The Sunday interview: 5 questions for Robert Miller

Today I will present Robert Miller from Miller and Wakeford the authors of Portrait of Us. Robert is a photojournalist, a storryteller and a National Geographic books author.

1. Why photography?

Photography is more than what I do—it’s how I express myself. I began my journey as a photojournalist in 1975, training while embedded with the Quincy, Massachusetts, Fire Department. I lived alongside firefighters for two intense summers, documenting their daily courage. That experience, a literal “Trial by Fire,” ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling through images and words.

Today, fifty years later, I’ve come full circle—again riding with Quincy’s first responders, capturing how firefighting and community service have evolved across generations. This work has culminated in Trial by Fire: A Photojournalist’s Return to the Flames, a powerful “then-and-now” book set for release in September 2025.

I am drawn to stories that reveal the strength, struggle, and dignity of people often overlooked. My camera has taken me across the globe to places where poverty overwhelms, but where spirit and resilience prevail. What once shocked me now humbles me. People with nothing always seem to find a way to give access, trust, and a smile. I see photojournalism as a sacred exchange: someone allows me into their life, and I do everything I can to honor that gift through my images and storytelling.

I’ve written and photographed four books, including Veterans Voices with National Geographic. That partnership elevated my career and expanded my platform, but I’ve never strayed from my core mission: to bear witness, reveal truth, and advocate through visual and written narrative.

2. What is your favourite gear? (camera, lens)

I believe in minimal gear and maximum connection. I shoot with a Nikon Z9 and three Nikkor lenses: a 24–70mm f/2.8, a 70–200mm f/2.8, and the remarkable 35mm f/1.2 prime. That last one has become my go-to for environmental portraiture—its creamy bokeh and crisp subject rendering allow me to tell intimate stories with atmosphere and clarity.

Though I own a flash, I haven’t used it in years. Today’s sensor technology, paired with my experience working with natural light and shadow, gives me the creative freedom to let moments unfold without interference. I want my images to breathe—to feel lived-in and real.

I use Lightroom Mobile to access my 800,000+ image archive wherever I go. That constant access keeps me connected to my life’s work and lets me share meaningful photos on the fly. I’ve never used Photoshop, and I never will. I move my feet—not pixels- if something's wrong in the frame.

3. What are your favourite subjects to photograph?

I photograph people—people with stories, people who endure, people who inspire. Everyone has a story, but I’m especially drawn to those who live on the edges of society or in moments of excellent service and sacrifice. My work often merges images and essays because words and photos can say more than one can alone.

Whether it’s an astrophotograph, a sunrise over Lake Michigan, or a photo story about recycling pacemakers in the Philippines, my goal is always to create something honest, emotional, and lasting. My exhibitions always include backstories and captions. I’m not interested in abstract work—I’m here to tell human stories.

4. Can you name a few of your favourite photographers?

Ansel Adams shaped my early years. I was lucky to meet him after college through a mentor, and that conversation changed my life.

Tony Vaccaro was another inspiration, whose work spanned war zones and fashion shoots. I spent a whole day with him before his passing in 2022—interviewing and photographing him for my book Portraits of Service. His grit and grace left a lasting impression.

And James Nachtwey's raw, haunting imagery from global conflict zones reminds me that truth and compassion must live side by side. His work is both brutal and beautiful, and his dedication to bearing witness continues to inspire my own.

5. What can the Substack community expect from you/your publication in the future?

Substack is the perfect platform for this mix. I like to say I’m the chocolate; the story is the peanut butter, and together, we make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Words and pictures belong together in my world. Subtack allows the written word to be with the photo, offering a powerful communication medium. I aim to build my readership, stay a free publication for a while, and grow subscribers. We plan to open a paid subscription area that will offer some inside looks at what goes on behind the scenes of what we do and how we do it.