Interview with photographer Richard Rizzo

I first met Richard in the Zazzle forum, where he is a very helpful and active member. I believe everyone will agree he has an excellent eye for catching a momment in time with his camera

What first inspired you to get into photography?I think seeing the work of Ansel Adams in books when I was young first put the spark in me but later in my early twenties I met a friend who was a professional photographer in North Carolina who really had the most impact on me, he taught me not only to look at things through the lens but how to see creatively.

How long have you been in the industry?Well that’s a tough one because I can honestly say art has been my life since at least second grade when I remember winning an award for an abstract painting I did for art class. As far as working in the Photography Industry I worked for several commercial photography studios in the 1980's doing various work from /Set Designing, Decorative Painting, Carpentry, Key Grip, Lighting and Assistant Photographer/ I later started my own residential /Faux Finishing and Mural /business which I have been doing for over twenty years now but I always kept my camera close in hand to take opportunistic images whenever I can.

What advice would you give someone just starting out?Generally speaking.. search for your desire and talent, hone your skills, work hard and network.
Most of what I know about art is self taught, everything from design to photography to painting, though I did take a few courses when needed.

What style has worked best for you as a photographer?I generally work with realism in photography and painting though I do dabble with abstract and surrealism at times.

Where do you see your company in 5 years?Since my photography is _not_ my bread and butter at the time I would like to see it take off but also I would like to get more into 2D and 3D digital art it is something that fascinates me and wish it was around when I was in public school.
As far as a plan goes..by being flexible, diverse and a tad spontaneous I generally keep my options open when it comes to long term planning I have a general idea where to take it but it will most likely evolve itself to a niche market being totally adaptable if and when needed.

What is your favorite photograph?I guess I can honestly say I don’t have a favorite but I photograph what I love whether it’s landscapes, trains, machinery or old abandoned buildings, it’s a part of what I am and it shows in all of my work.

Who has been your biggest influence in your designs?I would like to say my older sister who used to take me to the Museum of Modern Art in the city a lot when I was a kid but various types of artists/designers who are relevant to my tastes of styles or interests would be Ansel Adams, Alexander Calder, Salvador Dali, Frank Lloyd Wright, Picasso, Matisse, Peter Max, Leonardo da Vinci and Marino Marini just to name a few.

What is your favorite design by another artist?I really have no one favorite because I appreciate all the artist work I mentioned above, they each have their own styles with equal impact.

Please pick 3 of your best designs, and provide links.I’m not sure if they are the best but I like them a lot.
“Going Down” http://www.zazzle.com/going_down_print-228195613652677181
“Logan Pass” http://www.zazzle.com/logan_pass_print-228816802121610217
“The Back Shop” http://www.zazzle.com/the_back_shop_print-228516152484441087