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Meet the artist:Rick Heit

Current Hometown: Minot

Where can we see your work?

www.rickheitphotography.com

Do you have work for sale?

Yes, we have the standard photography packages for senior pictures, sports teams, confirmations and family pictures. But we also can be commissioned to create unique individual pieces of art. One time a woman wanted a special birthday gift for her coach husband. She asked me to create a “Mount Rushmore” of top coaches and include his face.

In what media do you work?

Composite photography.

How would you describe your style?

I Photoshop the heck out of my art. My goal is to create the most unique photography in the entire state.

Who would you say have been influences on your work?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my wife who encouraged me to pursue my interest in photography. I didn’t want to open a business if I was basically offering the same service as everyone else. She was one of my first models and helped me hone my style until I was comfortable being able to create whatever I could imagine. I draw a lot of inspiration from Instagram.

Are there particular themes you like to explore in your work?

I like to incorporate a lot of contrast in my art. Light and shadow, pristine vs dirty/grimy are things that show up in most of my pieces.

What do you most enjoy about the creative process?

I enjoy standard photo shoots, but I really like to be challenged. My favorite thing is when a senior comes to me for their senior pictures and says, “I have this really cool idea, do you think you can do something like that?” Figuring out how to do and then exceed that is my favorite part of my work.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My journey into photography almost didn’t happen. I bought my first camera when I was 9 or 10. I went to the zoo and took a bunch of pictures of the animals. They were all awful. That was okay since I was going to practice. But then I discovered that I had bought a disposable camera. I couldn’t afford a real camera so I gave up photography. My own senior pictures made me think, “I could see myself doing this.” But I didn’t want to offer the same service as everyone else. One day I was walking through Barnes and Noble on the way to the mall and I happened to glance at a book where they showed you how to Photoshop someone’s head onto a tree and a variety of other tricks. I’ve been hooked ever since.

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