Welcome back to Beyond the Frame, where we go deeper into the stories behind the photos, exploring the passion, creativity, and vision of talented photographers. This month, I’m thrilled to share an inspiring interview with Rico J. Needham, a Chicago-based photographer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller. Rico’s work spans street photography, photojournalism, and filmmaking, all rooted in his desire to capture fleeting moments and tell compelling stories. In this interview, Rico opens up about his creative journey, the role of faith in his life, and the unique perspectives he brings to street photography and content creation. Whether you’re just starting out in photography or have been doing it for decades, Rico’s insights will motivate you to see the world in a new way.

Rico`s Instagram: @ricojpeg

Ricos Youtube channel: @ricojvisuals

Foreword by Rico:

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey. I want to start by saying that none of this would be possible without the guidance I receive from God. Each day, I seek His direction, and my answer to anyone asking how I've achieved what I have is always, 'God first.' The actions I've taken to reach this point have been inspired by my relationship with Him. While I’m sharing my experiences and what has worked for me, I want to emphasize that I do not wish to impose my beliefs on anyone. I recognize that everyone has their own unique path to follow—this is my path.

Interview

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with photography?

I’m Rico J. Needham, a photographer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller based in Chicago. I’ve been creating since I was seven, and my passion for capturing moments has only grown since then. Photography, for me, is about immortalizing the present—those fleeting moments that would otherwise be lost forever. I started with a basic camera, fascinated by how light and shadow could transform a simple scene into something extraordinary. Over the years, I’ve refined my craft, evolving from photography into filmmaking, but my approach remains the same: telling stories that evoke emotion, whether it’s through a single image or a full cinematic narrative.

2. What drew you to street photography, and what do you find most rewarding about capturing candid moments on the streets?

Street photography has always been a part of my journey, though I didn’t realize it at first. When I was seven, my mom gave me a camera out of the blue. It wasn’t for my birthday or any special occasion—it was just a random, unexpected gift. I remember being surprised because it was a pretty big purchase at the time. I’d go around capturing anything that caught my eye—random scenes, people passing by, little details on the street. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized I had been doing street photography all along. What I find most rewarding about it is how it immortalizes the present. There’s something powerful about capturing candid, everyday moments, knowing they’ll never happen again in exactly the same way. It’s a way of preserving the world as it is, in all its fleeting beauty.

3. How does living in Chicago influence your photography style and subject matter?

Living in Chicago has been incredibly inspiring for my creative journey. The moment I step out of the house, I’m surrounded by the energy and chaos of the city, and it just sparks the need to create. There’s something about the blend of cultures, architecture, and the constant movement that makes it the perfect canvas for storytelling. Whether it’s capturing a quiet moment in the middle of the hustle or the way the light hits the buildings at dusk, the city always provides something fresh. It’s a place where everyday life feels cinematic, and that drives my work.

4. Your work spans both street photography and photojournalism. How do you balance these two distinct approaches to storytelling?

Street photography and photojournalism may seem distinct, but they share a common foundation: capturing real, unfiltered moments. The difference lies in the intent. With street photography, I’m drawn to the art of the everyday—the raw beauty of life unfolding in its own rhythm, without an agenda. It’s about letting the scene speak for itself. Photojournalism, on the other hand, requires a bit more structure and purpose. It’s about telling a story with impact, often centered around a specific event or issue. Balancing the two comes down to respecting the truth in each moment, while knowing when to simply observe and when to step in with a narrative lens. Both allow me to document reality, but each in its own unique way.

5. Can you walk us through your creative process when shooting on the streets?

My creative process on the streets usually starts with a plan, but sometimes, no plan at all becomes the plan—it can be more spontaneous and fun that way. When I do preplan, it depends on the mood I’m aiming for. For example, if I’m shooting in black and white, my focus shifts toward shapes, contrasts, and silhouettes, as these elements take on a much stronger role without color. But when I’m in a color mindset, it’s more about how hues interact within the frame, and shapes might not matter as much in certain instances. I also decide whether I’m going for sharp images or using long exposure because that completely changes how I approach the streets. With long exposure, I’m looking for movement, anticipating how it will flow across the composition, whereas with a still frame, I’m focused on freezing a moment in time—two drastically different mindsets, but both equally exciting.

6. Your YouTube channel features creative videos on photography and creativity. What inspired you to start making these videos?

