Robert Downs (1927 – 1976) was an American photographer who was known for figurative, abstract expression. For many an artist, creativity is found in their genes and Downs was not an exception. He got interested in art at a very young age and could spend much of his time looking at what other artists were doing. He was a keen observer of nature and would not let anything pass by. His creativity sprang from both sides of the parental well. His farther was a photojournalist for more than 40 years with the Atlanta Journal, while his mother was a graphic artist. Downs used to beg his father to take him to work with him on the weekends. His job would be to carry all the staff photographer's cameras to the football field and pick up film at half-time. His reward was he got to use a camera and dump his film in with the rest of the people.
Whether it was a cruel joke or fate, his shots started showing up in the paper. He was thirteen years old when he scored the front page of the sports section. It was then he knew that he wanted to be a photographer. He studied at the California School of Fine Arts, MFA, California College of Arts & Crafts, Oakland, and Mills College, Oakland. For several years, Downs sustained that dream making a living combining commerce and art with clients including Sennheiser, Roland, Kaman Music, Sony Pictures, and the Los Angeles Times. His work has been featured on covers and editorial and video spreads for many magazines.
