Marci Robles Creates from Her Lived Experiences

Interviewed and written by Danielle Bastos

In the bustling city of Washington DC, where history merges seamlessly with modernity, resides Marci Robles, a native daughter with a keen eye for capturing the soul of the city through the lens of her camera. Born and raised on the backdrop of iconic landmarks and storied streets, Marci has embarked on a journey that seamlessly blends her deep-rooted connection to her hometown with her passion for photography.

Raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of the nation’s capital, Marci’s journey began as a dedicated rowing coach, a role she embraced for 14 years. However, it was during her tenure coaching a Florida rowing team in 2017 that she experienced a profound realization–coaching, while fulfilling, wasn’t her ultimate calling. “In 2017, I was coaching in Florida, I was the head coach at the time. Probably too young to be a head coach I was a little bit over my head. It’s a very all consuming job, you’re on 24/7. I think there’s a lot of weight and responsibility that coaches have and I was looking for a bit of an outlet.” It was during this period that Marci rediscovered her long-standing passion for photography, a spark ignited during her high school years but left dormant due to her not owning a camera. Soon enough, her younger brother’s newfound hobby in photography provided her the courage and opportunity for her to finally pursue her own artistic aspirations. Marci soon seized the moment, and began saving for a camera and diving headfirst into the world of photography.

Marci taught herself how to photograph. She would take her camera out in the water and would practice taking pictures of her friends rowing. She explains how challenging it can be to row while simultaneously trying to capture an image. Nonetheless she clarifies that regardless of the photos not turning out the way she wanted them too, she enjoyed the fact that she got to explore this hobby and watch the sunrise every morning with her peers.

Throughout her journey, Marci has embarked on travels to view monuments to capture the beauty of a building. The symmetry, facade, clean lines are what captivates Marci into freezing a moment in time. When asked about how she stays inspired with photography, Marci says  “I think growing up in DC, I was really fortunate to have all these monuments and the national mall in my backyard. And these are iconic buildings that people come from all over the world to see, so I love seeing that in other places. When I travel I have an idea of what I want to see and what I want to capture, and then I get there and it’s sort of whatever moves me.” She continues by adding a nightly ritual: she takes her dog for a stroll around the Capitol Building, her customary route. She muses that there are moments during these walks when she and her dog find themselves alone in the vastness of the Capitol grounds, minus the Capitol Police officers. In those solitary moments, amidst the grandeur of the Capitol, Marci states that she feels a sense of humility, of being dwarfed by the majesty of the space-a sensation that, rather than overwhelming her, fills her with a sense of awe and gratitude. 

While Marci isn’t always seeking out photographic opportunities, she explains that her surroundings often ignite her artistic sensibilities. It’s not about meticulously scouting for angles, but rather about being attuned to the moments that resonate with her personal experiences. For Marci, each snapshot is a testament to her connection with the space she encounters. “There’s just a feeling that comes with it, the grandeur of people built this, and people come to see this, and there’s an experience inside. And I honestly didn’t set out to do that. Architectural photography is not the main part of my hobby, but I do like taking pictures of buildings.”

When reflecting on her Colombian heritage, Marci warmly recounts the moments that have shaped her photographic perspective. Her frequent travels with her family back to Colombia when she was younger ingrained within her a traveler’s spirit, leading her to continue exploring the world as she grew older. Recently, Marci has traveled back to Colombia with her dad. Stepping onto Columbian soil, Marci was enveloped in a sense of familiarity and curiosity, eagerly seeking out opportunities to capture the essence of her heritage through her lens. For Marci, photography isn’t just about documenting the sights- it’s about encapsulating the emotions, the connections, the intangible threads that bind her to her Colombian heritage. As she traveled the vibrant landscapes and shared precious moments with her family, Marci’s camera became an extension of herself–a tool for preserving memories, for freezing time, for honoring the beauty of the present. “I went to Colombia with my dad, and the entire time I had my hand on the camera.” She laughs. “Not even walking around the city, but even with my family members. I haven’t seen my aunt, cousins, and uncle in 15 years and to sort of sit back with my camera, and capture their interactions and know that it was going to be awhile until I saw them again, hopefully not that long, but I like to have that snap shot experience to hold onto. I think when I travel that is sort of my mind set.” Rather than merely photographing whatever crosses her path, Marci sought out raw and unfiltered moments. Each click of the shutter was a testament to her deep-rooted connection to Colombia, a visual homage to the culture that courses through her veins.

When asked about her struggles in capturing a perfect image, Marci opens up about the persistent challenge of overthinking. The nagging doubt–will the shot be good enough? Yet, amidst the whirlwind of uncertainty, Marci remains steadfast in her commitment to staying grounded with photography. Reflecting on the reception of her work, Marci shares a mix of vulnerability and pride. While she explains that there are nerves that accompany sharing something deeply personal with the world, she finds solace in the feedback from friends, but does not depend on them. Each word of praise, while uplifting, serves as a gentle reminder to Marci of her talent.

When envisioning herself in the near future, Marci sees herself as a sports photographer, a path that brings her journey full circle from her days as a rowing coach. As she reflects on her aspirations, Marci finds herself drawn to the energy and intensity of the sports field, captivated by the raw human emotions that unfold in the heat of competition. “I love watching people in that craft, because I know the work that goes behind it, the emotions that run through the stress that the athletes and coaches go through. I think there are such human moments in that activity and being able to get behind a camera and capture that I think would be really cool.”

In November 2023, Marci joined a photo walk with Our Latina Lens in Washington DC, making the start of her journey within the photography community. When asked what she searches for in a photography community, Marci states, “I wouldn’t have been able to answer this a few months ago. There were only a handful of us, but it was, I felt at home, even though this is a hobby and it’s more sporadic then I think a lot of people believe. There’s so much support in asking what my story was, and what my background was, and what my journey has looked like, and even walking around and getting to learn more about macro photography and getting to try someone’s lenses. There is such a sense of community there, and I think that’s very special.” 

When starting out, photography was a hobby for Marci, but quickly turned into something more. Marci found herself immersed in a world of encouragement and understanding. Here, amidst a handful of fellow fotógrafas, she felt a sense of belonging as they shared stories, backgrounds, and journeys, enriching her own experience in the process.

Reflecting on her journey, Marci is filled with gratitude for the sense of community she has found within photography. Looking back, she wishes she could tell her younger self not to wait—to embrace her passion for photography wholeheartedly and without reservation. For Marci, photography has become more than just a hobby—it’s a sanctuary where she can quiet her mind and immerse herself fully in the present moment. In her shared love for capturing moments and telling stories, she finds not only community but also a sense of purpose and belonging that she cherishes deeply.

Marci is a Colombian-American, native Washingtonian who spent the last 14 years as a Division I college rowing coach. She picked up a camera a few years ago in an attempt to find a creative outlet and also help market her teams. Photography has provided opportunities to explore, slow, down, and see more clearly.

All photos by Marci Robles
Photographer photo by Katie Lane