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rickpawl's photostream
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First of all, Please, take an extra second to see the images large. It's always worth it.
I'm a Christian student/bum, as in taking classes in travel and tourism, traveling around, sleeping on couches or floors, tents and hostels, and I'll do it as long as the good Lord lets me. I always wanted to be a hobo but I think I'm too old to be hopping freights anymore, so I ride Amtrak a lot. I'm not really in any great hurry to get where ever I'm going and the views are often more than worth the travel time. Plus, I sometimes get some nice pics from the train.
As I travel, I praise the Lord and thank God for all the beauty I see, whether I get a good photograph of it or not. I just feel so blessed to be as healthy and mobile as I am.
It seems that as we get older our priorities change (you'll see) and all I seem to want to do these days is get around, see new places and meet new people. Oh, and take pictures all the while. : ) I'm sure that as time goes on and decrepitude sets in, all I will want to do is lay by my dish. But that time is far down the road, I hope and pray, and I look forward to many new horizons, tons of sunsets, flowers galore and smiles by the mile. LOL, I can't believe I just wrote that! But I mean every word of it in spite of how it sounds. : )
I'm going to leave all that nude philosophy stuff down there. It's as much a part of who I am as the more recent stuff is.
Enjoy the stream. I'm happy you found it and I hope you will be too.
A few words about my style of figure photography.
Note: Most of the nudes are now private.
When I decided that I wanted to start photographing the female form, I also decided that I did not want to do the high contrast "body scape" type studio images that I've seen. Likewise, I didn't want to do the twisted and contorted "figure studies" that seem to be equally popular. I decided that I didn't want to photograph these women in a studio setting at all. I don't much like working in a studio, I don't like artificial lights, I don't like working with "models", and I don't like overly posed or contrived images. All these things are artificial and I don't like artificial. I guess I'm just not a technician and I don't like to manipulate. Some photographers are great at it, but I'm not.
Some of the women I've worked with were friends before, the others, friends as a result. If at all possible, I photograph them in their own space, their house or apartment, or outdoors. My nudes are not a study in "form", or "light and shadow". They try simply to be a depiction of the natural beauty of a woman as an individual, as a friend, and as a human being, with strengths and weaknesses, hopes, dreams and fears. The icing on the cake is if some connection is made between the subject and the viewer, some sense of mood, a feeling of honesty and openness and trust. A sharing of spirit.
To all the women who have honored me by working with me, I offer thanks and praise. Their gentle kindness and support, their patience and trust, have blessed not only myself, but every person who views their images.
Truely, they all epitomize the spirit of beauty.
A small video of women I've worked with and dedicated to them all.
animoto.com/play/467ccec544b92bdb3120a56ddf3fe9ed
Faces I have known. Video.
animoto.com/play/abfacfed4cf76035161e9cad4bf1cf56
rickpawl's favorite photos from other Flickr members (480)
Contacts (210)
Groups (50)
- Super Yachts 2,887 photos, 657 members
- Child Photography 204,647 photos, 16,479 members
- Motoriginal 16,068 photos, 455 members
- Minnesota Explorers 1,111 photos, 181 members
- Amtrak San Diego Ca. 52 photos, 7 members
- Surfing USA - and Pro Surfers Worldwide! 4,339 photos, 292 members
- surfing 85,528 photos, 9,838 members
- Surf Photography California 3,580 photos, 387 members
- Canon Imagination 153,805 photos, 8,725 members
- Trains at Sunset and Sunrise 82 photos, 7 members
- I witnessed the rapture 30 photos, 7 members
