An interview with Boston-based Photographer Heath Robbins and HP Hood’s Mike Mandolese
When photographer Heath Robbins and Mike Mandolese, Sr. Design Manager from HP Hood’s internal agency sit down to talk, the conversation naturally turns to collaboration — and how trust and creative freedom have shaped their work together. What started as agency-sourced projects has evolved into a true partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to making authentic, intentional work.
They talk about what makes that kind of collaboration click — the human connection behind every shoot, and the freedom that comes when trust replaces micromanagement.
AtEdge: Creative partnerships don’t just happen—they’re built. How did you two first start working together?
Mike: It started pretty traditionally. We were working with an outside agency, and Heath came on board for one of our campaigns. But from that first shoot, there was just a sense of trust. He got what we were trying to do and from there, he was our go-to guy.
Heath: That first shoot set the tone. We were aligned right out of the gate, and that trust grew quickly. When you work with someone who listens and gives you space to experiment, that’s when the best stuff happens. There was an openness to explore ideas and push beyond the shot list. That kind of trust doesn’t always happen right away, but when it does, it’s gold.
AtEdge: What makes that trust so important in creative work?
Mike: Creative work is always a leap of faith. You’ve got budgets, expectations, lots of people watching—and you still don’t know exactly what the final thing’s going to look like. So when you find someone you trust, it’s the best feeling. You can take risks and know you’re in good hands.
Heath: I know Mike’s not hiring me to say yes to everything—he wants a real point of view. We talk ideas, we challenge each other, and that back-and-forth is what keeps the work alive. Trust goes both ways. Mike gives direction, but he’s never prescriptive. He’ll say, “Here’s what I see—what do you see?” Then we build from there. It’s about having the freedom to experiment and knowing the other person has your back.
AtEdge: You’ve both seen the industry evolve. How has that affected how you work together?
Mike: We’ve leaned more into in-house production. It makes sense for efficiency, but it only works if you’ve got collaborators who understand your brand inside and out. Heath’s been that for us—he’s flexible, but always brings fresh ideas. We’ve even started bringing him in for social content, which has been a big win.
Heath: Totally. Even as tech changes—AI, content demands, all of it—what still matters most is the human connection. Ninety percent of my work comes from repeat clients. That’s not about algorithms; it’s about trust and showing up every time with your best.
AtEdge: It sounds like what you’ve built goes beyond client and photographer—it’s a creative partnership.
Heath: Exactly. It’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about the relationship that makes those pictures possible.
Mike: Yeah—when the trust is there, everything else falls into place.
