Meet Ric Lewis | Photographer, Musician, Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ric Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ric, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success for me is walking away from any situation in life and knowing that you gave it your all. I guess a lot of people measure success with their finances, or awards, promotions, accolades. A lot of those things are very conditional and situational. For example, sometimes somebody else may receive a promotion simply because the boss likes the other person better for selfish reasons. That has nothing to do with and isn’t a reflection of your work, effort, or worth. Thinking that it does will lead to mental illness. Instead, approach every situation with the mindset that you ae going to give it your all and do your best. Once you’re done, let God sort the rest.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A lot of photographers document what is in front of them. My work tends to start with a concept and then builds a scene around it. Props, wardrobe, lighting, posing, and post-processing all serve a larger vision. That’s closer to creating artwork than simply taking a picture.

Many photographers can operate a camera. Fewer can intentionally shape mood and emotion with light. Whether I am shooting fine art portraits, boudoir, or fantasy-inspired work, lighting is one of the first things people notice in your images, even if they can’t articulate why.

My work often feels painterly, cinematic, and story-driven rather than trendy or disposable. That gives it a more timeless quality. The image isn’t just about what the subject looks like—it’s about how the image feels.

I’m an award-winning photographer and an educator. Teaching workshops forces me to understand the “why” behind your decisions, and that depth shows in your work.

Many photographers chase whatever is popular on Instagram that month. My approach is building a body of work that still holds up years later.

But I think the biggest differentiator is that I pursue photography more like a creative hobby where others pursue it as a business. Yes. I get clients. Yes. I get paid. Yes. I’m paid to speak at conferences and workshops. But photography isn’t my bread and butter. I can turn down clients or events if they’re going to be more of a problem than what they’re worth because my livelihood isn’t dependent on their finances. This gives ne the freedom to be more intentional with my catalog of work.

I get the most excited or proud when I get an emotional response from someone. If something in my portfolio moves someone to tears emotionally, that is all the reward I could ever need.

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that in this industry there are more snakes than friends. Be aware. Be guarded. Smile in their face. Keep them close so you can know their intentions. Most are out for their own selfish gain. That doesn’t mean that you should reduce yourself and live on your belly like them. Stand tall and proud. Defeat and humiliate them by being everything they’re not and could never be.

I want the world to know that I just simply want them to feel loved and important. I don’t want anything from them. Just a connection.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Beirut in Peachtree City. I love Mediterranean cuisine and I like the atmosphere there. We would definitely have to check out a metal show at the Tabernacle or the Masquerade. I’m a huge metal head. Local comedy shows are great. We would definitely spend a day at Ponce City Market. A day in Helen and a local winery even though I don’t drink. They are still fun to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I’m not religious. I don’t even go to church. But all glory be to God the father. If it wasn’t for his unending love for me, I honestly don’t think I would be here today. He created me with an unworldly amount of tenacity. I go after something and I go after it hard. I have this innate ability to take peoples disapproval or hatred and use it to fuel me to prove them wrong. I know that’s not my own doing. It’s something that he placed within me. I don’t deserve his love or compassion. So many situations in my life have broken others but God picks me up and sets me back on my path. He reminds me that the only way out is through.

Website: https://www.riclewisphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riclewisphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ricalous

Image Credits
All images by me.