- Faces Extraordinaire 2,015 photos, 884 members
- Flickr's Best Smiles 1,479 photos, 1,876 members
- The Outstanding Photo Collection 1,161 photos, 2,119 members
- Surfer Girls 3,354 photos, 1,244 members
- Bingen / White Salmon Washington ( Amtrak ) 28 photos, 4 members
- Grounded Travel 55 photos, 8 members
- AIRCREW 234 photos, 40 members
- St.Louis MO ( Amtrak ) 38 photos, 7 members
- Fort Worth TX ( Amtrak ) 24 photos, 6 members
- St. Paul Minnesota ( Amtrak ) 144 photos, 17 members
- Dallas TX ( Amtrak ) 12 photos, 4 members
- Amtrak "California Zephyr" Route 75 photos, 14 members
- Lobster Pot Buoys 617 photos, 75 members
- Buoyant - Best Buoy Image 2011 25,284 photos, 2,848 members
- Los Angeles Ca ( Amtrak ) 115 photos, 13 members
- San Luis Obispo Ca ( Amtrak ) 98 photos, 9 members
- Paso Robles Ca ( Amtrak ) 27 photos, 6 members
- Oxnard Ca ( Amtrak ) 25 photos, 7 members
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens 12,372 photos, 1,490 members
- Chicago ( Amtrak ) 307 photos, 26 members
- Big 10 curves Colorado 49 photos, 6 members
- Moffat Tunnel to Denver 83 photos, 12 members
- Cockpits, Nose, Tail, Wing, Landing Gear and Cabin Photos 6,716 photos, 279 members
- cockpit views 333 photos, 41 members
- Airplanes: Nose Shots 47,381 photos, 1,651 members
- Airplanes 215,474 photos, 5,750 members
- Locomotive_Hauled_ Railway_Passenger_Cars 5,471 photos, 263 members
- The Best of General Aviation 2,149 photos, 189 members
- Classique Elite Step Up From Gold. Pls Join, Post 1, Award 1 118 photos, 134 members
- BEST OF NATURE'S PRIME (post 1/award 3) Contest ~ENTER 24,253 photos, 3,513 members
- NATURE'S PRIME (post 1 award 4) Contest: COLOR ME BLUE ~ VOTE 195,052 photos, 13,896 members
- Gore Canyon Colorado 124 photos, 10 members
- Byers canyon colorado 51 photos, 6 members
- Glenwood Canyon Colorado 289 photos, 22 members
- New Photo Page Preview 0 photos, 3,729 members
- Lockheed Martin F-22 3,138 photos, 469 members
- Jet Airplanes 124,079 photos, 2,302 members
- World Waterfall Database 4,904 photos, 1,002 members
- Amtrak Top Shots 1,192 photos, 157 members
Testimonials (15)
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casual clicks says:
"www.flickr.com/ph...
As Rick says, 'view large...it's worth the effort'.
I think the photo above of Rick towing his little red wagon while on one of his hoboesque journeys across America was my introduction to a man I regard as a legend and an online mentor, rickpawl.
Though we've never met in person, I consider Rick the one guy with whom I'd most like to go shooting and meander life's byways. I think we hold similar shooting, traveling and personal philosophies. My gut tells me we are two peas in a pod except Rick lives the traveling and photographic adventures I still only imagine.
His fine work with live young ladies and the sensual, evocative images he creates with his use of natural light have inspired me to try shooting the female nude, too. Except, I haven't been able to find any live models so I'm relegated to taking pics of cold, hardened statues trying to make them appear to be living and sensual. Not quite the same though I keep the dream alive. I study his nude figure studies carefully looking for details in lighting and composition. The friendships and relationship of care and trust he creates and nurtures with his ladies shines brightly in his photos.
Rick's travels both on his own and those with his wonderful sister, Shelley, have opened up the world of traveling the United States to me and instilled a bit of wanderlust, alas as yet, still unfulfilled. Their loving relationship is apparent in Rick's and Shelley's photos and the banter each posts on their respective streams. His train travel photos makes me want to hop the next chugger to Minnesota or anywhere beyond the wasteland that is Los Angeles.
I've never met Rick, but I feel I know the man. Dedicated to his family and friends and to excellence in his photography, Rick's influence extends beyond his superb and wide-ranging photographic subjects.
