Richard S Chow
About
Richard S. Chow is a photographic artist in Los Angeles whose work is recognized in fine art, documentary, analog, and original photo-based objects. He has shown solo at the Museum of Art and History Lancaster; Orange Coast College; Neutra Museum & Gallery; and Metro 417 Gallery. His work are in the permanent collection at the American Hotel in LA, and at the Los Angeles Central Library, among other private collections. He has widely shown in group shows across the U.S., recent notable venues with photo-based art include the Griffin Museum of Photography, Floria Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA), bG Gallery, Gallery 825, Open Mind Art Space, and the Los Angeles Art Show at the LA Convention Center.
His work was published and featured in the monograph LACMA Jazz 25th Anniversary by the LA County Museum of Arts; Shadow and Light Magazine and Eye of Photography. Richard has independently published two limited edition photo books, both received awards from Month of Photography LA by the Lucie Foundation.
Richard conducts alternative photography workshops in his studio. He has led photography composition workshop at MOAH Museum of Arts and History Lancaster. He is curator & co-producer for Open Show LA whose mission is to provide a platform for visual artists to share & dialog. Since 2021, he serves as Grant Review panelist for California Art Council at Sacramento.
Richard is represented by UPAG United Photographic Artists Gallery in Tampa FL, and Gallery 825 in West Hollywood, CA. His portfolios and artist statements can be viewed at richardschow.com
Scheduled to Teach
Gallery
LACP Interviews Richard S. Chow
LACP asks Richard S. Chow ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Richard S. Chow: I am a fine arts photographer, my interest and portfolio have included documentary, street, pin-hole, analog, and alternative photography with intent to create 1 of 1 photo objects. Most of my series are conceptual in nature.
LACP: How long have you been photographing?
RSC: When I was 14, it started with a brand new Russian-made SLR and a 200mm lens purchased with all my savings collected by”red lucky money.”The camera was heavy, felt good in may hands, and unlocked all the imagination in my young mind. Then I learned dark room processing a few months later at a local YMCA and the rest is history…
LACP: Where did you get your training?
RSC: I was lucky to have a teacher/mentor in high school who tirelessly showed me the ropes of composition and darkroom techniques. I also took various photo classes at university while pursuing my BS in Engineering Computer Science; classes at Santa Monica College; as well as seminars. Each class contributed fundamental building blocks, but experimentation in the craft, by doing, and doing some more, has also proven to be valuable.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
RSC: The joy of photography as a way to express one-self has never left me since my teen years. About 20 years ago, I jumped back in, feet and head first, to create updated Fine Art portfolios and gallery exhibitions.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
RSC: From a creative perspective, no. I have always felt compelled to capture/create images to express myself, and I imagine it will be a life-long endeavor.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
RSC: I had to think about this one… it is true to say that I have gained more than I sacrificed, in terms of time and efforts. There is always a time challenge, it would be nice to have more time to devote to one’s passion.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
RSC: I have gained a continual discovery of our surroundings, image making that affords an opportunity for dialog and appreciation. Additionally, I feel fortunate to be around a community of talented colleagues locally, and around the world, some who became close friends. I value collaborative projects the most.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
RSC: Alternative Photography
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
RSC: Seeing the excitement and enjoyment by students from their creations, and the ah-ha moments. On the flip side, I continue to learn even more from preparing, answering questions, and catching insightful perspectives from others.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
RSC: There are so many different kind of applications and careers in photography. I’d suggest finding your passion and area of interest, learn as much as you can in that genre. Read everything about it, find subject matter experts in the field, emerge yourself in a supportive community, and take classes if needed. There will be setbacks, self doubts, however if it is your true passion, then you will be wildly successful at it.