Robert Wagner was born in St. Louis; Drawn to photography from an early age through school publications, working as a grip and lab-tech at Maritz, he attended the University of Missouri, as a 22-year-old photojournalism student, he wanted to open a rental darkroom and ended up with a camera. Selling major brands, Nikon, Hasselblad, Norman and other pro-lines, after 6 years in business he and his wife sold the store and moved to Oklahoma City, where he was employed by Candid Color Systems & Glamor Shots, during 3 years as Equipment Coordinator he worked in buying, selling and training (split-70mm long-roll) cameras, lighting, and proofing systems for the opening of over 240 of the Glamour Shots studios.
Rob followed his wife through law school at Oklahoma City University, which lead to them practicing law together for over 20 years until her death in 2018.
As a volunteer with IPHF since 1999, Rob previously served on the board including during its move from Oklahoma City to St. Louis in 2013.