Yesterday, May 15, 2012, I had my 1000th commissioned shoot! 

Thank you to all who've supported my career since 2001. Thank you to my parents who didn't once wrinkle their brow at the thought of their son choosing photography as a profession. Thank you to my mentor Ernie Paniccioli, who made me realize how spiritually rewarding a life in photography could be. Thank you to Jamel Shabazz, who's work I first saw in The Source Magazine's 100th issue, while in high school; the images that made me say "Damn...I NEED to get a camera NOW. Thank you to my instructors at SVA and the employees of the SVA photo cage (2000-2004) who encouraged me to keep going. Thank you to my peers who inspired me as we all spent countless hours in the darkroom perfecting our craft. Thank you to all of my assistants, my colleagues and clients. Thank you to the clients who looked passed the fact that I was a student at SVA and trusted me to produce & return to their office with work they knew would be fit for their publications. Thank you to the clients who I continue to work with and to future clients. Thank you to my extended family at Fotocare, K&M, MAC Group. Thank you to the friends who brag about me to everyone they know. I'm thankful for the places my camera has taken me and the many doors it's opened. I'm thankful for every person and every experience. I say this with gratitude and love. ...to 1000+ more!!!!!

rR

I miss being in the darkroom :-(

© Rayon Richards 2012

www.amandaseales.com/deathofthediva