We were lucky to catch up with Lindsey Rickert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lindsey, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I had just finished a year-long process of building my studio and was so excited to finally use it. But within a month of its completion, everything changed. Suddenly, being in confined spaces with people wasn’t an option, and I found myself staring at this space I’d worked so hard to create, wondering how to channel my creativity.
One day, I looked outside and noticed a flower blooming in my yard. On a whim, I clipped it and brought it into the studio, photographing it as I would any other subject—as if it were a portrait. That moment sparked something, and it led to the creation of my Otherworldly Botanicals series. It was a turning point where I realized I could explore creativity in ways I hadn’t considered before.
Still, as much as I loved photographing plants, I found myself deeply missing the energy and connection of working person-to-person. Collaboration had always been such a strong part of my work, and I was craving that creative exchange that happens when photographing people.
A few months into the pandemic, I began thinking about how to adapt my studio to safely work with people again. That’s when I started photographing vibrant headshots in a new way. By opening all the doors to my studio and photographing from outside while wearing a mask, I could collaborate with clients while keeping a safe distance. It was incredible to reconnect with people creatively, especially during a time when so many were launching new ventures or reinventing themselves.
This period also solidified my signature style. I’ve always loved using bold, unique colors, but this was when I fully leaned into it, creating the vibrant, transformative look that defines my work today. The constraints of the pandemic pushed me to experiment more with light and color in ways I hadn’t before, and that exploration became the foundation for the distinct, eye-catching imagery I’m known for now.
What started as a challenge became an opportunity to redefine my creative process. The limitations of that time helped me embrace my style in a deeper way, and it’s something I continue to carry with me as I evolve as an artist.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Portland-based photographer with a passion for bold color and transformative lighting. My work is centered on using creative techniques, like colored gels, to craft images that feel otherworldly, whether I’m photographing botanicals, headshots, or products. I’m particularly drawn to vibrant hues and unexpected combinations that make familiar subjects feel magical and surreal.
What excites me most is how this approach carries across different genres of photography. In my neon botanical series, for example, I create glowing, alien-like florals that invite viewers to see nature in a completely new way. For headshots, I elevate my subjects with rich, vibrant lighting that’s anything but traditional, helping creatives and unique businesses stand out. Even with product photography, I use my signature style to evoke emotion and create visually striking imagery that captures attention.
Recently, my work has been featured on billboards, in magazines, and on book covers, and I’m always exploring new collaborations. I believe photography is about more than capturing an image—it’s about telling a story, sparking curiosity, and leaving a lasting impression. My goal is to create images that feel alive, that connect with people on a deeper, more visceral level.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are persistence, a willingness to experiment, and the courage to break the so-called “rules” and follow my own creative instincts.
Persistence has been vital—there’s a lot of trial and error in photography, and it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t work out right away. But sticking with it, even through failed attempts, often leads to the breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile.
Experimentation has also been key. Some of my favorite techniques, like using colored gels, came from being curious and trying something new. Early on, a college teacher told me gels were outdated and cheesy, evoking an 80s vibe that no one would take seriously. While that feedback stung, I didn’t let it stop me. Instead, I found ways to make gels a core part of my work in a modern and impactful way. Now, they define my style and set my art apart.
Finally, breaking the rules and following what excites me, rather than what others think I should do, has been transformative. Photography is an incredibly subjective art form, and I’ve learned that trusting my vision often leads to the most rewarding results.
For anyone starting out, I’d say: experiment freely and give yourself permission to fail. Let go of the idea that there’s a “right” way to do things—what excites you is far more important. And when you hear criticism, take a step back and decide if it aligns with your goals or if it’s just someone projecting their own limitations onto your work. Staying true to yourself is where the real magic happens.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always thrilled to collaborate! While I’ve worked with brands of all sizes, I particularly love the entrepreneurial spirit that comes with working with small and medium-sized businesses. There’s something so inspiring about seeing people pour their energy into what they’re creating and finding ways to bring their vision to life.
For me, collaboration is key. I enjoy hearing what someone is passionate about, understanding their vision, and figuring out how my style can bring it to life in a way that feels fresh and impactful. Whether it’s creating vibrant headshots, bold product imagery, or something entirely new, I love finding creative ways to showcase what makes their work unique.
In addition to creating custom work, I also offer image licensing for photos I’ve already taken. My collection of vibrant, otherworldly botanicals and bold designs can help bring a distinctive energy to marketing campaigns, book covers, or interior spaces.
If that sounds like something any of your readers might be interested in, I’d love to hear from you. People can reach out to me through my website. While I’m based in Portland, I work with businesses and individuals from all over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindseyrickert.com
- Instagram: @lindseyrickert
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-rickert-30859074/
- Other: Pinterest: lrickertphotography
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