Meet Rick Rowell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Rowell.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
After graduating from Palomar College with an Associates Degree in Photography, I moved to Los Angeles where I began my career in photography. While freelancing in photography and working at a Camera store in Santa Monica, I was given an opportunity to work with a professional studio. From 1984 through 1986 I worked as an assistant and staff photographer with Long Photography Inc. Long Photography was awarded the contract to document the 1984 Olympics. I was credentialed as an assistant and helped set up and tear down lighting in some of the venues used for events. This is the job where I learned to light large areas with strobes and shoot the action from some of the best photographers in the country. I was also able to work on national accounts with top public relations and marketing firms. When I left Long Photography, I accepted an offer at Vanguard Photography Inc. I was doing much of the same type of work here, but with different clients in the corporate, marketing and public relations fields. Late in 1989, I decided to strike out on my own. I began my freelance business photographing for public relations firms representing clients like Panasonic, Catholic Hospitals West, GTE of California and many more. I freelanced until I was offered the Staff Photographer position at Disney/ABC Television in 2009. I worked there for seven years shooting television episodic unit, portraiture, special events like the Oscars and Emmy award shows and sports events. I am now freelancing again, and I’m a member of the International Cinematographer Guild Local 600 as a Still and Portrait Photographer. I still cover assignments for Disney/ABC as well as my own clients. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have worked on with wide variety of clients giving me the opportunity to use all of my knowledge and skills in photography.

Please tell us about your art.
Over the span of my career, I have created almost every kind of photography. Editorial, sports, commercial, executive portraiture, special events, concerts, television episodic coverage, large and small group photos, weddings and engagement sessions, etc. I have always tried to diversify my work experience, and in doing so my career has expanded, and I have very little downtime. My overriding concern with my photography has always been to create images that the client will be happy with. Sometimes that means doing it their way and putting my ego aside. Other times it allows me to try something unusual and creative and that is what makes it all worthwhile. But as artists, we all need to satisfy our clients first to be successful in business. When someone sees my photography, I hope they will be pleased and inspired to use their talents in whatever industry they choose to create their vision. My photography inspires me as well. I look at my images, and I see what I did right and what I did wrong, and this inspires me to learn and improve on my craft. I’ve always strived to learn more as the industry of photography changes rapidly in its methods and technology. Staying ahead of the game can be a big advantage in any industry, but especially in the technology of photography.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Photography has never been more important than it is today. In 10 or 20 years or more, I will be able to say the same thing. The importance of photographic images to the human psyche since the middle of the 19th century has always had an enormous effect on the human condition. As an example, if you’ve ever seen the images from the aftermath of battle during the American Civil War, you would understand. In that time the vast majority of people had never seen anything close to that kind of horror. From that time on in this country, the glorification of war had taken on a new face and was not so glorious after that. My photography does not compare with that same impact, negative or positive I’m sure. I like to believe that my photography has the desired effect I wish it to have at the moment I press the shutter.
Photography, being an ever-changing art form can be a legal mess if you’re not keeping yourself informed on the issues of copyright and licensing of images. Early in your career, you might not think this is important as you may just be concentrating on your craft and getting yourself known. But nothing could be more important if you’re going to try to make a living at this craft. That truth cannot be stressed to vigorously. The role of the artist is always changing, and we need to change with it, or we risk becoming obsolete.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a company web site that I’m currently working on and will have finished soon. In the meantime, you can find my work from my time at Disney/ABC Television and some personal work here https://williamrowell.smugmug.com/ If you like my work, you can help me just by spreading the word. There is almost no type of photography I will not do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://williamrowell.smugmug.com/
• Phone: 818-613-8785
• Email: rowellphoto@mac.com

Image Credit:
Rick Rowell Disney/ABC

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