Richard Wood Photographics

By Paula Philipps

Details, captured stunningly in black and white or color, are the hallmark of Richard Wood Photo. The intricate lace edging of a bride's Spanish mantilla, the stylized buttons on a leather glove, travertine-veined marble framing a columned cathedral entry capture the ambiance of a special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts and educated in visual arts at Tufts University, Wood knew he wanted to be involved in an industry that incorporated the study of light and photography.

"I am fascinated with the effects achieved by lighting," Wood says. I knew it would be a long road to get where I wanted to be, but I am obsessed by it and absolutely love what I do."

Within days after his graduation from Tufts University, Wood moved to San Francisco and was hired as a stage manager for Colossal Pictures motion picture film studio, where he worked for four years.

"I learned a great deal about lighting and assisted the camera crews shooting commercials and music videos," he says. "I also enjoy the performing arts and love the art form of dance, so I approached several theaters and shot promotional work for everything from the San Francisco Ballet to the band U2."

Wood credits Ron Rogers, a photographer professor at the Napa Valley College (NVC) for inspiring him to develop his love of photography. After two years of studying photography at NVC, Wood shot portraits for models. "That's a great stepping stone if you're thinking of being in fashion photography," he added.

After developing a portfolio of his own, Wood worked for bridal gown designers who recommended him to brides, and his love of wedding photography began. In 2000, he began Richard Wood Photographics, specializing in "wine country weddings."

"I started with six weddings and currently photograph about 100 weddings a year." Wood said.

Richard Wood brings a sophisticated touch of elegance to wedding celebrations. From hands clasped in union to the ebullient celebration of a bouquet toss, Wood's photographs are artistic renderings of the shared intimacy between friends and family during their most joyous occasion.

"I've never been one to exploit an analytical style," Wood says. "I do my work from the heart straight to the lens."

Engagement photos are as unique as the couples themselves, taken in natural, outdoor settings whenever possible in a relaxed portrait style. Wood meets with an engaged couple one year in advance of their wedding.

"When people come to see me, my priority is not to dictate, but to create an atmosphere where they will be comfortable being themselves," he said. "I don't dictate what I will do for them, but let them be themselves and do it comfortably in front of a camera."

Wood says the most important quality of a wedding photographer is to be invisible. He dresses in dark colors and has been told by wedding families and guests that they "hardly knew he was there."

Wood considers that a compliment, since as far as he's concerned, that way he knows he is doing a professional job.

In regard to his specializing in the California wine country, Wood says, "I work in the most wonderful, natural locations, so I'm able to convey an understated, refined elegance in my photographs," he says.

"That's the brilliance of the photographic process. You take what is an infinitely small moment and turn it into a virtual eternity. I'm enthralled with the process."

For more information about Richard Wood Photographics
call: (707) 557-5431 or visit his website at: www.richardwoodphoto.com