Meet Richard “parlay” Copier

We recently connected with Richard “parlay” Copier and have shared our conversation below.

Hi RICHARD “PARLAY”, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I can say I developed my self-esteem through massive failures along the way.
I know that it was a lot of trial and error to reach the point that I have due to the fact I never had anyone to coach me and I really had to find and pull from sources before me that I could study.
I always say that a failure doesn’t stop you to getting to the destination. It’s just the left or right to the destination. A lot of people don’t realize it, but I’ve been in the music business before photography and situations like even getting robbed at gunpoint for all that I have which built courage and self-esteem that nobody could take me down or break me down.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Richard “Parlay” Copier is not your ordinary visual storyteller; he’s a maestro of moments, a conductor of emotions, and a purveyor of passion. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable appetite for creativity, Parlay has established himself as a luminary in the world of photography and cinematography.

Growing up surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of his native city Paris, France Parlay developed an early fascination with capturing the beauty and essence of life through the lens of a camera. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic tapestry of cultures and experiences that define his upbringing, he embarked on a journey to share his unique perspective with the world.
In his pursuit of excellence, Parlay founded ONEiPHOTOGRAPHY LLC, a boutique style business dedicated to crafting immersive visual experiences that resonate with audiences on a visceral level.

Richard “Parlay” Copier’s journey into the world of photography and cinematography is not just a career path; it’s a deeply personal and transformative odyssey inspired by his father’s resilience. Despite losing an eye at an early age, his father defied the odds and pursued his passion for photography with unparalleled zeal. Turning a negative into a positive, he embraced his disability as a catalyst for creativity, finding new ways to perceive the world and capture its beauty through the lens of his camera.
This profound lesson in perseverance and optimism left an indelible mark on Richard’s soul, shaping his own approach to life and art. In homage to his father’s spirit and legacy, Richard founded ONEiPHOTOGRAPHY LLC, a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that every obstacle can be transformed into an opportunity for growth and innovation.
At the heart of ONEiPHOTOGRAPHY lies a profound philosophy: there is only one you, and your artistic touch is as unique as your fingerprint.

Embracing the inherent diversity of human experience, Richard celebrates the individuality of each client, crafting immersive visual experiences that reflect their distinct perspective and personality. In this symbiotic relationship between artist and subject, there is a profound reciprocity – one you, one I – where creativity knows no bounds and authenticity reigns supreme.
With the guiding mantra of “Welcome to Vision,” Richard invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and self-expression. Whether you’re seeking to immortalize cherished memories, capture the essence of a special moment, or elevate your brand with captivating visuals, ONEiPHOTOGRAPHY is here to turn your vision into reality with precision, passion, and unparalleled artistry.

From intimate portraits to epic cinematic productions, Parlay and his team of talented collaborators specialize in capturing the essence of every moment with precision, passion, and unparalleled artistry.
Driven by a relentless commitment to innovation and a deep-seated reverence for the craft, Parlay continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, seamlessly blending technical expertise with boundless imagination. Whether he’s capturing the raw emotion of a wedding day, the kinetic energy of a live event, or the timeless beauty of a landscape, Parlay approaches each project with unwavering dedication and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of imagery.
With a portfolio that speaks volumes and a reputation that precedes him, Richard “Parlay” Copier is more than a photographer and cinematographer; he’s a storyteller, a dream weaver, and a true artisan of the visual arts. Parlay plans to expand as a teacher of the arts while still pursuing projects like short films far into 2025 and beyond.

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?

“The three most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that I believe are essential for any journey are: first, having the confidence to trust your instincts and not second-guess yourself. Second, cultivating self-discipline and determination to avoid procrastination and stay focused on your goals. Lastly, learning to avoid seeking unwarranted or unconstructive criticism and refraining from chasing validation from a world that even crucified someone as righteous as Jesus.

I believe it’s vital to carry a sense of innocence in your heart—a childlike wonder and love for the new—whether it’s for people or projects. At the same time, it’s equally important to set boundaries in this industry to protect yourself from those who may not have your best interests at heart. My guiding principle is to treat others as I wish to be treated: with respect, love, and passion.

Every project deserves your full commitment and energy because that passion is ultimately reflected in the final piece of art. There’s something almost magical about the process; it’s like playing make-believe as a child, but the energy from that collaboration between you and your client becomes immortalized in the final product shared with the world.”

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

“I often find myself grappling with the balance between being a Renaissance individual and the notion of being a ‘master of none.’ However, I believe we live in an era where striving to be proficient in multiple fields is not only advantageous but necessary. At the same time, I consciously avoid adopting the title of ‘master’ for a specific reason: mastery implies finality, a conclusion to one’s growth in a particular area. For me, that undermines the essence of life’s journey, which is rooted in continuous learning, exploration, and expansion.

Every day presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding and broaden our perspective, and that process is where the true beauty lies. To declare oneself a master suggests that there is nothing left to discover, which, in my view, caps creativity and stifles innovation. While the demands of our modern, tech-driven world often require us to wear many hats, it’s important to approach each field with the intent to hone our craft. Whether we choose to focus deeply on a specific discipline or diversify our skills across multiple areas, the goal should always be growth, adaptability, and an openness to new possibilities.”

Contact Info:

Image Credits

GERI TORRES FOR MY (PRO SOLO SHOT IN SUIT.)

RENO RONQUILLO (FOR ANY BTS WITH CELEBRITY ARTIST.)

MY WORK IS CREDITED BY ME : RICHARD “PARLAY”COPIER OF WWW.ONEiPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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