We were lucky to catch up with Rich Woods recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rich, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I worked on is my feature film “12 Hours” which can be viewed on Amazon Prime. I wrote the film early in the pandemic and together with DP and Producer Torrance Hill we came up with a plan to shoot it. It was tough because while I wrote the film in the spring while the pandemic was just beginning we didn’t film until fall. So when Fall came, people were still afraid and didn’t really know what we were dealing with as far as covid is concerned. So shooting a film was going to be tough, also this was the largest project I had ever worked on. Up until that point I had only made shorts. So everyone that decided to be a part of the project and helped see it come to life holds a special place in my heart because 2020 was a scary time for everyone. The story of 12 hours is a simple but beautiful story of two people connecting in a strange place and I wanted to highlight the beauty of Washington, DC that people may not always see. We shot the film completely on location, with a lot of the scenes being simple walking and talking so I’m grateful to my actors for having their lines down for some of the longer takes. Creating “12 Hours” was certainly and amazing time that I’ll never forget.

Rich, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got started in photography and filmmaking at Howard University where I majored in Film Production. I had always had an interest in films growing up but never did anything with it until I got to college. I was originally a psychology major but decided to make the switch to Film after my freshman year. While learning filmmaking I got really into still photography and one particular professor, Prof. Platt really encouraged my photographic curiosity. After graduating from Howard I began freelancing mostly working with local magazines doing photo assignment and then eventually I began working with music artist in the DC area. From there my work seemed to grow and I continue to shoot with magazines typically in NYC or LA now and I am still working with DC music artist on content. I feel as an artist your work shifts and changes as the years go by, my work is really about the individual and creating an expression or moment that captures who that individual is.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect about being an artist is always having a creative outlet. I can grab my camera and walk anywhere I takes photos or shoot video and all of my cares seem to fade. I believe when you’re in a creative space it’s a very spiritual place and there is a great peace that comes with that.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I think there is so much information that is around now from youtube to instagram to tik tok to phone apps that help people create that I wish was around when I began my journey. I always think that I could’ve been a lot better right now if I had those resources years ago when I started but I also appreciate the journey I am on and realize that things couldn’t have happened any other way. I’m glad for the next generation that do have these tools available to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.richwoodsfoto.com
• Instagram: @richwoodsfoto