Rik Andersen started his professional career doing lab work at Autry’s Studio in Amarillo. His only duty in the camera room was keeping it clean.  After proving he could accomplish that without breaking anything, the owner of the studio, Dale Couch, began teaching Andersen more about the art of photography.  Couch taught him the importance of posing, lighting control and keeping the subject happy.  He eventually let Andersen shoot headshots of real clients, which later led to photographing full photo sessions.

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He still shoots headshots and a lot more, but he always keeps in mind the importance of the lessons he learned at that first studio.  “Posing and lighting are important elements of a good portrait,” Andersen said, “but great expressions are key to keeping people happy.”

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In his career of professional photography, Andersen has photographed family groups where everyone is expected to have big happy smiles, music groups with band members appearing remote and distant, and sports teams featuring athletes looking mean and threatening.  He also has photographed theatre people who like to show a wide range of emotion.

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“A basic photograph is no longer just a head and shoulders pose in front of a neutral background,” Andersen said.  “It’s now seen as an introduction, more than just a way to see the subject, but also to show something about that person.  This may include the use of a prop, a location or sometimes some of both.”

 

There is still the need for the traditional headshot, though.  If you are looking for all of your staff to be similar, on a webpage or in a mailer, then a head and shoulders pose in front of a neutral background is what you need, and Rik Andersen Photography can accomplish it.

 

But if you’re looking for something more interesting, then props, location and a variety of expressions could be the answer.  Contact Andersen and see what kind creative solutions are possible for you.