Exploring the Artistic Journey of Richard Daugherty
- Charles Wallace
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 19
For the inaugural post in on our Behind the Print blog series we have chosen to highlight one of our most valued and long-time customers - Mr. Richard Daugherty. Richard has been a longtime supporter of Artbeat Studios and we have long been fans of his photography - showcasing so many beautiful scenes from around California.
We are so excited for you all to get know him and enjoy his work as much as we do!
Website: rddphoto.com
Instagram: @rddphoto
Artist Q&A with Richard Daugherty
How did you first get into photography?
I've always had a camera of some kind in my hand, but never took the creative aspect of photography seriously until much later in life. As with most people, taking snapshots was simply a way of capturing life's memories. Nothing more.
After several decades of working life, I took a community college course in beginning film photography and darkroom development. It was an interesting and stimulating diversion from the waning contentment I felt for my career in computer software development.
Even so, the time and expense required by this new aspect of photography held me back from devoting any more than a minimal amount of attention to this delightful world of visual expression.
Was there a particular moment or photo that made you realize this was your passion?
Perhaps instead of a specific moment or photo, my true passion for photography became apparent when I realized just how complex and inspiringly beautiful two of my first subjects were: the San Clemente pier and Mission San Juan Capistrano.
To date, I have made many hundreds of images of that pier, and close to two thousand of the Mission. These have led me to chronicle the personalities of nearly all of the ocean piers in Southern California, and almost two thirds of the more than twenty California missions.
How would you describe your photography style?
Since I spend a significant amount of time shooting piers and beaches around sunset, my style tends to be darker than most. I like contrast, generally, which is abundant at that time of day.
I enjoy creating a structured feel, while surrounding or filling the subject with a flow that connects the parts in a sometimes fluid way. Obviously the ocean pier environment lends itself perfectly to this style.
Both color and monochrome suit my working style, typically ruled by the image's inherent contrast levels. I'm occasionally pleasantly surprised, for example, by the result of desaturating an image and watching rich details pop out that were mischievously masked by an otherwise gloriously colorful sunset.
How do you prepare for a shoot, from concept to execution?
Since I don't typically work to spec, my preparation is more a matter of maintaining a high level of creative inspiration. And then, to put it simply, watching the weather.
I follow several talented, world-class photographers on social media daily, gleaning trends, tips and techniques that I can adopt and study in depth.
I also attend top-shelf art exhibitions and presentations, at which I can see the work of the best of the best on display and speak with the artists live and in person.
You'll be exhibiting at the Laguna Art-A-Fair this year. Is there a piece in the show thatís especially significant to you? Why?
"Seaside Sanctuary" is particularly significant to me for several reasons. It's an image taken from underneath the San Clemente pier near sunset, with clouds obscuring most of the sun's brightness.
The pier's structure, seen from this angle, mimics a house of worship, which is emphasized by the smooth sand (floor) and the sun's rays breaking through (the window) at upper right. The surfer, heading out once again to face the crashing waves (his destiny), is framed by the doorway (pilings) at ground level on the right.
What kind of conversations are you hoping your work sparks with viewers?
I would like visitors to have a shared experience with me and each other.
Everyone has seen a beach, a pier or a sunset. My hope is that my guests will look past the obvious and develop the ability to not only see, but also hear, smell and feel the things I experienced as I created the images.
In addition, it would be wonderful for them to share memories of their life experiences that have been stirred by my photos.
Is there a piece of advice you've received that has stuck with you throughout your career?
A couple of important quotes stand out for me that I must share.
One is by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Greg Marinovich, who said very simply, "Shoot what you care about."
The other is by Steven Pressfield, author of "The War of Art." His unforgettably blunt take on being an artist is as follows: "To labor in the arts for any reason other than love is prostitution."
How do you choose what images to print and in what medium?
Beyond the typical considerations of clarity, composition, brightness and such, my choices are subjective - how does an image make me feel? I simply trust that if a photo evokes in me a significant emotion, the odds are good that it will do so for other people as well.
Regarding my medium of choice, HD Metal serves best for most of my images; it's lustrous, lightweight and a good value for the money. I believe that shots involving sky and/or water are perfect for this kind of print.
Depending on the subject, I sometimes choose framed giclee canvas. It seems to me that adding texture which only canvas can provide is a genius move when played well. Subjects such as forests and rocky terrain are worth a try here.
What led you to partner with Artbeat Studios for your fine art printing needs?
We had seen Artbeat on Facebook, and noticed that a photographer friend of ours liked them. So, we had them create a print to hang in our bedroom and were very impressed with their work. The rest, as they say, is history. Their customer service and attention to detail is exemplary, and the quality of their product is exactly what we require to offer to our best customers.
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