Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devin Richter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Devin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

or most of my life, I played it scared.

I grew up in a home shadowed by an abusive stepfather and all the complicated trauma that follows. My survival tactic? Be the most obedient, quiet, and invisible version of myself to stay safe. But after years of enduring that storm, I finally got out—and somewhere deep inside, a tiny seed of me began to grow.

That seed? It was creativity, boxed up for too long, desperate to break free.
So, I took a risk: I picked up a camera.

Now listen, my first photos? Absolutely tragic. 😂 But they felt like freedom. I was living in Colorado at the time, and I decided—why not go for it? I submitted my work to a local magazine, convinced that my fresh passion would shine through. I was buzzing with excitement. After everything I’d been through, this felt like my moment.

But then—BOOM.
Rejection.

Not only was my work turned down, but I was told it lacked the style, skill, and refinement the magazine required. And let me tell you, that hit hard. I had risked being seen for the first time in a long time, and I felt crushed.

But here’s where the real risk came in—I didn’t give up.

I let myself be vulnerable again. I put in the work. I spent the next year learning, experimenting, failing (a lot), and growing. I pushed through the fear and self-doubt because I knew I loved photography. When the next year’s call for submissions came around, I held my breath and tried again.

This time?
There was engagement. There was inclusion. I was selected.

That second risk—the choice to believe I could improve and show up again—changed everything. I didn’t just become a contributor. I eventually rose to Photo Editor for several food and lifestyle magazines across Colorado. I trained others. I created artwork I was proud of. I built community and lifelong friendships.

Looking back, if I hadn’t taken that risk—not once, but twice—I would’ve missed out on some of the most transformative opportunities of my life.

The biggest lesson?
Sometimes the scariest risk is letting yourself try again.

Devin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Devin Richter—the creative soul behind Triumph Photo (Formerly Sun Chaser Studios), a brand built on storytelling, connection, and, honestly? A whole lot of heart. 💙

Photography isn’t just my job—it’s part of how I’ve healed, grown, and learned to see the world with softer eyes. Growing up in a home with abuse and hardship, I learned early how to stay small to survive. But creativity? That was my quiet rebellion. My mom, an artist, and my grandparents, who photographed every moment of my life, unknowingly sparked this passion in me.

I didn’t dive headfirst into photography, though. I started with terrible photos—like, truly tragic 😅—but what mattered was that I started. I submitted those early photos to a Colorado magazine, believing maybe this was my moment… until I got rejected. And listen, that stung. But I wasn’t ready to give up. I leaned into the vulnerability, committed to learning, and tried again. A year later? I got in. That moment turned into a role as Photo Editor for multiple Colorado lifestyle magazines.

Fast forward, and now I run Triumph Photo (formerly Sun Chaser Studios)—a rebranded vision that feels truer to where I am today. I specialize in portrait photography, brand photography, and storytelling-driven creative work. I’ve photographed everything from weddings and personal portraits to brand campaigns for local businesses and even Fortune 500 companies.

But here’s what I really do:
I capture you—your story, your essence, your truth. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, launching a brand, or just needing to feel seen, I create space for you to show up authentically.

What problems do I solve for my clients?
So many people feel awkward in front of the camera (hey, same, I’m a mess there 🙋‍♂️). They worry about looking stiff or staged. My job is to ease that anxiety, to build trust and connection, so the photos feel like you—natural, real, human. For brands, I help tell their story visually, creating content that connects with their audience on a personal level.

What sets Triumph Photo apart?
It’s not just about photos—it’s about people. I meet every client where they are, whether they’re brimming with confidence or feeling unsure. I’m here to listen first, shoot second. I bring my full self to every project—empathetic, curious, a little goofy—and that helps create images that feel alive.

Also? I’m not afraid of where photography is headed. With the rise of AI, smartphones, and video content, I’m trying to evolve, learn new tools, and finding ways to stay creative. I believe in using tech to enhance creativity, not replace the human touch.

What am I most proud of?
I’m proud that I didn’t quit when it got hard. That I kept showing up—for myself, for my clients, for the art. I’m proud of the stories I’ve captured, the brands I’ve helped grow, and the friendships I’ve built along the way. And I’m proud that my work reflects authenticity—imperfections and all. I’m proud that I’m still trying now even when my business hasn’t been doing well after moving to Nashville.

What I want you to know about me and Triumph Photo:
I’m not about perfection. I’m about connection. If you’re looking for photos that feel real, that tell a story, that celebrate the you that shows up in everyday life, I’m your guy. Whether we’re chasing sunsets, capturing a quiet moment, or crafting a brand’s visual voice, my mission is to help you feel seen and celebrated.

Let’s make something beautiful together. ✨

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding my business? It was scrappy. I started with the cheapest gear I could find, took low or no-pay gigs just to learn, and reinvested every dollar I made.

The real game-changer was connecting with photographers who believed in me—they lent me equipment and shared their knowledge. As I got better, I booked higher-paying jobs, upgraded my gear bit by bit, and eventually cut back my hotel job to focus on photography full-time.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it was worth every late night and early morning.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think what a lot of non-creatives don’t always get is that the creativity I put into my work feels as real as my own skin. When someone critiques or rejects it, it can feel like they’re rejecting me—the core of who I am.

But here’s the truth I’ve had to learn:
Just because the work isn’t “good enough” in someone else’s eyes doesn’t mean I’m not good enough. It doesn’t mean I’m not creative. It might just mean I haven’t honed the skill yet—or maybe I like where I am.

Creativity is deeply personal. Every piece of art carries a little bit of the artist’s soul. So when people engage with creative work, I think it’s important to remember there’s a person behind it, still growing, still learning—just like anyone else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sunchaserstudios.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunchaserstudios/

Image Credits

Photography: Devin Richter | Triumph Photo (formerly Sun Chaser Studios)