Photographer Showcase – Richard Vossler
Photo by Gary Oakley
Richard’s Website: richvossler.com
Template Style: Dante
Which one of your photos do you consider to be your best?
How do I answer this? I have many favorite images, all for different reasons. I have included one of my current favorites. It was taken in January 2010 in Sayulita, Mexico. We were there on vacation and the surf happened to be irregularly big. Though not great for my intermediate skill level, it proved to be fantastic for the local surfers. I had the opportunity to photograph many of the members of the Nayarit Surf Team (which is their state in Mexico). This particular images was taken on the north break of the Sayulita beach. The surfer is a young accomplished local named Felipe Hernandez. I like the image for a number of elements that all came together. Of course the action is great but I am also taken with the lighting and the ferocity of the breaking waves that is so far reaching.
Photo by Richard Vossler
Tell us about you and your business?
I am a lucky man. I live in a wonderful place with a loving wife and the most beautiful little girl in the world. I have been given an opportunity to pursue my dreams of creating images. My life and photography business follow a simple philosophy: “do what you say you are going to do, when you say that you will do it”. This seems to be the easiest way to be consistent. I also like to have fun and I believe that helps attract and keep clients. Many people are uncomfortable in front of a camera or about hiring a photographer. If I can make this experience pleasant and provide a good product then I believe I will survive.
How would you describe your style of photography?
I try to tell the story through my camera. Although at times it is necessary to interact with my subjects, I enjoy capturing my vision of what is occurring. I try to focus my attention on being in the right places as opposed to creating those spaces to capture my images.
How many photo shoots a year do you do?
This year, I have about twenty weddings. I would like to do about that many portrait sessions as well. I will do a number of projects with non-profits and I try to shoot as many local social and sporting events as I can. I shoot anything and everything. As long as the shutter is making noise, I am a photographer. With a three-year-old daughter I do a ton of impromptu shoots with her.
Where would be you perfect Holiday destination?
Our perfect holiday destination is the west coast of Mexico around Puerto Vallarta. We were married there and try to go back at least once a year. The area is so great and the people are fantastic.
Why did you decide to become a photographer?
Rich Vossler Photography experienced a long slow beginning. I have always had a passion for creating images and while exploring different media, became drawn to photography. While growing up, I was fortunate that my family were great documenters of their lives. Cameras, whether still or “super-8 movie” were a part of my life. I studied film and photography at The University of Colorado in Boulder and while this did not turn out to be my degree it was the most interesting part of my education. My initial work focused around what we were doing at the time. Climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing and the people who participated were the themes. I got a Nikon F3 with a motor drive, a couple of lenses and discovered Fuji Velvia. I thought it couldn’t get better than this! Well, I then discovered another passion, coaching alpine ski racing, and my photography took a back seat for a number of years. During this time the digital revolution occurred. Once done with coaching, I was approached by a great friend who was a well-known wedding photographer. He gave me the opportunity to assist with a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Although I had not had much experience with digital imagery, I did have a strong education in the concepts of photography. The experience renewed my passion for the craft and I was hooked.
Which camera do you use the most?
I currently shoot with two bodies, both Nikon. I have a D2X and a new D700, which is awesome! These cameras give me everything that I could wish for and are sturdy enough to put up with the abuse that I give them. I have a growing collection of both prime and zoom lenses. I prefer fast lenses to take advantage of their great ranges in depth of field.
The reality is I probably use the camera on my Iphone the most. As the adage goes “ The best camera is the one you have with you” and I have some of my best memory images from that one.
What is your favorite movie?
Jaws, I saw it for the first time in 1975 in the front row of the theater as a kid when we summered on “The Cape”. It was and still is terrifying. The scene at night on “The Orca” when Quint is telling Brody and Hooper about the U.S.S. Indianapolis is one of the scariest of all time.
How would you like your photography to evolve in the next 5 years?
First, I would like to continue having the opportunity to be a photographer in 5 years….I think. Really, I would like to continue to pursue the lifestyle and sports imagery. I also would like to continue to be involved with non-profits. They have such needs with limited resources and all of them have stories to tell. Finally, I would be honored to continue being part of capturing memories and sharing with the experiences of not only weddings but also families and their children.
