College graduate fascinated by photography and makes it his life

By JESSICA REECE
Staff Writer
Growing up, every student dreams of becoming something cool or someone famous like a movie star or a super hero. One Niagara College graduate dreamed of becoming a pro-wrestler but instead became a professional photographer after falling in love with photography. He couldn’t be happier with how things turned out.
Robert James Deak, 24, born and raised in Fort Erie, now resides in Niagara Falls.
Deak started his college career in Niagara College’s General Arts and Sciences one-year Pre-Media and Design program last year.

After graduating, he decided to begin Robert Deak Photography, his own business, out of his home. He started with a few photo shoots of friends and family just for fun, but eventually the business grew into paid work for local businesses and friends in the area.
Deak has received nothing but positive feedback from clients. He is able to make his clients feel comfortable while keeping structure and organization in his jobs.
“It was a lot of fun, it wasn’t intimidating and his goal for the shoot was pretty clear. It’s great having one of your good friends appreciate your inner beauty and capture it through the camera lens,” says client Christina Dimberio, 19.
Deak seems to have a way of relaxing his clients, especially when they’re not used to being in front of a camera.
“He made the experience fun and not so forced,” says client Maghan Brown, 20.  “[It’s] a relaxed setting no matter where the shoot is being taken. Both of the shoots I have done with him were ... interesting. I don’t do that kind of thing, but it was very easy and kind of exciting to do.”
While growing up, Deak did not always dream of photography. He originally wanted to become a pro-wrestler.
“What can I say? I like performing.” He could even be seen in photographs posing with his replica of a Champion’s Wrestling belt.
While taking the program here at the college. he realized his love for photography.  
“I took the course last year and I loved it. I’ve always loved art, every type of art. I started learning it, and it just grew from there.”
“Rob has always had this drive to succeed, a drive to create his own business,” says J.T. Lewis, a photography instructor at Niagara College.
Deak’s whole life has become photography. He carries his camera everywhere he is allowed to bring it. His favourite aspect about photography is meeting people and being able to display them as an art form.
“I just want to make people an art form.” Deak says his least favourite aspect about photography is “post-production,” when he has to sit and sort through photos after a shoot. “It’s the longest part after a long day.”
Deak says that he has been most influenced by his favourite photographer, Michael Grecco, a celebrity portrait photographer whose photos have been on the cover of Time magazine.
“The way he captures things … it’s just … unique and stands out to me.”
Deak even has a favourite photograph. “One of my favourites would have to be The Afghan Girl from National Geographic magazine. The picture is just amazing.”
Deak says his favourite photos to shoot are portraits.
“Portraits are my favourite because I love people and I see the beauty in every person, regardless if they see it or not, and I like to portray that for everyone to see.”
Deak has big plans for the future. “Right now I’d like to get published, anywhere, so I can be able to open something up and see my work.”
Deak says he would also love to travel, anywhere and everywhere.
“I’d love to be able to experience other cultures and share them with the world.”
When it all comes down to it, Deak explains, all he really wants “is to be successful because who doesn’t, right?”
To find out more about Deak’s photography, visit www.RobertDeak.com or www.Facebook.com/RobertDeakPhotography.