I still view and appreciate all photos, but I have a personal connection with printed photos. I want to continue a tradition of photo sharing that has meant so much to my family and I want to be able to provide "print-worthy" photos. I want real emotions and art at the same time. I want life preserved in an image and have it be display worthy.
Hi! My name is Richie, and I absolutely love photos. This is my journey.
Self portrait; Richie
Inspiration is planted:
Why and how did this all start?
As cliché as it sounds... my mom. She's not exactly a professional photographer but she loves photos. She immigrated from South America and left behind her friends, family, and pretty much her entire life. As the oldest of my siblings, I remember a lot more of how things "were". Before my mom became fluent in English and before she studied her butt off to get her GED and eventually her AA and BSN. In that "before" time, one of the things that stood out the most (to me) was how important photos were to her. I didn't quite understand it then, but now I see how photos literally can preserve memories and how photo sharing is a form of communication & love.
Intentionality Observed:
In a time before social media, texting, and internet, I remember my mom always being intentional about taking photos, getting them printed, and every now and then, sending updated photos back to her family in South America. When we'd visit or when family would visit, there was always time for taking photos and getting them developed. These photos truly were treasures because that was the only way for my mom to "see" her family in between in person visits. Sometimes it would be several years in between these trips.
So from then, Ive grown up with this understanding that photos were special. And every photo that my mom had was tied to a handful of memories, stories, and emotions.
A tradition emerges
By the time social media and instant photo sharing becomes the norm, I still view and appreciate all photos, but I still gravitate toward printed photos which ultimately leads to why I started learning photography. I wanted to continue a tradition of photo sharing that has meant so much to my family and I want to be able to provide "print-worthy" photos. I want real emotions and art at the same time. I want life preserved in an image, and have it be display worthy.
The Uphill Climb
So I start learning. First on a 35mm black & white film camera at a week long camp. I learned how to develop that film in a dark room although I distinctly remember not being a fan of the pitch black. Back home I practiced and learned more on my family's DSLR camera which was a major step up compared to the horrible quality of cell phone cameras back then (2007 - 2011). By the time I get to college, I save up and purchase my first "real" interchangeable lens camera and very quickly became "that friend" that had their camera everywhere. As i got better, I kept finding joy in providing photos to others and eventually people started paying me which blew my mind.
Looking back With Gratitude
Looking back on those earlier photoshoots with my friends is kinda funny. It's humbling really. I wasn't any good and yet even so my friends supported me. I'm indebted to them and will forever be grateful for those that supported my journey during the beginning, and I am quite appreciative for the friends, family, and clients that continue to support my journey now 11 years later.
I pride myself in remembering every single client I've taken photos for because I truly value those interactions in-between photos and those special moments I capture from behind a camera. I love photos and if you'll allow me, I'd love to connect with you to capture some special memories on your behalf that will literally last a life time.
I pride myself in remembering every single client I've taken photos for because I truly value those interactions in-between photos and those special moments I capture from behind a camera. I love photos and if you'll allow me, I'd love to connect with you to capture some special memories on your behalf that will literally last a life time.
with my wife, christen