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| Model: CJ from Atlanta |
| Rick Gore was hard at work, determining just the right angle, making adjustments for the proper light while occasionally suggesting a better pose for his client.
Soon he would be using today's latest technology to bring greater definition to each shot - removing undesired moles and blemishes before sending his finished product into cyberspace.
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Such is the life of a new age photographer. And for Gore, it's been his passion since he first began toddling down the roads of Huntingdon in rural Pennsylvania.
"I've had a camera hanging from my neck since I was a kid and worked on yearbooks when I was in high school and college," he said. |
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| Gore's photographs are now on display at the Starbucks at Ansley Mall just a stone's throw from Atlanta's Midtown area.
And while he is willing to take photos of just about anything, from the resplendent architecture and colorful foliage that has made Atlanta one of the most beautiful cities in America, a look at Gore's display or portfolio might suggest that he most enjoys shooting ordinary people.
But for awhile, he turned his attention to other adventures until he could no longer escape the "photography bug."
"I attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky where I studied Spanish," he said.
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"Then during the summer of 1976 I had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Peru, South America where I returned the following academic year.
The family that hosted me spoke no English so it was a great was to get a grip on the language. And I had a wonderful time learning about their culture."
Gore would earn his bachelor of arts in Spanish Secondary English but never made it to the high school classroom.
Instead, he left the country shortly after graduation with three friends and headed to Europe, settling in Barcelona, Spain.
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"I taught English to businesspeople, usually in their offices either before or after the workday," he said. "But I really wanted to do more with my photography and so I decided to pursue a master's degree in Media Arts at the University of South Carolina (Columbia)."
During that time, while taking advantage of a graduate assistant exchange program at the University of Barcelona (Bellaterra, Spain), Gore worked on a thesis project on the Catalonia architect Antonio Gaudi and his Parque Guell, allowing him the chance to incorporate both his training in Spanish and his photography.
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After moving to Atlanta in 1983, Gore would hold a number of jobs, including one as a talent agent before finding his niche at Heery International - an architecture/ management firm in the city, where he has been employed for over 20 years.
"I am their in-house shooter and in that position I shoot ground breakings, construction shots, ribbon cuttings and final "hero" shots of the projects, along with corporate headshots, products and just about anything else they need," he said. |
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But after the day is done, Gore likes taking photographs of the diverse citizenry of Atlanta. And that's where he really shines.
"I love making beautiful, casual, unexpected images of folks and they seem to like them as well," he added. "People have often told me that I make them feel comfortable and comfort leads to trust which culminates in images that are often the best shots they have ever had of themselves.
"For me, it's not rocket science. Just make people feel good about themselves, know your equipment (that includes a tripod) and have a good time. I rarely tell people when I'm shooting - I just talk to them, all the while making images. And I avoid flash as much as possible. It's a formula that works for me."
To see more of Rick's stunning work visit www.ricksbigpics.com. |
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It is a pleasure to have Rick Gore as my photographer and my friend. His work is amazing.
Rick's work is like looking at real art. His images of people look as if you are havimg a conversation with them. He is truly amazing and so glad i looked at his art when i found him on facebook as Rick and I went to high school together and i must say i am amazed!