A lot of people sit around dreaming of what they would rather be doing than the job they currently have. John Richer just went out and did it.
It was 2007 when Richer walked out of his job at a local newspaper and began shooting photos. He didn't have a big, fancy studio, or even anything much more than some lights, a camera and a kit lens. Almost five years later,
Richer Image is the preeminent name in shooting models in the Upper Peninsula--and beyond.
"They've been calling me from all over lately," laughs Richer. "I've had models call me from Milwaukee, Appleton, Detroit, Traverse City--all over."
Despite his growing popularity, Richer still tries his best to focus on Marquette and the Upper Peninsula. It's why he decided to stay here when he opened up his studio--currently located in the lower level of the Masonic Square Building on Washington Street in downtown Marquette.
Richer Image has become known as the place to go for anyone who wants to try their hand in the world of modeling. Some may not get so far--a few great Facebook pictures when they're all said and done--while others end up making progress in the always-demanding industry. Take
Ivan Talo, for example, who went on to continue his modeling career in Florida, or
Valeriya Romashchenko, who started her career modeling for Richer and now is continuing it in New York City.
"It's great to see people get their start," says Richer, who was the first photographer to shoot Romashchenko. "There are a lot of people who get interest, but they don't want to do all the travel that is involved to get their career off the ground. Ivan and Valerie weren't like that--they went out and worked for it."
Another model who has been making a go at it is
Becky Irene Paajanen, who originally hails from Munising but now lives in lower Michigan. She's had experiences with professional photographers throughout Metro Detroit and Ohio. She says she would suggest Richer Image to anyone looking to try their hand at modeling.
"I loved shooting with John," says Paajanen. "He was extremely professional and I had a blast shooting with him.
"My friend, Nikki Charboneau, asked me if I wanted to shoot with him and after looking at his past work I was excited to get a chance to work with him. When I got to see the finished images, I got even more excited--the images were gorgeous."
Richer says he can't complain about the career he has now--he's doing exactly what he loves. From shooting gorgeous models, to commercial shoots, to weddings, senior portraits and, most recently, magazine photo shoots, he loves every minute of it. He's even working on two calendars for Upper Peninsula businesses--one with ATVs and the other with classic cars--and a calendar that he's producing himself.
"Who can ever complain about this job?" asks Richer.
And his rates are pretty impressive, too. For a model photo shoot, which includes two outfit changes, he charges $60--that includes a CD of your photos after he does all the professional touch-ups. Family portraits (he runs a separate
Facebook page for that part of his business) run around $75 while weddings and other all-day events are between $1,000 and $1,300.
For Richer, it's almost hard to believe he once was afraid to take the plunge into a career he is absolutely infatuated with. Sure, he says, there were some tough times in the beginning, but perseverance, hard work and dedication paid off.
"This was the best decision I ever made," says Richer. "I can't see myself doing anything else."
But what makes him so popular with the young and the gorgeous crowd? From casual wear to headshots all the way to the other end of the spectrum with swimsuits and lingerie, Richer Image has a line of models always wanting him to take their photos.
"I think it's my personality," he says. "I make sure they're having a lot of fun while we're working. I do my best to make sure they're relaxed. And I'm having fun, too. They can tell, and it makes a lot of difference."
And it's a difference that shows in each and every shot he takes.
Sam Eggleston is the managing editor of UP Second Wave. He was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and despises having his photo taken. He can be reached via email.
Photos courtesy of Richer Image.