UPDATE- Check out Richard and his wife’s new adventure From Desk to Glory!

Today we get to chat with Richard of Richard Giordano Photography. His wedding pictures are full of emotion and celebration, and his travel pics make me insanely jealous. Even though Richard and his wife Ashley and I have never officially met in person, I have come to know Richard as a very encouraging, adventurous and kind person. Oh and his photography rocks.

 What made you first get into photography?

I have had an interest in photography since I first picked up my Dad’s Pentax ME in high school.  Other than a couple of continuing studies classes at the local college at that time I didn’t pursue photography beyond documenting life events.

Fast forward 10 years and Ashley, my girlfriend at the time, and now my wife, and I were heading to Japan for a month.  Without getting into too many details she essentially forced me to spend the money on a DSLR so we wouldn’t be stuck with photos from our aging point and shoot camera.  I had no idea what that Canon Rebel purchase would snowball into.

When it was time to plan our wedding I was introduced to the concept of wedding photography.  This interest turned into lens purchases, camera upgrades, shooting for friends, enrolling at Langara College’s photography program, and a general photography obsession.  I haven’t looked back since.

 

What is the photography community like in Vancouver, and how does it affect your work?

The photography community in Vancouver is incredible.  Everybody is willing to share their knowledge and experiences and help anyone who asks.  The best thing about the photographers in town is the number of people doing absolutely incredible work.  This forces me and everyone else to improve our craft and the clients benefit from this.

 

What would be a dream photography gig for you?

My dream photography gigs are destination weddings.  I have had the opportunity to shoot weddings in Mexico and throughout Canada and hope to expand around the world.  Combining wedding photography and travelling is definitely a dream gig.

You travel too, where was the last place you went?

Our last trip was to Jordan, Israel and Turkey.  I have to admit that Jordan is one of my favourite places I have ever been.  The people were incredibly friendly and generous.  The Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum Desert are all breathtaking and definitely worth seeing in your lifetime.  The Hummus is among the best I have ever had and available in seemingly unlimited quantities.

Any preconceived notions of a Muslim-majority country in the Middle East I had were distant memories the moment the first person genuinely said, “Welcome to Jordan” and flashed a great smile.  We heard this over and over again no matter where we were in the country and was something we never tired of.

Do you ever combine travel with your photography biz?

See #3

 

Ok, really important question, what is your favourite foreign treat?

Favourite foreign treat…  there are so many that it’s  probably best if I list a few by country:

Turkey:   Cappuccino and baklava

Jordan: Hummus and pita/tomatoes/olives

Israel: Labneh and honey on fresh baked bread

Mexico: Fish tacos and Tecate

Where is your next destination?

We are currently planning on hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal this fall.  We never really know for sure what are plans our until the plane tickets are actually booked, but there is a good chance we’ll be in the Himalayas for part of September/October.

 

Thanks for letting us peek at your beautiful work, maybe we will get to do an update after your Nepal trip this fall!