Richard Basch Photography
About
I have been published in Time, Newsweek. The Smihsonian Magazine, Paris Match, The New York Times and many other outlets. I am a consultant in photography to The Smithsonian Institution. I have shot all over the world: Asia, Europe, Australia, even in Papua New Guinea! I have had a private sitting in the White House.
l have been a professional photographer for most of my adult life. I love photography as it gives me a chance to travel, meet new people and see interesting places. I have never had a dull experience in my work! I am constantly fascinated.
I love the chance to see beauty and to create it every time I shoot. I am a people person. I love getting to know the people I shoot. I love the idea and the action of creating a portrait together with the subject. I love the time I spend doing a photograph. The whole idea of making photographs. I try not to be a photographer who says "Stand there and smile". That seems to me to create tension and discomfort. I talk to the people I shoot to get to know with whom I'm working to portray.
Highlights
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I tailor my teaching to discover what the person wants to shoot. Do you like portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, nudes? Something else? Once I get to know what the student wants, I will create a plan, a curriculum to help the person achieve their goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was full-time faculty at Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Chapman University. I went to film school in London and spent some years shooting films before I became a photographer.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I generally like to have a sliding scale starting at $75 an hour and adjusting down if there is a compelling reason to do so.
How did you get started teaching?
I taught at the Smithsonian Institution years ago and then taught at Rhode Island School of Design from the time I was 25 for several years, then the last year I was full-time faculty, I created a photo program at Brown University as well as continuing at RISD.
What types of students have you worked with?
It has been my pleasure and good fortune to have taught college students, professional people, and seniors. I've had a wide variety of beginning photographers.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was recently asked to shoot some landscape photos for a magazine cover. I enjoyed it a great deal. I went to Rock Creek Park and did the photos. I enjoyed being in nature and working to improve the contrast, brightness, and intensity in the editing process.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Please decide clearly what you want to learn, how you want to use your pictures. Try to arrive at a destination for how I can best serve you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
See above.