I am originally from Philadelphia but now live in Oakland CA with my wife and two cats. I have used a camera throughout my life, but especially when traveling. Travel sparked my motivation to move deeper into photography. Photography is important because it is how I document and add meaning to my life experiences. 

I think of my recent projects as narratives about people’s impact on place and place's impact on those who live there. My strong interest in place and people influences occurred partly due to losing my father when I was ten. I was an only child and my parents were from Europe. I had no extended family in the US, so I often sought solace and comfort in places near my home. I developed deep and powerful connections with special places while growing up that strongly informed my sense of personal identity as an adult. 

Despite having varied photographic interests, I try to make images with narratives that collectively explore the influence that people and place have on each other.

Thanks for visiting my small space on the internet. I hope you enjoy and connect with what you see here.

-Michael Richardson