Rick Feldman on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rick Feldman. Check out our conversation below.

Rick, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Honestly, I completely lose track of time when I’m shooting or editing my fine art projects. Once I pick up the camera or start working on an image, I just get pulled in—it’s like everything else fades away. I’m focused on the light, the emotion, the little details that bring a shot to life.

Editing is the same way for me—it’s where I can really shape the mood and tell the story I felt in the moment. That whole process is my happy place, my zen zone. It’s where I feel calm, creative, and totally myself. I always come out of it feeling re-centered and reminded why I love what I do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Rick Feldman, and I’m a photographer based in Southern California. I focus on two main areas, personal branding photography and fine art photography. On the branding side, I work with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners to help them show up confidently and authentically in their visuals — whether that’s for their website, social media, or marketing. I love creating images that really tell people’s stories and capture their personality.

On the fine art side, my work dives deeper into emotion, form, and storytelling — a lot of it is fine art nude and conceptual pieces. That’s where I get to explore creativity without limits.

My journey into photography actually started after losing my oldest son, Zac, back in 2010. That loss completely shifted my perspective. I realized life’s too short not to do what you love, and for me, that’s creating art and capturing human stories. Photography became both my therapy and my purpose. It’s where I find connection, meaning, and a way to help others see their own beauty and strength.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my oldest son, Zac, in 2010 completely changed how I see the world. It made me realize life’s too short not to focus on what matters. Photography became my way of connecting, noticing the details, and finding beauty and meaning in every moment.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wound in my life was losing my oldest son, Zac. Healing has been a long road, therapy, alternative therapies, yoga, meditation, long walks, and of course, art. Photography, in particular, has been my anchor. It’s helped me process grief, connect with people, and create something meaningful out of the pain. Over time, I’ve learned to grow around the pain, letting it shape me without defining me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the photography industry tells itself is that gear or trends define good work. There’s this idea that you need the newest camera, the flashiest editing style, or to follow whatever’s popular on social media to be relevant. But great photography isn’t about that, it’s about connection, emotion, and storytelling.

Another big one is that everything has to be ‘perfect.’ Especially in branding and portrait work, there’s a pressure to polish everything to the point it stops feeling real. I’ve found that authenticity is what really matters, the imperfect, human moments. That’s where the truth and beauty really live.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
What I’d regret most is not traveling more with my family. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in work and routines, but those shared experiences — exploring new places, seeing the world together, that’s the stuff that really sticks. I want more of those memories, more of those moments that remind us what we’re doing it all for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rickfeldmanphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickfeldmanphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RickFeldmanPhotography
• Other: https://www.blackkatstudios.com/ ,
  https://www.instagram.com/blackkatstudios/