Meet Rich Prugh

 

We recently connected with Rich Prugh and have shared our conversation below.

Rich, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout in my field is pretty rampant for sure! I was photographing a UCLA presentation about wedding photographers and heard that they leave the industry after about 8 years, on average. I’m going on 18 years, so somehow I’ve avoided burnout 🙂 My very first thought for staying inspired is to nab some new gear. And I don’t mean replace a camera or lens, but pick up some equipment that might change your game. Something you might be unfamiliar with, but have always been curious about. Obviously, this line of work can be “feast or famine” so it’s not always realistic to just spend the cash on some expensive tech, but when you have new toys to play with in your kit, it can really inspire some unique ideas. Plus it can open up new avenues for employment! But really, the key to avoiding burnout is variety. I know plenty of photogs who stick to just one area; weddings only. Or family photos only. Headshots only. I’ve always been interested in every possible avenue in the field. This openness will send you to all sorts of unique situations with a plethora of different venues and environments to capture. Corporate event work has had me travel to Europe and Fiji, as pretty great examples! Staying open to new possibilities will always help keep you in-the-game.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve been photographing events, weddings and parties in the LA area for 18 years now, and am proud to consider myself at the height of my career! Growing up as an aspiring actor, I fell into photography when my father gifted me my first digital camera. Initially interested in abstract shapes and angles, I eventually found myself taking headshots for my fellow actors at Syracuse University’s drama program. When I moved to Los Angeles, I immediately contacted a professional photographer who quickly became my best friend and mentor. Over the following several years, I became an associate photographer for a very high-end professional; covering celebrity weddings, birthdays and parties! It didn’t take me too long to realize that my entertainer skills blend perfectly with my ability to capture the essence of the events I was asked to photograph. These days my work spans the gamut from weddings to Bar & Bat Mitzvas (b’nai mitzvah) to a slew of corporate parties and events. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of arriving at an event knowing almost no-one, and by the end seeing my silly, playful energy impart on the subjects in front of my camera. My career is all about helping people celebrate, and I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling occupation.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First and foremost: to those interested in getting into the event photography business: ask for help! We all have our own “eye” and approach to this work, so I think you’ll find most photogs to be open-book about their process. And if you don’t at first, ask someone else! Secondly: if you’re hoping to work in the events space, hopefully you have a fun personality. Photography is no longer a fly-on-the-wall profession, at least that’s hardly my M.O. Be nice, knowledgeable, respectful and oh… be NICE! If you’re easy to work with, you already have a huge advantage. Thirdly: of course understanding the tech aspects of this field is a must, but that can be fun too! I can’t tell you how many times a guest at an event will want to pick my brain about camera gear. I can go on and on, up to the point where I really have to get back to work. Being able to nerd out and also remember that this is all about celebrating & capturing the human experience are both essential aspects to a healthy photography career.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I wouldn’t be at this point in my career if it weren’t for the generosity and insight of my fellow photographers. To that end, I do feel like I’ve been a bit “behind the ball” on paying that generosity forward. My list of photo colleagues is smaller than I’d prefer, so I’m absolutely looking to expand my contacts! The most important aspect I look for in an associate, 2nd photographer or assistant is a playful and easy going attitude. That’s what my clients expect when they hire me, so anyone on my team should have a similar celebratory vibe! So far 2025 in LA is starting pretty slow. The fires that have impacted our city seem to have had a cooldown effect on parties etc. That said, when things do pick up, (which they certainly will) I’ll need people I can trust to join me for the higher end projects. Either way, I’m available for questions about the field and love to inspire those interested!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Rich Prugh Photography, LLC

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