My real passion lies in videography, editing, and creating, which is where most of my client work comes from. Photography has always been part of my life; I’ve never NOT been taking photos. This long-standing love for photography led me to create an Instagram dedicated to it. After starting that, I thought, 'Why not start something for my true passion?' I wanted to focus on creating my own projects rather than just those for clients. This desire, combined with my enthusiasm for photography, drove me to produce narrative-based, documentary-styled content on the subject. My YouTube videos, '3 Night Photography Secrets' and 'Long Exposure Photography Essentials' reflect this blend. While I don’t plan to limit myself to photography content, my passion for it gave me a solid foundation to launch my channel. Moving forward, I intend to eventually broaden my topics while maintaining that storytelling and documentary style that fulfills my love for videography. For at least the next year, I plan to focus heavily on photography, as there are still many topics I haven’t covered yet. But who knows? I might get bored of talking about the same subject over and over, so I’m keeping my options open!

7. How do you approach balancing your photography work with creating engaging YouTube content?

Balancing my photography work and client projects while still creating engaging YouTube content consistently is something I’m still learning to manage, honestly! What I love about the need to create engaging content is that it pushes me to produce captivating photos—especially in street photography—and dynamic b-roll. This creates an endless creative loop where each aspect supports the other, making the process enjoyable. I just need to improve my balance, but I’m confident I’ll figure it out!

8. What’s one of the most memorable moments or interactions you’ve captured during a street photography session?

One of my most memorable experiences was during a shoot in Chinatown, Chicago, about a year ago. I noticed a guy standing by a pillar, framed perfectly against a dynamic background, while he was engrossed in his phone as people passed by. I quickly decided to drop my shutter speed to 1/8 of a second to create motion and emphasize the emotions of the moment. As I panicked, hoping he wouldn’t move or walk away, I captured what I call the 'money shot!' It’s even more special because I got it on my GoPro, and I’ve watched it hundreds of times—no shame in admitting that! Haha. This moment was so memorable that I featured it in my recent YouTube video, 'Long Exposure Photography Essentials,' which currently has 64K views. Since capturing that shot, I’ve been looking at and experimenting with long exposure in a completely new and exciting way. God, I love photography!

9. What tips would you give to someone who is just starting out in both street photography and content creation on YouTube?

For those just starting out in street photography and content creation on YouTube, here are a few key tips:

Prioritize Storytelling: The most important aspect of both street photography and video content is storytelling. Think about what emotions or narratives you want to convey and how to capture them through your work.
Start Right Now: Don’t wait until tomorrow—start taking photos today, RIGHT NOW! Begin your YouTube channel immediately. My biggest regret is not starting my social media and YouTube sooner. Start messy and improve from there. Don’t waste your time trying to plan your approach, as you’ll never truly know how or where to pivot without actual data.
Practice Regularly: Get comfortable with your camera and experiment with different settings. This is how you find your own style! Lean into what you like. Use artists and creators as inspiration, but don’t try to outright copy their work if it doesn’t resonate with you. Instead, take their approaches and tailor them to your own preferences. Spend time on the streets observing and capturing candid moments. The more you shoot, the more you’ll develop your eye for interesting compositions and stories.
Be Patient and Observant: Street photography is about capturing fleeting moments. Take your time to observe your surroundings and don’t rush. Patience often leads to the most compelling shots.
Engage with Your Audience: When creating YouTube or other social media content, engaging with your viewers should be a top priority. These beautiful souls take time out of their day to share their thoughts on your posts, and it’s a missed opportunity if you don’t take a moment to thank them! Ask for their feedback, respond to their comments, and incorporate their suggestions into your future videos. Building a community around your work is invaluable, and these practices are some of the best ways to achieve that.
Embrace Failure: Not every shot will be perfect, and not every video will resonate with your audience. It’s essential to learn from your mistakes and keep experimenting. Growth comes from trying new things and refining your craft. As the great Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed; I’ve found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
Stay True to Your Passion: Focus on what you love and what excites you. Your genuine enthusiasm will shine through in your work, making it more engaging for your audience.
Remember, both street photography and content creation are journeys. Enjoy the process, and take that leap—start right now!

10. Are there any upcoming projects or goals related to street photography or your YouTube channel that you're excited to share with us?

I'm excited to share that I am now a YouTube partner! I’m humbled and give all thanks to God for this opportunity. Over the next few months, I plan to be extremely selective with my client work as I ramp up both the quality and frequency of my YouTube content. This is something I've dreamed of for the entirety of my creative career, and I'm eager to dive deeper into this journey.

I hope you found Rico J. Needham’s journey and insights as inspiring as I did. His approach to street photography and content creation reflects a deep connection to storytelling, patience, and a commitment to his craft that we can all learn from. Whether you’re inspired by his advice on starting messy or his passion for observing the world through his lens, there’s so much to take away from Rico’s experience.

If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to subscribe to Beyond the Frame. Each month, we feature a new interview with a talented photographer, diving deep into their creative process and the stories behind their images. Join us on this journey to go beyond the frame and let these stories inspire your own creative path.

Rico J Needhamn

Foreword by Rico:

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