Rick is a mentor and loved by many. Just read the many caring comments and ongoing dialogues spurred by his photos and you'll see he is truly blessed. But that only happens when one is a blessing to others. Rick is that blessing...to me and to his large Flickr world and beyond.
Rick, the light is always on and the sheets are fresh if you ever find your way to LA. Thanks for being...well, rickpawl, a friend and legend in your own time."17th February, 2009
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rovingmagpie says:
"Rick has to be the most persuasive guy in the world. From that sailor holding the plush bear to all those lovely nudes, he gets the photo that I wouldn't even ask for.
But it doesn't stop there - there's a life story unfolding in these photos, an ongoing mystery with a little clue revealed with each new photo.
I'm seeing a story of a life well-lived on the path less traveled, all presented by a talented photographer."11th March, 2008
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Miles Away Photography says:
"Rick is an extremely fun guy to have as a Flickr friend. He has always been supportive and full of helpful comments. His style of photography is full of depth and life. I love being able to watch where he has been and where he is going!
Plus, I have to admit.............I've become pretty fond of Lulu Bear too! lol! Thanks for all the support and keep up the beautiful and inspiring shots!"22nd February, 2008
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MÔÔNÇhyld says:
"Jeez.....I don't really know where to begin but I'll start by saying that I admire this man and what he has done with light. How he uses it to present a landscape, scene or person is nothing less than inspirational and certainly always breathtaking.
Light (or lack of light) to me is one the most important factors in capturing the beauty of any subject in photography.
Rick understands light and uses it to the advantage of whatever the subject may be. He is patient and waits for the moment to come and then he records it faithfully, be it film or digital images.
A popular reaction while viewing Rick's stream is usually the sounds of "oohs" and ahhs" filling the room with each image that is displayed on the monitor.
Add to this the man's personality.....robust, caring, giving, funny, sometimes a smarty pants, always a thoughtful commentator.
That's like the icing on the cake man!
Ask Rick for advice on equipment and he will gladly answer, write him and he will reply, call him and he will take a moment to chat with you!
A real person, down to earth and one hell of a story teller to boot. My first impression upon reading Ricks profile was "woah, this guy is something else"......really!
I don't think I have met anyone quite like him and I'm happy to say that this is only the beginning of a friendship that I know will be prosperous, another bright spot in the collective consciousness that makes up our reality. ( I did just write that, musta been influenced by something Rick said or wrote)
Look forward to seeing and hearing where you will go Rick, where the future will take you and your "glass" and you can bet we'll (me and my girls) be following with great admiration!
Rey and the Clan"24th January, 2008
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JT-Steeler says:
"Good ol' Rick! A great Friend and a sweetheart of a guy! I love Rick's photography...I consider him one of the best on Flickr on every subject he presents. His architectural subjects are superb! I also enjoy Rick's captures of everyday life. I am grateful for Rick's friendship on Flickr. Hope to see him come back my way on the Amtrack. He's my kind of bum! :-)"
22nd December, 2007
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TandC@THE-SEASIDE says:
"MR RICKPAWL.
[ his album is the best on flickr ]..
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his photos are just awesome....we visit his album often and love
to see all the beautiful places he has visited...we can sit at home
and have a tour of the usa at the same time !
theses photos show people who dont live in america what a beautiful country it is. i dont think rick could take a bad photo if he tried."27th August, 2007
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CoryMarchand says:
"Alrighty Rick....you have driven me to write my first ever testimonial.
Ricks photos take me back to a place I miss so dearly, Colorado.....When I am having a day here in Richmond, VA where all I want to do is pack up and move back, Ricks flickr photo stream settles my heart. I look forward to his amazing landscape images, his shots of the Grand Canyon, and of course "The Onion" magazine!!
His portrait photography is unmatched, and his images of Pearl Street warms my heart.
Thank so much Rick for the wonderful testimonial!
