In the twenty third edition of our special features celebrating our favourite south coast based Instagram users we catch up with Robbie Loveless (@robbie.phot).

Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name’s Robbie, I’m 19 and currently living in Langstone. I left school and joined the Military Preparation College Portsmouth where I trained for two years before joining the Royal Marines. I’ve been a civvy for a year now, due to a medical discharge, in which I’ve started my own business, Loveless Media, that’s now partnering with my brother’s company, Loveless Accountants.

Can you tell me more about your photographic experience; is this something that you’ve studied or maybe a hobby that you’ve developed?
Looking back, I would like to have taken a course in photography so I can say I know what I’m doing but I wasn’t interested in it when the opportunities were there. I started getting into photography properly when I left training, as a way to clear my head and have loved it ever since. I’m completely self-taught but I owe a lot of credit to a few local photographers (mentioned at the end) for helping me with any questions I had and also giving tips on how to improve.

Do you have a favoured camera or device that you use for your Instagram photography?
My favoured body is the Sony A7. I started off with the kit lens which broke when it fell off Hayling Bridge during a time-lapse and then upgraded to the G-Series 18-105mm which is what most of my early Instagram posts were shot with. I decided to treat myself to a 50mm around 3 months ago and since have sold my 18-105mm, as my 50 is purely what I shoot with.

Exploring the theme of local, the south coast has a wide variety of climatic conditions, buildings and landscapes. Are there any places or environments that are personal to you or that you love to photograph?
A personal favourite of mine is Langstone Harbour as it’s a five-minute walk from where I live. I’ve become a real fan of including water in the background of all my shots and then after exploring different colours to use in the foreground have developed a liking to greens and browns which, hopefully, can be seen throughout my Instagram feed. Langstone’s helped me develop my own style due to the huge variety of colours all the way along the harbour which is why it’s my favourite place to shoot.

However, if I was to pick my favourite place to shoot away from home, I’d have to pick Cornwall. Not just for the coffee; It’s such a unique spot to shoot because, for me to get shots I like, I need to be inches from a cliff edge which gets the adrenaline flowing; Not something you usually get with photography.

I’ve become a real fan of including water in the background of all my shots and then after exploring different colours to use in the foreground have developed a liking to greens and browns which, hopefully, can be seen throughout my Instagram feed.

Would you say that you take photos more for yourself or for others?
As mentioned above, I started photography to help with stress relief so I’d say I take photos for myself, however after using Instagram for a while and connecting with various other local photographers, I’d like to say I post for them as well as I love getting constructive criticism and feedback as it helps me develop my skills and learn new ways around things.

Are there any other photographers who either influence you or that you would encourage our readers to also check out?
I’d encourage everyone to check these lads out as I owe most of the credit to them for teaching me most of what I know about photography @rywinter, @maxwilliamsphotography and @liamnashphotography. Also, check these lot out as they’re sick as well, @smokeyhowle, @psinsuebphol, @champ4334 and @petejanderson.

If you would like to get involved or know of a photographer that you think should be on our radar then please drop me an email at stuart@strong-island.co.uk.