Rick Ikon

Written by Niki Stad

Ikon Photography… Yes, I know … finally we got a hold of this talented photographer, could get yours and our questions to him. You just have to just read it and then you’ll understand why his photos are top notch. He is so smart with the eye, and in the heart, he is creative and pays close attention to detail. He has such a balanced opinion about life and work and he knows how to make them connected in one point. That’s why I was always thinking he must be a old man with lots of experience about life and art, but surprisingly… he is only 26 years old, yes, I know…LOL, oh god I forgot to ask him if he is single or not.

What can I say about his spirit? He is positive and focused and tries not to be disturbed by all the negative comments and critics, which I personally believe are really big facts to the artist to bring the beauty and the artistic look to his works and finally make the viewers satisfied and able to connect to their unconscious mind.
 
In all of his seriousness about his work, I also see a sense of humor in him that makes me think that its another factor to his success and the success to come in the future. It really relaxes the models and brings so much joy to the photo shoot. This is reflected on each piece he has done and how the audience feels relaxed and happy and connected.
 
He has set big goals in his career plan and always keeps looking forward to the future. He was very honest with his answers to my questions and also to himself and I hope everyone enjoys the interview, here it is;

1) Can you say just little about yourself how you grow up and how you got drawn in to photography?

I'm 26 originally from Hamilton, on. I like to think I grew up normally I did stupid things as most kids do. I've always had a pretty vivid imagination when I was younger and still to this day I used to listen to music and over time would create this vision for a music video for the song, so when I first picked up the camera it almost came naturally to me now everywhere I go I'm thinking of how to use my surroundings in creative ways during a shoot.

2) You are a great photographer, how do you describe your style and interests in your photography?

Well thank you very much I appriciate that. I would like to call my style unique but I don't think that would be fair to all the other great photographers out there as each one has their own style and sense of uniqueness that they bring to the table. Having said that I feel I have a very raw/sexy look to my photos. My main intrest in photography as most people already know is modeling however I am very passionite about anything I shoot.

3) Have you found a favorite model for your photos? And for all models out there that wish to have a chance for a photo shoot with you, what are the factors that you look for in a model?

I don't pick favorites that gets me in trouble LOL. I love working with all the models I have worked with up until this point much like photographers each one has something different to bring to the shoot. I wouldn't say I specifically look for certian things in a model however I am very keen on fitness and advise models that to excel in this industry you need to push yourself physically because your physique is as important as a camera is to a photographer.

4) Who was your favorite photographer that you were looking up to and got inspired by? How?

I have always looked up to Justin Price and was lucky to spend some time with him just recently when he came to Toronto from Miami. I also greatly look up to Paul Buceta and have had the privilage of meeting him as well both are awesome guys and have built themselves the life that I dream of one day living.

5) Have you had any shows where and when? And do you have any shows coming up? Have you received any awards?

If by shows you mean workshops then no, possibly some in the future however I'm more focused on establishing my name in this industry as a major photographer right now. Up to this point I have not recieved any awards but who knows what the future holds, maybe one day.

6) What was your most surprising moment in a photo shoot?

This is a hard question lol, I think my most surprising moment was back when I first started shooting it was a shock to see how comfortable certian models are on set. I'm always very respectful and give the model as much privacy as possible but some models really don't care haha. I find it very flattering that models get that comfortable around me. I like the fact that there is that trust there between the model and I. I also think that shows in the photos.

7) What’s your next hit for the future?

Right now I'm very focused on putting out published work and am currently in the market for a publicist so if anyone knows of any good ones let me know lol

8) If you could go to any country to do a photo shoot, where would it be and why?

I think most photographers would agree with me when I say Japan, the colors and the design of city are just mind blowing, I'd also love to hit a few locations in the US like L.A, Miami, NYC etc etc.

9) Would you shoot a fat model? And Why/Why not?

Believe it or not I get this question a lot, I don't use the term "fat" but yes I have shot a plus size model, and if an oppurtunity in the future comes up that is bennificial to my career then yes by all means I would shoot again.

10) If you could have a chance to shoot a Hollywood celebrity, who would it be?

This is like asking a kid in a candy store to just pick one candy bar lol. I would have to go with Kendra Wilkinson she just seems like she would be a ton of fun to work with on set and as most people who really know me know I'm a big kid I love to joke around.

11) As a photographer how do you describe beauty?

I think everyone is beautiful in their own way. I get accused of being shallow every so often because of what I do for a living but I mean I will never tell someone they can't do something I believe anyone can accomplish anything as long as they are willing to sacrifice and fight for it. I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

12) How do you find your Engel/ site? And what dose it depend on?

I don't understand the question :S!

13) Are you satisfied with the work you’ve done up till now?

I would say I am happy but not satisfied. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my work, I will litterally sit down and analyze a single photo for hours just picking out flaws or things I could have done better. I am my own worst critic and think thats been a very big factor in the recent improvement in my work. I believe that the word "satisfied" is used when someone feels there is no improvement to be made and I always want to be improving even 30 years from now.

14) Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to follow your footsteps?

Don't let anyone tell you that you won't succeed. Also if you are chasing big dreams you are going to have to make sacrifices just as big. I have fought through hell and back to make it to where I am and I'm still nowhere close to where I want to be.

15) How do you usually accept criticism on your photos?

Honestly there is nothing someone can say about a photo that I haven't already noticed lol like I said I am my own worst critic however I do appreciate constructive critisim because I do take it into account to try to better my work. Anyone who is doing something different with their lives wether it be modeling, acting, singing, will always have the "haters" I basically consider them just as important as fans only because if they have taken the time to send me hate mail or put me down then obviously they are noticing just as much if not more then my fans are. Also some of the e-mails I get are quite funny and I enjoy the occasional laugh LOL!