Steve Rich

Meet Steve, one of our all-time favorite contributors.

A Little about Steve …

Hometown: Before moving to Aiken in 1966, I lived up and down the East Coast as my Dad was in the Navy. We settled in Aiken because of the climate.

Family: I am the oldest of five children. I am very happily married – 30+ years – with two daughters who are both married, educated and are a huge help when called on. I also have three grandchildren!

Work & Hobbies: I currently work full time at Savannah River Site and have been there for the last 32 years. When not at work I enjoy camping, boating, and the great outdoors with my family and especially my grandchildren.

Steve Rich of Aiken, 2011 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Steve in His Own Words …

I started using a camera at the age of 10. My first 35mm camera was purchased in 1980 and was a Pentax K-1000. I was hooked on photography from then on. For the past six years I have been learning and having fun with post-processing applications such as Photoshop Elements, Photoshop and Lightroom. My images have been used commercially, as well as for fundraising posters and charity events.

I do have images on software-selling websites (Photoshop Elements, Topaz Labs, OnOne Software). I am a beta software tester. I am currently working with the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. My work has been featured in Photoshop Elements Techniques Magazine, and the highlight of my photography life was making its cover! I have also been featured on Topaz Labs’ website and the OnOne Software website.

Steve Rich of Aiken, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gear & Applications …

Currently Running: Photoshop CC, Photoshop Elements 12

Hardware: IMAC 24, Laptop Macbook Pro 15″, Kodak ESP7250 Printer

Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon Speedlite 580EXII, Canon Rebel Xti 400D, Canon Speedlite 430EXII

Extras: Promote Control for Canon, Topaz Bundle, Photomatix Pro 5.0, Lightroom 5.3, Apple’s Aperture 3, Nik Software Complete Package, OnOne Perfect Photo Suit 8 (my favorite)

Steve Rich of Aiken, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Fun Facts & Favorites …

Favorite Quotation: “The best resides within the photographer, not the camera.”

Favorite Places: I love Charleston, Port Royal, and of course, Aiken. I also love traveling South Carolina back roads capturing images never before seen.