I'm a happily married (since 1977) father of three and grand father of one. In 2004, after more than a quarter century in construction, I left my former profession behind and answered a call into Ministry. I currently serve a three point charge as a United Methodist Pastor.

I like to take and share pictures of just about everything. I adore the beauty that is everywhere to be found in North Dakota and I endeavor to share as much of that beauty as I can. I feel a special fondness for those things that have been abandoned or discarded, so much of my effort is spent in recording images of places and things that no longer have anyone else to tell their story or show their beauty.

Because of my concern to tell the story of these places many of my images seek to show the item rather than make some sort of "artistic" statement. Therefore my primary objective continues to be to tell the story much more than obeying "the rule of thirds" and so on. I photograph what I like as I like to see it, and if my work isn't as "artistic" as you'd like, please feel free to visit other photo streams.

We are pet (and animal) lovers in my house. We have 2 small dogs at present. I also enjoy reading and gardening.

The vast majority of the photos that I post were taken in North Dakota. (I may toss in a few from other places from time to time)


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Photos of im pastor rick (6)

  • Rick Craig by im pastor rick
  • The explorers at rest by im pastor rick
  • FollowFriday - Battered But Beautiful Old Barns Edition by siskokid
  • FollowFriday - Rural Decay Edition by siskokid
  • That's how we roll... by im pastor rick
  • Afternoon Reflection by im pastor rick
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im pastor rick's favorite photos from other Flickr members (1,556)

  • Snow Storm by Hold still
  • Knockin' on Heaven's Door by calakmul
  • venus, the lamont view by brakes4bunnies
  • In flight by photomajik
  • lights1 by Tami Kolke
  • Rusty Majik... by mathteacher...
  • by Liz Barrett
  • After the dancing is done by brakes4bunnies
  • Nature's Beauty by margaretrose4
  • .Winter Blues by margaretrose4
  • It's me....again! by photomajik
  • Wild Turkey in Strut. by Joel C. The Old Texan
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Contacts (230)

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Testimonials (11)

  • view profile

    dunseith says:

    "One day while surfing the internet I came across the Flickr site, I've always been intrigued by old buildings and farm sites, so I started searching through the photos. Well that's how I met Pastor Rick, his photos are some of the most heartfelt images of days gone by and his comments only enrich the experience of looking through all his photos. I have recieved great encouragement from him after I joined Flickr and posted some of my photos of the same interest. Thank you Pastor Rick for the wonderful pages from the past. As for me I will never travel without my camera again and continue to add to my albums."

    5th February, 2009

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    Gordon_str says:

    "Rick is a superb and inspirational photographer. I am in awe of his ability and think that his work in recording things that may soon be gone forever is very important and commendable. He is a good and loyal Flickr friend and a constant encourager. Rick and his intrepid fellow explorer Stumpy Jack are real Flickr gems."

    7th March, 2009

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    Backroad Drifter says:

    "When i first came to Flickr, i found Rick..And i loved his work. I wanted to be as good as him. He was my ( okay He is my) flickr Hero. the Margaretrose of my contacts...What can i say. he's good.
    I had problems with the group "simply Irreplaceable", for some weird reason, Flickr didn't let him join..I sort of felt like it was like the Electorial votes had said no to the popular vote..if that makes sence to you..Anyways, for what it's worth, i wish flickr would fix that problem..
    Love you Pastor Rick.love,love,love,love your work.You're one of the best.
    Long may your camera click.."

    23rd May, 2008

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    pictureapromise says:

    "I am fairly new to all this Flicker fun. So glad I found pastor rick. Nearly immediately he looked at some of my photos, gave me great encouragement and I could spend hours looking at his wonderful work. I share ricks love for all things old, lonely and sad knowing it wasn't always that way. pastor rick your art inspires me to pursue mine. Thank you, I look forward to what you bring us next.."

    17th November, 2007

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    waski_the_squirrel says:

    "I enjoy seeing photographs taken in the great state of North Dakota. We seem to have a common interest as well: rural decay. He has focused on farms and churches and I focus on schools. He has caused me to pay more attention to the farms and ranches around me.

    Since I rarely get out of the western end of North Dakota, it's fun to see pictures of the middle of the state."

    30th October, 2007

  • view profile

    Dave - aka Emptybelly says:

    "Rick takes photos of extraordinary subjects that perhaps nobody else on Flickr does... You will love the variety in his photostream and the notes attached to them that help make the experience truly pleasurable...

    Keep up the good work, Rick... Love those rural vista shots..."

    26th October, 2007

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    mathteacher... says:

    "So many different things show up in Pastor Rick's photo stream....from landscapes to empty homesteads to barb wire fence to Stumpy Jack (oh! I love that little dog!). His photos always get me to take a closer look...yes! I actually lean my head towards the screen.....his world is so neat. Someday I am going to visit him & Jack, too!"

    29th September, 2007

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    Brave Heart says:

    " I have been a contact for such a long time with Paster Rick it was about time I let him and all Flickr fans know what he means to the Flickr people.
    Wonderful large pictures of this great land we live in taken with an outstanding eye for pictures that just make you look at your own camera and wonder hoiw to get better shots.
    I always like to return and look over and over at his work.
    Thanks Rick for all you do and share with us all. I wait for you next pictures.

    Keep up the good work,
    THanks, Brave Heart"

    9th August, 2007

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    SnoShuu says:

    "Rick inspired me to get "baptized" at the "First Church of Flickr". Now I'm addicted....thanks a lot Rick! All kidding aside, Rick's side job from his calling as a Pastor to his community, is to capture and share with us the wonderful treasures of history in his domain in North Dakota. If he does half as good a job at ministering to all of us Flickr-ites as he does ministering to his "flock" in his Church(s), then they are in great hands. Rick's photographs always tell a story, and if you look close enough, the images can also minister to your heart. Thanks again for sharing Rick."

    3rd February, 2007

  • view profile

    toy bells says:

    "I intend on visiting ND now after seeing his photos."

    28th January, 2007

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    LeggNet says:

    "Reading Pastor Rick's profile on Flickr added a smile to my day. Thanks for sharing with all of us the step you took in following God's call on your life.... oh, and thanks for sharing your wonderful photos too :)"

    18th December, 2006

Name:
Rick Craig
Joined:
May 2006
Hometown:
Cedarville, California
Currently:
Cando, ND, USA
I am:
Male and Taken
Occupation:
United Methodist Pastor