PROFILE

Before the idea of “Photogroupe” was even a dream, there was Fred’s “do-anything-I-can-get-one-man-operation” which began in South Jersey in 1978, moving shortly to San Diego for 5 years, before returning to the East Coast (Right Coast Rules!!).

By focusing on the one area Fred is passionate about, architectural and interior photography, Fred Forbes Photogroupe has grown to become one of the major players in the country within our market niche of the Homebuilding and Design Industry.

Fred believes that a successful creative enterprise begins with a great team. Here’s who we are:

Fred Forbes grew up wanting to be an architect. He graduated from Cornell in 1965 with a degree in Hotel Administration (so much for architecture!), went to work with Hilton International in the Virgin Islands, became a photographer in 1970 (so much for hotels!), studied at RIT (Rochester), and finally, since the mid-80’s has been doing almost exclusively architectural and interior photography (yes, finally back to architecture!). Fred became an avid mid-life golfer, has been a lifetime skier, and credits much of last year's business success to ski racing!

Brian Krebs would probably be a professional musician had he not pursued a “secure” career like photography. Brian graduated from Antonelli Institute of Photography (Philadelphia), began assisting with Fred in 1999, is now the Studio Manager responsible for all production, as well as assisting on location. Brian’s knowledge of the subject we photograph, where we fit in the marketing programs of our clients, and his blend of traditional background and digital mastery are surpassed only by the relationships he has developed with our clients. When Brian says it will get done, it will get done! As for the music: Steve Kimock and Phil Lesh would be happy to know how often Brian has been in their audience, from Pennsylvania to Arkansas.

David Gabel joined Fred Forbes Photogroupe in 2004. David is a graduate of Antonelli Institute, with Honors, though for 10 years prior he had a career track of both mechanical and electronic test calibration, requiring a precise technical knowledge of the equipment being tested, troubleshooting and repair, and interactive computer systems – in other words, Dave’s our in-house Tech-ie! He also happens to be a virtuoso with the Digital SLR camera, with an eye for composition and lighting, and has been published in Professional Builder magazine.



PHOTOGROUPE

Fred Forbes is established. Photogroupe is in its infancy.

It has been Fred’s observation that photographers as a group tend to go solo, creating their own businesses by themselves, with or without assistant(s), and struggle to acquire equipment and set up business practices, and operate in creative isolation. Photogroupe is a business plan to allow several creatives, possibly in different disciplines, to work independently, joined administratively, in a sharing/teaching/learning environment to the benefit of all – particularly clients. More on Photogroupe as the concept grows.