Being connected to the world through images is what brings me joy. I’m most comfortable behind the camera —filming a feature, lighting a comedy show or following a quarterback as they score. Helping others is also important to me, and that’s why I try to share my knowledge. One way is through teaching, photography… I am on the Board of Directors of an amazing non-profit: Photography Without Borders, giving young students the tools to express themselves. Another way is through my production company HUMAN+NATURE. I started this company because I believe in helping good causes. I consider myself lucky, as I have been able to travel the world and meet so many people that have influenced me in my art as well as in my life.
I began my career working on independent film and in 1994 I got my chance to DP my first film. I went on to lens eight more features and countless shorts, music videos, commercials and documentaries. My third film, Skirts placed me on the set of an apartment filled with three women, uncovering the more humorous moments of life. It was there I met future director Richard Walls, and together we went on to collaborate on the award winning TV drama L-Evated: The Blunt Truth. As a duo we also created mysterious art vignettes for AKTEO watches national campaign.
My carrier has spanned more than 30 years giving me time to branch out into different industries including Sports broadcasting, where I have been on many a college and pro side line… including the World Series, Superbowl and Stanley Cup. As a lighting director, working on concerts including Michael Ian Black show for Comedy Central and a Jazz Series for Philadelphia Jazz Society.
My most recent accolade was receiving the Founders Award Fellowship to the Global Cinematography Institute given by Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC and Yuri Neyman, ASC.
I am also a published photographer exploring nature and vulnerability. You can see my photography on my instagram accounts: @richiegretz and @vunerability_photo_project
Teaching, Workshops and Lectures:
Photography Without Boarders – Workshop Facilitator – Board of Directors
PhillyCAM – Lighting Workshop and Lighting for Greenscreen
Multicultural Youth Exchange – Photographer – Board of Directors
MAGPI – Youth Violence and media – Video Conference Facilitator
Youth Against Violence, YPhilly – Teaching Specialist
New Jersey Teen Arts Festival, Key Speaker
Sony – Participate in testing of High Definition Video camera equipment
Project HOME, “Homeward” – Photography workshop and exhibition
Film and Video Field – Undergrad Teaching Assistant, Drexel University
Galleries and Exhibitions:
2010 – 2014 Lightroom Gallery – Annual group show
2014 Lightroom Gallery – “Homeward”
2015 3rd Street Gallery – Annual group show
2016 3rd Street Gallery – Annual group show
2018 3rd Street Gallery – “The Vulnerability Project”
2019 Project HOME – “The Vulnerability Project”
2019 The Random tea Room – “The Vulnerability Project”
Related work experience:
Photography Without Borders – Chairperson, Board of Directors
Havre De Grace Maritime Museum – Video animation installation
Mitchener Museum – Rising Tides, Marguerita Hagan – Video projection installation
United Way Marketing Committee, United Way of Southeast PA
The Lightroom (Photography co-op) – Board of Directors
Multicultural Youth Exchange, Board of Directors, Photojournalist and youth councilor
Philadelphia Youth Network – Youth Against Violence, Teaching Specialist
MAGPI – Youth Violence video conference facilitator
Philly CAM – Lighting and Green-screen workshop instructor
New Jersey Teen Arts Festival, Key Speaker
Graphic and web/interactive media designer/programmer
Film and Video Field Teaching Assistant, Drexel University
Photography specializing in wildlife and portraiture.
My latest work can be found on Instagram: @Vulnerability_photo_project