The Third Eye: The Cement Green Staircase

'Prior to his retirement, Rick was a social worker.. His years working with people in need, honed both his caring and his listening skills. So many of the men and women who ended up in front Rick's camera were looking for more than just quick cash, Many seemed in need of a purpose and a connection. Many just needed someone to listen to their stories.' 

Earlier this week, I learned from Roger, (RMark Photography) of the death of Rick aka, the photographer The Third Eye.  Rick and Roger shared a studio space when they both shot in Ohio and were both colleagues and friends. I had the honor of featuring Rick's work in close to 20 features between 2016 and 2019.  I was saddened when Rick told me he was retiring, giving up his passion for visual storytelling to focus on his health.

To say I loved Rick's work would be an understatement.  Not all photographers have an official credit that so beautifully reflects their imagery.  For me, Rick's third eye was related to his experience as a social worker and his ability to both understand and visually shares the stories of the men he worked with.  I'll never forget Rick's response when I first contacted him in 2015 about featuring his work.  

'My situation is different as many models are just young men looking for a few bucks and don't always have an interest in modeling. Many I would not even know how to contact anymore. Some of the shots you liked are in that category. The guys had no real interest in modeling, but will do a thirty dollar shoot when short on cash. . I am willing though, if you think it could be worthwhile.'

Clearly Rick's past as a social worker led to a compassionate approach to his work and unique lens into some of the men in front of his lens.   Although many of the men Rick worked with were not models, I'm guessing your recognize a few of the faces and bodies in this piece.  Some, like Brendon, TJ, Kay, Brian and Max went on to shoot with other photographers and some were agency represented. I was fortunate enough to feature many of their shoots with Rick, as well as their later work as well.

In addition to loving his work, I was also in love with the studio space where Rick worked.  I especially loved the green cement staircase, and the window that lit it.  I loved the staircase so much, Rick sent on a series of 'stair shots' that I featured in a two part post featuring models on the stairs, both clothed, and unclothed.

'We dream what awaits us at the top of the stars. At the bottom however, is a terrifying blend of our most terrifying nightmares'. 

You can check out all my features spotlighting Rick's work on FH HERE:

'Rick was always nice to me and helpful. He had a great sense of humor. And, I always complimented how his photographs were both beautiful and evocative. He was great at capturing the individual and at bringing a variety of emotion to his photographs.'

Roger, RMark Photo

The Third Eye on ModelMayhem