the face behind the camera
My name is Robert de Wit and I am Ottawa's premier headshot and portrait photographer for actors, artists, executives, critical thinkers and those who strive for simplicity.
Headshots are easy to take, yet so hard to capture. A great headshot reflects your personality, your unique idiosyncrasies immediately recognized by those who know you best. A bad headshot shows a person’s facade; the smile they hide behind. You decide which you get the moment you choose your photographer.
I’ve taken every headshot you see on this site (except my own, of course - that was taken by Peter Hurley). Take a peek at my google reviews, check out my Instagram to see what I’m currently shooting, or just reach out and connect - I’d love to hear from you!
10 Questions with Rob
(1) me shooting volleyball with my 200f2, (2) an early headshot setup, circa 2017, (3) me on vacation with my family
Have you always been a photographer?
No. Yes. Ok, it’s complicated. I first picked up a camera when I was 12, then life happened. I joined the Navy, went to school, then to war, then more school, work, two kids, some hi-tech start-ups and a private consulting practice. I picked up the camera again when the kids were young, met Peter Hurley (the best headshot photographer on the planet) along the way and here I am.
What gear do you use?
I currently shoot Nikon. No real reason other than I like their deeper grips. I grew up using Konica, then switched to Pentax for a bit. I’m now fully mirrorless. In studio I shoot tethered to CaptureOne and use Affinity Photo for retouching (I’ve been Adobe-free since 2015), both on a Mac. I use Synology for file storage, my tripod is Feisol and for lights it’s mostly Elinchrom and Westcott, although I did just recently pick up some nanlites.
Do you just shoot headshots?
Nope, I also do portraits. When my oldest son played competitive volleyball, I shot a lot of that. My youngest son is an equestrian (eventing, if you're interested) so I shoot a lot of horses during show season. I’m also the designated photographer for family vacations. While I’ve shot a few events and lifestyle images for local business owners, headshots and portraits remain my primary focus.
(1) Molly the snoring studio dog, (2) Millie rocking the Peter Hurley squinch, (3) my boys jumping in puddles (circa 2004)
Are you a cat or a dog person?
Definitely a dog person, but don’t tell the cats that. We currently have three cats and a horse. All rescues. The cats seem to have adopted the couch in return. Sadly, we lost Molly the studio dog in August 2021 after 16 wonderful years. I miss her snoring during shoots.
Tea or coffee?
Both, but never at the same time. I drank way too much coffee in the Navy that doubled as solvent, typically during the middle watch, then went through a tea phase (my favourite is the milk oolong from David’s Tea - looks like seaweed once brewed). I’m much simpler now: double long espresso in the morning (usually twice). Herbal tea in the afternoon (I need my beauty sleep).
Morning person or night owl?
Definitely a morning person. I’m usually up at before 6am to get a head start on the day. My youngest son is usually up next and I might see him for a few seconds before he disappears to the barn for the day, only to return for food and a shower. I’m toast by 9pm, tho. Earlier, if I’ve had some wine.
(1) Bangkok silk market, (2) a real coffee - not available at Starbucks, (3) Buddhist monks at the Ayutthaya archeological ruins
What makes your work stand out?
Connection. Then expression, lighting, composition and retouching. In that order. Notice I didn’t mention camera. Or settings.
You see a puddle on the ground, what do you do?
I jump in with both feet. Then turn around and do it again. I’ve taught my boys to do the same. Try it, it’s fun.
What does 200f2 mean?
It’s my favourite lens. Nikon, Canon and Fuji make them. They’re big, heavy, and imposing, but absolutely pure magic. The image quality is jaw-dropping, the ability to isolate the subject is unparalleled and the auto-focus is impossibly fast. If you’ve never shot with one before, go rent one. Your life will change.
If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
Are we alone.
Shannon Holmes on Major Disaster, captured at Bromont, June 2018 (200mm, f2, 1/4000s)