I want to continue a tradition of photo sharing that combines life's real emotions with display-worthy art.
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 immigrated from South America, leaving everything behind. As the oldest, I saw firsthand how precious photos were to her. photos were her way of communicating love and preserving memories, connecting her to family back home.
Intentionality Observed:
In a time right when social media, texting, and internet were not yet common, I remember my mom meticulously take photos, get them printed, and send them to her family. These weren't just snapshots; they were tangible connections to her past and her family. This was the ONLY way to "see her family" between visits. There was no face-time or instagram. Simply put, they were treasures, especially since visits were years apart. This instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of images. Each one held a story, a memory, an emotion.
A tradition emerges
Enter present day - social media and instant photo sharing is second nature, and yet there's something extra special with printed photos. You can hold them, feel them, even sniff them if you wanted to haha. I want to be a photographer that embraces new technology to create print-worthy photos that will be displayed.
The Uphill Climb
So I start learning. First on a 35mm black & white film camera at a summer camp where I also learned to how to develop film in a dark room. Back home, I practiced on my family's DSLR, a huge upgrade from the cell phone cameras of the time (think 2007-2011). In college, I finally bought my own "real" camera and became that friend with the camera always in hand. I loved sharing photos with others, and eventually, people started paying me! It was mind-blowing.
Looking back With Gratitude
Looking back at those early photoshoots makes me laugh (and feel incredibly humbled). I wasn't great, but my friends supported me anyway. I'm forever grateful to those that supported my journey in the beginning and I am very appreciative of the friends, family, and clients, that continue to support my journey 12 years later.
I truly value every client and remember every photoshoot. I love the connections we make and the special moments I get to witness from behind the camera. I'd be honored to create display-worthy images with you.
with my wife, christen