Happy Birthday Kemberly
Thank you, Kem, for allowing me to capture the last of your 50s and usher in a new year. It was an honor to document this meaningful moment — your confidence, warmth, and spirit truly shine through every frame. I’m excited to share these images with you and honored to have been part of this celebration.
Serenity, Nigel & Indie PJ Christmas
I enjoyed capturing this moment for my niece. Watching her light up in front of the lens—so natural, curious, and full of joy—reminded me why I love photographing family. The expression, the small gesture, and the way the light found her face all came together to create a photograph that feels both intimate and timeless. This image will be a keepsake for years to come, a little story frozen in time that she and your family can return to whenever you want to remember how she was in that moment.
Dyer & Family Christmas
I enjoyed photographing the Dyer family's on-location Christmas session — warm smiles, cozy layers, and candid moments against a beautifully lit backdrop made for timeless holiday images. Their laughter and genuine connection translated into a joyful, natural gallery we're excited to share and deliver as keepsakes for years to come.
Seleeka Harris Family Portrait
Family portraits capture the quiet, joyful ties between generations—laugh lines, familiar looks, and small gestures that tell your story. They turn brief moments into keepsakes: a child curled against a parent, shared smiles, and the personalities that make your family unique. Whether in-studio, at a favorite spot, or at home, these photos become heirlooms that bring back memories, strengthen bonds, and mark time with love.
Happy Birthday Natasha
Happy birthday, Natasha!
Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful, lasting memories. May this coming year bring exciting new adventures, fresh creative inspiration, and unforgettable moments that take your breath away. Celebrate big today and every chance you get — you truly deserve it!
Warmest wishes,
C D Ricks Photography
Not bad, huh!?
So I tried my hand at sport portraits with the baby boy while he was still in uniform — and I couldn’t resist capturing a mix of charm and determination.
The session was short, sweet, and full of personality. In a tiny jersey and cleats that looked ready for a big game, he brought authentic expressions that ranged from wide-eyed curiosity to the confident squint of a future champion. Using a shallow depth of field kept the focus on those facial details, while a low-angle composition emphasized his little-but-mighty presence.
Lighting was soft and directional to highlight the texture of the uniform and the sparkle in his eyes without washing out the skin tones. I incorporated both wider shots and close-up portraits to show the tiny, earnest features. Neutral backgrounds and classic, muted color grading helped the images feel timeless and sporty rather than overly stylized.
These images are perfect for family albums, or a playful announcement — a keepsake that captures a fleeting stage of childhood and the pure joy of dressing the part. I’m thinking about starting these type of sessions in the future.
A Night to Remember: The Magic of Prom
Prom—the word alone stirs excitement and anticipation. For many high school students, it’s not just an event; it’s a rite of passage, a dazzling evening filled with unforgettable moments. The thrill begins with the search for the perfect outfit, the anticipation of asking—or being asked—to the big dance, and the buzz of planning with friends.
The night itself unfolds like a dream: twinkling lights, elegant décor, and music that keeps everyone on their feet. It's a time for laughter, dancing, and creating memories with classmates before venturing into the next chapter of life. Whether it’s the glamour of the attire, the joy of being with friends, or the bittersweet realization that high school is nearing its end, prom holds a special place in the hearts of many.
So, as you slip on that corsage or adjust your bow tie, remember: it’s not just about the perfect picture or the stunning dress. It’s about celebrating a milestone, cherishing friendships, and making it a night to remember.
18 Years Through the Lens: A Photographer’s Journey with the Austin Family
For the past 18 years, I've had the honor of documenting the Austin family's lives through my camera. What started as a single photoshoot grew into an unbreakable tradition—one that has allowed me to witness their milestones, joys, and even quiet moments that often speak louder than words.
Through the years, I've seen toddlers take their first wobbly steps, celebrated graduations with proud parents, and captured the glimmer in their eyes during anniversary celebrations. Holidays were especially magical, with everyone dressed in their festive best, exchanging laughter that echoed long after the shoot. The seasons of life unfolded before my lens, and I’ve had the privilege of preserving it all.
What makes photographing the Austins so special is not just their love for each other, but also how they’ve embraced me as part of their extended family. It’s not just about the perfect shot—it’s about the trust, camaraderie, and shared stories. I’ve learned that photography is not just an art form; it’s a means of connecting with people in a deeply personal way.
Now, as I reflect on nearly two decades of being their photographer, and this was the last session, I feel gratitude. Grateful for the Austins, who let me in on their lives, and for the power of photography, which freezes fleeting moments so they last forever.
Alex Senior Session
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. … Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
~Steve Jobs
Mari Senior Session
Persevere. Persevere. Nothing worthwhile is easy. No one of achievement has avoided failure—sometimes catastrophic failures. But they keep at it. They learn from mistakes. They don’t quit.”
~Barack Obama
Where Do WE Go From Here
We Shall Overcome
WE Shall Overcome
March Rally 2020
“Racism
NOUN
Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.”
Police brutality is legally defined as a civil rights violation where officers exercise undue or excessive force against a subject. This includes, but is not limited to, physical or verbal harassment, physical or mental injury, property damage, and death. In some countries, "the color of law" protects officers from ambiguous situations.
When Enough is Enough….
“So WE march to show unity, solidarity and
DEMANDING CHANGE”
“You’re either part of the solution or you’re part of the problem.
~Eldridge Cleaver”
