Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Richard.
Dominique, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey with photography happened by accident, actually. When I was 18, I would borrow my grandmother’s DSLR and practice shooting in her garden. I had just graduated high school and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life at that point. A friend of mine asked if I wouldn’t mind taking a few photos of her for her senior year, and I happily obliged!
I actually laugh every time the post comes across my Facebook memories because the caption was “Kudos to those who can sit and edit every day for a living because I could not.” A few friends of mine saw the images, loved them, and asked if I could do theirs too! My grandmother saw how much I loved taking the photos and bought me my very own DSLR for my 19th birthday. And from there, it’s all history! I started teaching myself through youtube and asking photographer friends for pointers. I continued to take senior photos until learning that fashion photography was my passion, which is where my work is primarily focused now.
Has it been a smooth road?
No way! Haha. I think any artist will struggle, whether it be learning a new part of the skill, financially, or with your own self-confidence.
I grew up in Lafayette, LA and at the time, there were no fashion photographers based there. This hindered me heavily with my ability to learn from other photographers in the field and working with modeling agencies. I had no idea where to begin.
So I started making trips to New Orleans, traveling weekly to learn and grow my skill. Eventually, I got to the point where I knew I needed to move here!
It was a struggle to get used to a new city and to go from being surrounded by no other fashion photographers to SO many incredible ones. At first, it was a struggle of self-confidence, thinking all of these other artists were well beyond my years of talent, but I realized that I was my own unique style and the only competition I had was myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize specifically in fashion and editorial photography and my biggest focus is working with small, designers and models building their portfolio.
I am a huge advocate for fair trade and brands that don’t partake in the fast fashion industry, so I tend to work mainly brands that practice this. I believe the fashion industry as a whole could do so much better at leaving less of a carbon footprint and treat their workers fairly so its a goal of mine to do the best I can to promote this.
I’m mostly known for my POPS of color, bold images and unique angles, — I believe this sets me apart from most editorial photographers!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Houston! I travel there often and love the fashion community out there. Its definitely a great place to start out as a photographer, whether you shoot fashion, seniors, weddings, or anything in between! The scenery is beautiful and the community is very welcoming.
Pricing:
- All pricing begins at $300 and custom packages are created based on the clients needs!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dominiquerichard.co
- Phone: 3375526934
- Email: dcastillephoto@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dominiquerichard.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcastillephoto
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drichardphoto
Image Credit:
Teams are as followed: 1st image (grey jumpsuit, blue sky) HMU – Lillian Luxe with FT45 agency, Styling – Mimic Thrift, Model – Abbe with Ford Models; 2nd image (pink ground, bathing suit) HMU – Chasity Stevenson, Model – Angelle F. With FT45 agency, Bathing Suit – T.Lashaé; 3rd image (swim in front of pool) HMU – Chasity Stevenson
Model – Amber L. With FT45 agency, Bathing Suit – T.Lashaé; 4th image (fur sleeves) HMU – Lillian Luxe with FT45 agency, Styling – Styled by YB, Model – Ahleah P.; 5th image (green couch) Makeup – Artistry by Camille, Model – Bri with JEA Models, Clothing – Cheeky Bits; 6th image (straw hat, green boat) HMU – Lillian Luxe with FT45, Styling – Styled by YB, Model – Molly G. With JEA models; 7th image (floral top and bottom, pink hat) HMU – Lillian Luxe with FT45, Styling – Styled by YB, Model – Skylar T. With FT45
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