Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Coast river business journal. (Astoria, OR) 2006-current | View Entire Issue (July 14, 2021)
BUSINESS NEWS 14 • JULY 2021 COAST RIVER BUSINESS JOURNAL Meet the Merchant Randall J. Hodges Photography Randall J. Hodges, owner Images of the West Gallery, 224 N. Hemlock St. #1, Cannon Beach, 503-436-4113 Randall J. Hodges Photography Gallery, 317 Main St., Edmonds, Washington, 425-582-0803 Interview by Carolyn Hoard 1. Could you introduce yourself? “My name is Randall J. Hodges. I own Randall J. Hodges Photography, which includes the Ran- dall J. Hodges Photography Gallery in downtown Edmonds, Washington, and the Images of the West Gallery, by Randall J. Hodges in beautiful Cannon Beach, Oregon. My work has been published over 4,800 times worldwide. I teach photography lessons and adventures all around the west. I have a book out called Images of the West, and I do talks and webi- nars on my old-school all-in-camera style of shoot- ing, and that is what I am known for. I do all the work in the camera with no Photoshop or post processing.” 2. How did you get started in photography? “I wanted to get paid to hike!” 3. Could you tell me about the gallery and how it got started? Get to The Point. Expert Service. Guaranteed. Trust your vehicle safety to the professionals at DEL’S O.K. TIRE Same owners•Same tires Same great service YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR TIRES “I was a traveling artist doing 26 shows a year around the Northwest, but the dream was to open a gallery. Over seven years ago I opened the Randall J. Hodges Photography Gallery in Edmonds. Three years ago, I opened the Images of the West Gallery in Cannon Beach.” 4. Could you tell me about the photography classes you offer and some teaching highlights? “I teach locally at Edmonds Beach in the sum- mer, at Wallace Falls in the winter, and [Skagit Valley for] the Tulips in the spring. I also teach adventures at places like Grand Teton National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Olym- pic National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Palouse Hills and Palouse Falls, Mount Shuksan, fall color classes at Lake Wenatchee and Tumwater Can- yon, and many other locations. Every year my les- sons schedule changes a bit, but you can always get an updated list on my lessons tab on my website at www.randalljhodges.com. I help students set up and run their cameras, to shoot like a pro right in the cam- era without the need for post processing. My classes are very hands on, and 100% out in the field.” 5. How do you decide on the best location to teach students? “From years of exploring, and deciding which is the right time of year to be in each location. Before I teach a class in a certain area, I would have visited it and explored that area at least five times.” 6. For a beginning photographer, which class would you recommend they take? “Any of my classes, but lots of people start with Edmonds Beach or Wallace Falls.” 7. What do you love about landscape photography? “Everything. I love the hiking, exploring and the TRINSIC SERIES | V300 PATIO DOORS CUSTOM WHEELS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES 503-325-2861 For emergencies 503-325-0233 35359 Business Hwy 101 (Miles Crossing) Astoria, OR Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6 · Sat- 8-4 • • • • Modern Style Expansive Viewable Glass Narrow Frame Profile Aesthetically Pleasing Sleek, Clean Look NOW AVAILAB BLACK INTERIO LE IN BLACK EXTERIO R/ R Residential • Commercial (503)717-0555 2793 Hwy 101 N., Gearhart • www.kiwiglass.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured • OR CCB#119815 • WA#KIWIGI00217 PHOTOS BY RANDALL J. HODGES Randall J. Hodges is pictured in one of the landscapes where he teaches photography. Sunrise at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach by Randall J. Hodges. light. I like being in nature, and trying to connect with Mother Earth.” 8. What’s the inspiration behind your photos? “I try to share my spiritual connection with nature through my images.” 9. What are your favorite places, times of day and types of weather to photograph? “All. I like to be in certain areas at certain times of the year for the best results. In winter, my favor- ite [places] are beaches in the San Juan Islands and snowshoeing in the mountains. February it’s Death Valley National Park. Spring its daffodils, then cherry blossoms, then tulips. May is time for the des- ert Southwest. Then right into shooting Northwest streams, waterfalls, rivers and forest trails until mid- June. In fall, I start up high in the mountains, chasing mountain wildflowers and lakes, then work my way down with the snowfall, until I finish in the Colum- bia River Gorge.” 10. What are some challenges to entering into the photography business? “Too much competition. Everyone who gets a camera and learns Photoshop wants to be a full-time photographer. Best advice is to find your own niche. Be different. Mine is doing it all-in-camera.” 11. Do you have a favorite photograph? “No, I have hundreds or thousands of them.” 12. What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? “Take a lesson out in the field and master the tech- nique for whatever it is you want to shoot. You must be technically sound. Then train your eye, and build a professional portfolio of images in your specialty.” 13. What kind of lenses do you use and for See Page 15
