Photographer Spotlight: Aaron Rishel
Photograph by Aaron Rishel ⓒ 2009
Location: Omaha, Ne
Education: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Metropolitan CC
Employment: Infinity Imaging, Midlands Business Journal
Websites:
www.infinity-imaging.com
www.mbj.com
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Aaron Rishel is one of Omaha’s most talented emerging creatives. His work is fresh, imaginative, and thought provoking. Aaron is highly motivated, energetic, and bursting with ideas. We hope you enjoy the spotlight of Photographer Aaron Rishel.
Biography: I attended UNL for fine art and photography, and then Metro for Commercial Photography. I currently do photo and video work for Infinity Imaging and the Midlands Business Journal. Infinity Imaging is a partnership with local videographer, Robert Durland which we started last year. My main focus is business related, including artwork reproduction, photojournalism, and virtual tours. Taking lifestyle portraits and working on location breaks up the tedious nature of studio work.
How did you realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I did the opposite thing my guidance counselor told me! I picked something I enjoyed and jumped into an art degree. I was engulfed in studio and photography classes and I’ve been hooked ever since.
How would you describe your style or approach
to photography?
Unfortunately product and documentary photography doesn’t lend itself to much creativity. But with portraits I strive to create images that anyone can look at and get an idea of their personality. If you take people out of their element and put them in front of studio lights, it’s hard to achieve that.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Good luck happens when preparedness meets opportunity” – you can’t just wait around for things to come punch you in the face.
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“No fate but what we make” – if you want to be an artist, make it happen for yourself! Be a part of the art world make it your life. And you thought there would never be such a meaningful quote from a Terminator movie!
What is your best way to break out of a creative rut?
I think it’s best to get away from the project for a while and clear your mind before you come back to it. For some that may mean yoga or meditation- for me, it usually involves cartoons in some capacity.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
A lot of the work I do doesn’t give me time to do much planning ahead, but when it’s possible I like to scope out the location I’ll be shooting at and get a feel for it. If not, it can be just as rewarding to roll with the surprises that you happen upon. To be honest, some of the best locations I’ve shot at were a stroke of luck (or preparedness meeting opportunity if you were paying attention).
Is there anyone in the Omaha creative community that inspires you? If so, who and why?
It’s hard to pick a specific person. I’ve worked at Blick Art Materials for a couple of years, and met with so many great creative people with such a diverse look at every art medium. Most people don’t realize what a rich art community Omaha has, whether professional or not. I feel lucky to have had such a connection with so many people striving to try something new and share their experiences and ideas.
