Art & Life with Rika

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rika.

Rika, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m originally from Detroit, MI. Upon graduating high school, I attended Oakland University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. I have interned and worked for some great IT companies over the years and learned a lot about what it takes to be successful in a corporate environment. While working in IT, I was still trying to figure out what role made me feel the most fulfilled and served my artistic self. Fast forward, a friend of mine was looking for a photographer for a family event but she couldn’t find one. During that time, I had already been researching cameras because I was interested in learning photography. To be honest, it was the weirdest coincidence (or maybe not!), because I hadn’t shared the fact that I was interested in photography with anyone. This was the perfect opportunity to not only help a friend in need, but to also step out on faith and try something new. After I agreed to shoot the event, I immediately went to the store to buy a Nikon pro camera kit and began to practice learning my way around my new camera. After feeling comfortable with the camera and learning about different techniques, I was ready to shoot my very first event. Wha la… that’s how Lavish Touch Photos was born and the rest is history!

What do you want people to gain from reading your story?
I would love for people to know all your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. Going from a techy to a photographer, I received a lot of backlash for my career choice change. I never let the negative talk stop me! Instead, I stayed true to my vision and promised myself I would always do what I am passionate about.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is photography! I am the owner of Lavish Touch Photos, a photography agency that specializes in Weddings, Events and Lifestyle photos. We are a full-service photography agency that currently services Atlanta, Florida, and Metro Detroit. What I love most about photography is that I get to freeze time. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to preserve a memory and capture a person’s milestone. You can never turn back the hands of time, but it allows you to relive those moments over and over again. That feeling of “yassss” when I get a great shot is even more motivating!

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what quality do you feel is most helpful?
I define success as living my true purpose and striving to inspire the world with my photos. Through my photos, I always aim to promote love, women empowerment, family and spread awareness for great fundraiser causes like breast cancer, domestic violence, and habitat for humanity. I also mentor up and coming photographers. I love working with people who are just as passionate about photography as I am and love to learn! Having a positive impact on the lives of people by uplifting them and inspiring them to be better at their craft, then seeing the outcome makes me feel even more successful.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find me on social media and check out my website!

Instagram: @lavishtouchphotos
Personal Instagram: @iamrikalavishtouch
Facebook: @lavishtouchphotos
Website: www.LavishTouchPhotos.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LavishTouchPhotos.com
• Phone: 313-570-1894
• Email: Rika@LavishTouchPhotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishtouchphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LavishTouchPhotos

Image Credit:
Werk of Art Photography, Lavish Touch Photos

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