Bio

With about thirty years of photographic experience, I believe I have acquired the knowledge and insight that has bought my company success. The reason? A keen eye for the world around me!  Not everyone can do what I do.  It's not the type of camera I use, or lights, or any of that.  I believe photography is in me.  My clients love my attention to detail, my patience, my hustle, and sense of humor, but mostly, producing images they love.  If this were not the case, I'd be doing something else.  I've pretty much been in the same area for about 20 years, and your reputation does follow you.  I'm still here, and still shooting.  It is all I do.  Full time, and then some!  That must mean something.

With extensive business experience, and having attended The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale (Florida), and Purdue University, the best school I have attended is the school of hard knocks!  Before attending any schools, I was a self-taught photographer.  Back in the darkroom days.  It's kinda hard to understand photography if you never spent hours and hours in a darkroom.  It made you a much better photographer, as there was very little room for error.  You made sure everything was just right before you took the shot.  That's old school.  It's a lot different now.  Now, you can correct just about anything in Photoshop, however, that's sort of like cheating.  A great photographer, doesn't have to make many corrections.  It's all about the vision.  Not the camera.  How I view the world around me, is different than most.  That's why I am a professional photographer.

Striking Images is a family owned business.  I do not operate a large studio with a staff of photographers and office help.  I do everything.  In that, there are many benefits. To begin with you're not paying extra for "fluff". My pricing is competitive in the marketplace. However, my edge is my artistic ability and image quality.  That's pretty much what you're paying for.  Most importantly, my reputation, image, and pride in my work is paramount.  I think you'll find that out when we meet.

While being at a great point in my career, I feel I have an advantage. Seasoned enough to rely on my past photographic experience, but still young enough to be willing to try new techniques to incorporate into my repertoire. Though I do have some "trademark" images, most images are different, unique, and just plain fun to do.

Many prospective clients often ask me, "What should I look for in a professional?".  The answer simply put, personality is probably number one.  You should feel it right off the bat!  Sort of like an old friend.  After all, you'll be spending your entire wedding day with me.  So it's pretty important. And price, well, important, but not the be all-end all.  Image quality and the overall job I do, is a bit more important than how much you pay.  Especially afterward.  Then, it doesn't matter.  

I use the analogy of seeking out a quality physician.  Most don't ask how much he or she charges, however, what are their qualifications, how long have they been practicing, etc.  Most times you want the best procedure, no matter what the cost.  Most times you don't even know what they charge.  It's different, but it's the same.  I have to be prepared for anything.  There can be no mistakes, no "I forgot's", or anything.  For weddings, it's a one shot deal.  No second chances.  I can guarantee you, at the end of the day, you'll love the job I've done. 

Photography is an art, a learned skill, with techniques some never master. Photography is unique to the individual. Geared by the vision and experience of the photographer and the desires of the client.  Not by the price they paid. Each client experience is an opportunity for me to grow, with no less than 100% effort put forth, and to exceed each clients expectations.  

Thank you for visiting my website.  I would love to hear from you.   

Have a great day!

Rich