Cheers"18th August, 2007
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Jocelyn Bassler says:
"I always enjoy browsing Rick's stream. His landscapes are gorgeous, his nudes are a force to be reckoned with, and there's much to be said for everything else in between. He always inspires me to be a little more *ahem* bold with my photography, and I like it! Rowr!"
11th July, 2007
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ozczecho says:
"In a nutshell I love Ricks work. I love his approach to capturing the female form and how natural and beautiful his compositions are. You can sense and feel that he has a real connection with all his models.
No special tricks, or over the top props or poses, just Rick, his camera and the model in her surrounds.
Congrats RIck on such a wonderful collection of images and thank you for sharing this with the Flickr community."2nd February, 2007
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(Rid©ully) says:
"Rick is probably my favourite photographer on Flickr. Not only does he have depth of skill and wide ranging subjects he's also one of the most generous people that I've met when it comes to helping others trying to achieve a decent shot.
Without a doubt this is the sort of person that Flickr had in mind when they first set up and he remains a stalwart of the site."9th January, 2007
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Creativist says:
"Now that I've found Rick's work, I'm sorry it took me so long. I've never met him in person, sorry to say.
You don't need to read about Rick to understand at least a little about him. Look into the faces of his subjects to know that he puts people at ease. Watch the lighting to know that he feels the environment. See the perspectives to know that he reveres the natural and crafted, the large and small, the far and close.
Rick is a fantastic photographer - technically and artistically. Watching him work from my chair sparks creativity in me, and reminds me why I pick up the camera in the first place.
Thanks for sharing, Rick. You keep shooting, I'll keep watching."4th November, 2006
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happyarm says:
"Rick is why flickr had to be invented. The magnitude of his photographic accomplishments as well as his personal accomplishments are awesome. I was drawn to his photostream by his photos of the Southwest especially Antelope Canyon. Then I found his collection of black and white shots (a few in color) and it was obvious Rick was no mere mortal. We know he couldn't have paid for those models and they were so at ease, so at home with Rick. Never having met him I still think I know him well enough to buy him dinner and a beer and I would be comfortable inviting him into my home. In a strange quirk of fate one of Rick's 30 to 40 year old photos of himself as a skydiver prompted me to dig out some of mine from the same era. Others have followed suit or have seen them and realized we are getting old and need to document those times. I suspect some day Rick will get old but for now he still has the photographer' s eye (both of them) and continues to capture the moment wherever he goes. I can never thank him enough for just being there and posting HERE."
6th August, 2006
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Shutter-muse says:
"Rick is without a doubt one of the reasons flickr is such a great community to belong to. He shows us his world with a wide variety of photographs and his ability to "capture the moment" is astounding. I particularly enjoy his ability to capture the beauty of the female form. Lighting, tones and composition are always excellent... truly an inspiration to me. His comments are always appreciated and his sense of humour makes reading them a real pleasure. I am happy to call him a friend."
16th June, 2006
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Randy Craig Photography says:
"Rick is a highly skilled photographer. Even the briefest amount of time spent within his flickr portfolio makes that apparent. His photos cover a wide range of subjects and his attention to detail and composition is evident in all that he does. His comments, on the work of others, is both generous and insightful. One of the things about Rick that really struck a chord with me is the obvious compassion and respect that he feels for the models that he has worked with. That, alone, immediately made him a kindred spirit. I would encourage all to spend some time looking through Rick’s work; nudes, portraits, landscapes, the whole works! It will be time well spent."
13th June, 2006
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gem66 says:
"I can't believe that Rick does not already have dozens of testimonials. He deserves them. His range in photography is wide, his taste is impeccable and his skill is first rate. Take some time and look through his photostream and sets. I guarantee you, you will enjoy it!"
25th May, 2006
- Name:
- Rick
- Joined:
- March 2005
- Hometown:
- Boulder
- Currently:
- St. Cloud, USA
- I am:
- Male and Single
- Occupation:
- College Student/Bum
- Website:
- http://rpawlenty.photoshelter.com











