Robin Rayne is an Atlanta-based, internationally published photojournalist and documentary film producer whose work centers on developmental disability, human rights, gender diversity, and social justice—particularly amid Georgia’s shifting political landscape.
For more than 35 years, Robin has documented the lives of people too often misunderstood, marginalized, or left out of the public conversation. Their photographs and stories—rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a deep respect for human complexity—have appeared in Newsweek, Time, BusinessWeek, The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, The Guardian, LePoint, Der Spiegel, and dozens more. Robin’s images and essays are distributed worldwide through ZUMA Press Wire Service.
“Over time, my work as a photojournalist has shifted from chasing headlines to something more enduring: documenting lives of people often marginalized by society,” explains Robin.
“When my son had a stroke at birth, I entered the world of disability—not as a journalist, but as a parent. That changed everything. I wasn’t just observing; I was living it firsthand. The families I photographed knew I spoke their language and understood the nuances. That connection gave me a fresh sense of purpose and a level of trust that parachute reporting can’t replicate.”
“Photojournalism found me when I picked up my dad’s camera. I was a shy, awkward teen who didn’t fit in, trying to make sense of the world, and myself. As someone who is neurodivergent with mild autism, the camera became my safe space, a way of connecting when words fell short.”
“Photojournalism still grounds me. It’s how I process the world. It’s also how I invite others to see differently. I believe people with disabilities belong in community, not apart from it. I want readers to reconsider those they might otherwise overlook, and to see someone with a disability as a person first, not just a diagnosis.”
“I approach this work not as an advocate, but as a journalist committed to accuracy, depth, and dignity. I strive to document people’s lives as fully and truthfully as possible. My own neurodivergence helps me connect with others who’ve felt bypassed or “othered.” I’ve come to see it as a bridge, and a quiet strength.”