Ride the Wave: The story of three friends committed to a common cause

Derrious Robinson, LaVell Monger and Tre Idlette, founders of RTW Photography

It all began in 2016 as “Ride the Wave Photography.” Initially focusing on fashion, RTW quickly branched out into portraiture, weddings, commercial work, even offering photo booth services.

Founded by Derrious Robinson alongside his University of Florida college classmates and fraternity brothers, Tre Idlette and LaVell D. Monger, RTW Photography stands out as a dynamic, Black-owned media company rooted in Orlando. They’ve rapidly transformed their venture into one of Florida’s fastest-growing creative agencies, now recognized for high-impact graduation shoots, standout wedding visuals, commercial storytelling, and community-driven content.

Each of the friends picked up a camera for a different reason. “I believe that was the beauty of our company,” explains LaVell D. Monger, co-owner of RTW Photography. “All of us have our masters, so we brought an education background to the company. We brought an electrical engineering background to the company. We brought an accounting background to the company. We have these different approaches that came together.”

Navigating COVID

RTW’s growth accelerated between 2016 and 2019, as the partners continually expanded their services and client base, navigating the challenges of COVID-19 with tenacity.

Their determination enabled them to scale the business during a volatile period, showcasing both resilience and vision. Their headquarters in Downtown Orlando’s historic Parramore district isn’t just a business decision; it’s a statement of loyalty to the community that first supported them.

RTW faced its share of challenges during the pandemic. “When the pandemic hit, all our shoots were canceled and events started getting postponed,” explains Monger. “We picked up our resumes, started looking at them, brushed them off, and looked at these master’s degrees and were thinking, ‘If push comes to shove, we have something to lean back on until we can get through it.’”

Fortunately, push never came to shove for RTW.

While other businesses were closing their doors, RTW persevered, opening its first storefront during COVID in August 2020. Monger recalls, “We were going through a pandemic, and that was one of the biggest years. Every year we have increased revenue with the expansion and the elevation of the company because our skill set is creative, but our mindset is business.”

Commitment to Community Empowerment

For the founders of RTW, the mission was clear from the very start: open a professional photography studio in the heart of underserved communities in Orlando, which is why their studio sits in the Parramore District. Monger says, “When we started learning about Parramore and more about the community, we realized that doing our part to be a part of the community has really been beneficial.”

What truly sets RTW apart is its commitment to community empowerment. They provide internships, mentorship programs, and affordable studio space for freelancers and entrepreneurs in the Parramore district. By partnering with the University of Central Florida and Full Sail University, RTW offers hands-on internship experiences for students, helping them gain real-world skills and industry exposure.

With a goal of building a legacy, creating access, and fostering equity, whether it’s through affordable creative spaces or developing the next generation of talent, RTW Photography is committed to making a lasting impact in both its industry and its community.

Community, corporate and business events are an integral part of their mission. From wellness events to VIBES, the Parramore studio is the place to be. “We did an event with Congressman Frost a couple of years ago when he had his art competition here,” says Monger. “We had about 103 pieces of art in six different categories, just all on the wall. We had so many people here being judges, and the community could judge the art pieces that he was taking back to DC to hang up in one of the tunnels that leads to the chambers. It’s like we are building stories through the camera.”

VIBES

(Vibrant Inclusive Business & Entrepreneur Showcase) is far more than a typical pop-up market—it’s a dynamic platform designed to spotlight Orlando’s diverse network of entrepreneurs and makers.

Supporting over 20 small businesses, VIBES brings together a curated lineup of local vendors, live music, interactive experiences, and immersive visuals. The goal? To create a space where culture and commerce truly thrive side by side.

As Derrious Robinson, founder of RTW Photography, explains: “Our mission goes far beyond the lens. With both events hosted in the heart of Parramore—an area rich in culture, these events are an exciting opportunity for our community.”

The future is bright for RTW Photography

What started as a passion project has evolved into a thriving business, now handling everything from grand openings to major conferences at the Orange County Convention Center.

The founders of RTW plan to be a pillar and staple in the community, having a seat at the table.

Monger says, “My business partners are, all of us are, on some of the most prominent boards and have become some of the most prominent decision makers here in Central Florida, from an economic development piece, from a civic and social piece, as well as from a political standpoint.”

This influence stems from the relationships they have established in the community. “It’s only best to use that influence for the proper cause,” says Monger. “And part of that is being at the table where some of these big decisions are being made and not just sitting back complaining about those decisions being made after the fact.”

The future of RTW has already begun with expansion to other major cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, along with conferences in Cabo and Jamaica. Other locations in the pipeline are Nashville, Houston, Charlotte, and Arizona. “We want to make sure that we’re on top of the next big city to host a massive amount of conferences so that we can get into the market,” explains Monger. “We can get a piece of the market share and continue to scale and build our brand nationally.”

And it all began with three college buddies from the University of Florida, with a love for community. “The one thing I love and admire about Central Florida is the welcoming community that you all have, that we all have, because I am a part of this community now,” Monger says with pride. “I’m a couple of years from being a Floridian, actually. And I love it. This is a great place to work, to live, and of course to play.”

To learn more about RTW Photography, click here.