Andersen began his photography career early on. While attending school in the Texas panhandle his father, a photo hobbyist, built a darkroom in their family home. Ever curious, Andersen learned how to process and print black and white photos in this lab at a young age, and because of this experience, became a staff photographer for his high school newspaper and yearbook. This initial exposure produced a love for photography and the decision to make it his life’s work.
After earning an associate degree in photography from Amarillo College, Andersen advanced his academic education with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and science and a master’s degree in communication, both from West Texas A&M University. As an undergrad, he also worked as the photo editor for his college yearbook and newspaper, and at the same time was also continuing his photography career.
His professional life included working at several area portrait studios, each enhancing his skills in different ways. In 1992 he became the university photographer at West Texas A&M University, a career which spanned close to 30 years. His portrait background provided important tools for studio photography work, while his experience on the college newspaper and yearbook gave him an insight into the academic needs of a university communications office and created the foundation for his career. The position with the University allowed Andersen to expand his use of photography to become a photo generalist; a person who uses a multitude of photographic techniques. Upon completing his master’s degree, Andersen also started teaching the university’s photography class.
While at WT, Andersen won numerous honors, including best-in-the-nation awards for his photography from College Sports Information Directors of America and from Admissions Marketing Report. The University recognized Andersen with its highest staff award, the Clarence E. Thompson Award, in 1999. He retired from the university in 2020, was asked to return part-time, then re-retired in 2024. That same year Andersen was also inducted into the West Texas A&M University, Department of Communication, Hall of Fame.
While working at the university, he began his current photography enterprise. Primarily photographing musical groups, portraits and families, Rik Andersen Photography started in an upstairs corner office on the historic downtown square of Canyon, Texas. The space was great for spreading out and taking on a few creative challenges, but in a return to his beginnings Andersen has moved his studio to a space close to his home.
Rik met Amy Gibbons in 1998, and in March of 2002 they were married; they now live just outside of Canyon. Amy holds the academic rank of full Professor and is currently the Associate Provost for West Texas A&M University. Together they have two shelties, River and Skye.
