Recent Highlights

“Last year was filled with milestones that reinforced my commitment to pushing the boundaries of my craft. Some highlights include:
 

“Creating my first photobook, Bernardin – An Appreciation for Beauty, was a defining moment in my career. Spanning 25 years of photography, this book is more than just a collection of images –it is a testament to my work and legacy. In an era dominated by digital content, a printed monologue holds a unique power; it solidifies an artist’s vision in a tangible, enduring form. For a photographer, a book is not just an archive, it is a declaration, a carefully curated experience that allows the viewer to engage with the work in a more profound and intentional way. This project represents my commitment to beauty, elegance, and the pursuit of excellence – a milestone that honors both the past and the future of my craft.

 

“Winning CAFA’s Imagemaker of the Year Award was a truly momentous moment in my career, both as an artist and as one of the first Black fashion photographers in Canada. It was a recognition not just of my work, but of the years of dedication, perseverance, and passion that have fueled my journey in an industry where representation has often been lacking. This honor reaffirmed my commitment to pushing boundaries, redefining beauty, and telling stories that matter.

 

“Sentinel" was my first signature exploratory series in many years, blurring the lines between fine art and fashion. Created purely for my personal exploration, it became a deeply personal project that interwove many of my passions – architecture, cinema, iconic locations, and, of course, fashion. Shot at the MAC in Niterói, Brazil, a masterpiece of modernist architecture, the series drew inspiration from the cinematic language of sci-fi and the sculptural beauty of Thierry Mugler’s archival pieces. Serendipitously, Sentinel found a home in L’Officiel Liechtenstein, where it was published with two cover variants, featuring Barbara Fialho in a vision of strength, elegance, and otherworldly allure.

 

“Having my fashion, portrait, and fine art photography showcased in the first museum exhibit of its kind in Canada was not only a defining milestone in my career but also a deeply personal achievement – cementing my place as a museum-recognized visual artist. The debut of my McCord Museum exhibition provided an opportunity to present my work in an immersive and elevated context, where fashion and fine art converged to tell a larger, more profound story. It was a moment of reflection, evolution, and validation, marking a new chapter in my creative journey.

 

“The relaunch of RLVNT Journal, my online magazine exploring the intersection of photography, fashion, and deeper conversations about life and purpose.

 

“Winning three international Applied Arts Awards – for my fashion photography, fine art, and my book – was an incredible honor and a testament to the breadth of my creative vision. Each award recognized a different facet of my work, reinforcing my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and storytelling across multiple disciplines. It was a deeply gratifying moment, celebrating not just the images themselves but the years of passion, dedication, and evolution that have shaped my journey.”

 

What’s Next for Richard

“The year 2025 is shaping up to be one of evolution. I see this as my Jedi Master phase, where I take all the knowledge and experiences I’ve accumulated and push into new, uncharted territories of visual storytelling. My key focuses [include] exploring new directions in fashion photography, creating more signature fine art series, while breaking away from conventional norms and experimenting with elements of sci-fi, surrealism, and cinematic storytelling; developing my lo-fi sci-fi short film, The Duelist’s Echo, a project set in an alternate Montreal, where feudal Japan’s samurai code dictates society; deepening my role as a mentor and industry voice, whether through RLVNT Journal, workshops, or new collaborations; and strengthening my brand partnerships, particularly with Canon, as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in image-making.”