Robin Reid

My journey has never followed a straight line—and that’s exactly how I like it.

I once thought I’d be a classical pianist. Then I fell in love with history and international politics, earning my degree in the field. I worked on Capitol Hill for four years, but it wasn’t quite the right fit.

Luckily, I had also studied dance during college, and after leaving the government, I returned to the arts—this time as a professional dancer. For 15 incredible years, I performed ballet, modern, and Middle Eastern dance, and competed in ballroom, with a special passion for Latin styles.

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Eventually, my body asked for a change of pace. That’s when I found photography. I apprenticed in a professional studio, then opened my own, specializing in everything from family portraits to product shoots. Teaching became a passion, too—I spent many years instructing at The Art League in Alexandria, VA. I co-authored Focus on Lighting Photos, and was lead author of the 6th edition of Light Science & Magic, a go-to textbook on photographic lighting used in art schools and universities around the world.

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Now semi-retired, I still do portrait work for several Federal courts—but a few years ago, a friend introduced me to fused glass, and I was instantly captivated. The possibilities for expression in glass are endless. My goal is to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but functional as well.

I’m constantly exploring. During long daily walks, I began taking close-up photos using a macro lens on my phone, and later edited them using apps and Photoshop. That’s how my Dreamscapes photo series came to life—another creative path I didn’t expect, but now couldn’t imagine being without.

For me, Moxie & Magic means having the nerve to try something new—and the joy of creating something magical through glass and photography.