and you have to figure out how to tell the story,” Cobb says. “You walk in most places with an idea of the shots that you want, but as things unfold, you have to bring those thrilling moments to life. It can be frustrating at times, but it’s really a great pleasure.”
In addition to her work for the paper, Cobb does studio work, with an emphasis on shooting animal portraits. “I really love photographing animals,” she says. “It’s something that I enjoy, and it gets you out of that newspaper state of mind.”
Of course, being this close to D.C., Cobb enjoys heading out to historic places like the mall or White House and putting her own spin on things. She always has her camera with her and is never at a loss for taking a photo.
“I go on little adventures with friends and go downtown to take photos of the cherry blossoms or regular landscapes that are about creating feelings of emotion and remembering days,” she says. “My favorite thing to photograph is always what’s in front of the lens at the moment.”
Surprisingly, Cobb’s interest in photography came late. In fact, she can tell you the precise date — July 10, 2002 — her hobby developed.
“My daughter was born, and I wanted to capture every moment. The smiles, the bubbles, the crawling, and just everything,” she says. “We had a digital pocket camera, and I did everything I could with that, and I started getting frustrated because I couldn’t get the action shots I wanted or the light I wanted.”
Cobb started reading everything she could on the subject, engaged other photographers, and even took a photography class. Soon, she started buying cameras, trading up as she learned more, continuing with her lessons.
“I wanted to learn the technical side of photography, but also the mental side. What is a good photo, and how do you tell a story with one picture? My editors at the paper have been fantastic with positive feedback and encouragement,” she says. “Every photo shoot is an adventure for me and I always learn something.”
She admits that she’s always had an interest in “documenting the moment,” so her love of photography made a lot of sense to her and those around her. But her schooling netted her a Master’s degree in International Relations, and it was not a career she ever considered.
“I have always been a visual person, and when I went to museums, I am always drawn more towards photography than other visual art forms,” she says. “Once I took control and started the develop skills and expertise, it became obvious to me that this is what I needed to do.”
While she does dabble in the studio, she is a little frustrated at the nature of the print business these days and how it relates to her expanding her career.
“Of course I entered the newspaper business when it’s going through a dramatic transformation. Newspapers are shrinking, and it’s almost impossible to get a full-time job as a staff photographer,” she says. “I would happily have my camera strapped on working every day, going from job-to-job and working with a team to tell stories. For now, I will do what I can.”
With four kids and three dogs in the house, when she’s not out taking pictures, Cobb is volunteering or taking care of the brood. The freelancing works well for her because she can take the jobs that work well within her schedule, and photography is a nice balance to all she has in the rest of her life.
“It’s kind of like I found my voice. It’s a passion, and I do as much as I can within the constraints that I am living right now,” Cobb says. “My son is starting kindergarten in the fall, which might allow me to do something different.”
Looking ahead, Cobb is hopeful that her photography will lead her in other exciting avenues, and that more people will learn of her work.
“I’m not looking to set up a studio to compete with the portrait people. It’s not where I’m headed,” she says. “I like telling stories and sometimes it’s 35 pictures, and sometimes it’s just a series of portraits with a kid and his dog. Capturing that moment in time and documenting this special thing that’s happening is important to me.”
To view more of Deb Cobb’s work, visit www.debcobb.com.