SWORD Photography LLC aims to be Raleigh's premier portrait and business photography studio. SWORD Photography specializes in portraits, product photography and real estate photography.
Richard J. Martin, President, Sword Photography LLC
Richard started SWORD Photography in 2007 with the premise to take and make "sharp portraits". SWORD ® engaged in taking many executive level photographs for businesses, managers, award winners, magazines, news articles, web sites, career advancements and gifts to love ones.
Business and local Chamber events where covered too. He has taken the portraits of politicians, CEOs, government department executives, Colonels, whole staff departments, Mothers, daughters, dancers, children and families.
SWORD also specialized in family portraiture, producing large prints both framed fine art and canvas prints. The aim here was to help families invest in heir-looms that will bring years of enjoyment to family members, friends and colleagues. Richard is immensely proud of the large pieces of art he has produced for families.
Richards interest in art started at an early age through school clubs and family encouragement. He won an art prize whilst in high school and quickly saw photography as a good medium. Whilst fulfilling a desire to climb mountains in Scotland and Europe as a teenager, he started carrying his cameras up ice climbs in Scotland. He also gained photographic sponsorship from local businesses to aid his expeditions.
This love for climbing and photography took him to many high mountain regions in the world including New Zealand, Peru, Bolivia, Kenya, Tanzania, Switzerland and France where he was successful in climbing some legendary peaks.
They included: the Walker Spur, Freney Pillar, Piz Badile, Alpamayo, Huascaren, Mt. Cook, Mt. Kenya's West Ridge and Kilimanjaro by the Heim Glacier.
He was often taking photographs in extreme conditions whilst hanging on to the sides of mountains. This experience gave him a strong foundation for what makes a good compositional and interesting picture.
This photograph from 1990 shows Richard Martin climbing the Hinterstossier Traverse on the North Face of the Eiger.
Whilst studying for his Bachelors in Education in England he gave slide shows of his adventures and often used his photography to inspire and teach high school children to aim high.
During the 1990s Richard re-trained to work in the IT field and undertook a Masters course in Computing. This education coupled with years of working in the IT industry helps him tremendously with digital photography.
Richard is married and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife and son. He works full-time as a photographer and has a portrait studio in north Raleigh. He is a member of the American Society of Media Professionals, volunteer groups and the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
Richard has had his work published in newspapers, magazines, University Brochures, corporate websites, family homes and businesses.
Contact Richard at SWORD Photography LLC to discuss your photography needs and ideas. He aspires SWORD Photography LLC to become the premier portrait and business studio for Raleigh, NC.
Richard J. Martin,
This love for climbing and photography took him to many high mountain regions in the world including New Zealand, Peru, Bolivia, Kenya, Tanzania, Switzerland and France where he was successful in climbing some legendary peaks.