Thank you, Richard

How do you capture a career's worth of captured moments? The truth is, it's nearly impossible.

Richard Siemens has been a staple of the University of Alberta - and University Relations in particular - for years. He and his camera have recorded triumphs, documented breakthroughs, commemorated losses, celebrated beautiful moments, and otherwise seen us through life on our campuses.

This week, Richard retires from the university. In an effort to recognize the career of someone who (as Hallie Brodie puts it) "helped us see who we are as a community," we've asked a few friends to share some of their favourite Richard photos. Others have passed along messages of congratulations and gratitude. Either way, they make clear one thing: Richard, we'll miss you.

All photographs, unless otherwise noted, by Richard Siemens (naturally).

Dallas Stoesz

"My favourite is actually the video. I especially like that he's not behind the camera, but in front of it and the subject of the video, which is a rare perspective. I think it shows a side of Richard people rarely see. He really is very proud to be a part of the U of A, and his work is very meaningful to him - it's quite moving."

Geoff McMaster

"I would go with the video segment I helped Richard produce for his daughter's convocation - a demonstration not only of his exceptional photography skills but also a genuine expression of his love for his daughter."

Sean Townsend

"A few years ago, we used to do a year-end retrospective featuring some of Richard's favourite photos. After Richard finished the impossible task of picking a dozen or so photos from among the thousands he had taken that year, I would sit down with him in his office. He'd walk me through the images and just talk a bit about each one. It might be something about the subject, or the process - or, as is often the case with Richard, the lighting. Alongside the brilliance of the photographs themselves, his commentary offers a glimpse into the mind of an utterly devoted craftsman, and the soul of an artist.Richard's favourite photos. After Richard finished the impossible task of picking a dozen or so photos from among the thousands he had taken that year, I would sit down with him in his office. He'd walk me through the images and just talk a bit about each one. It might be something about the subject, or the process - or, as is often the case with Richard, the lighting. Alongside the brilliance of the photographs themselves, his commentary offers a glimpse into the mind of an utterly devoted craftsman, and the soul of an artist.

Man, I am going to miss our conversations, Richard.

- ST"

Jordan Cook

"Some of my fave photos of Richard's are from last year's Pride Parade. It was such a sunny day and he perfectly captured the spirit of celebration and the fun everyone had!"

Arthur Fafard

"Richard taking in the wonders of Paris, always camera ready! Congrats on the retirement, time to get that home studio up and running."

Brenda Briggs

"Having worked with Richard for 20 years, I couldn't even begin to think of a favourite photo. However, I do have a memory to share:

The first time I met Richard, it was a summer day, and it felt as though it was 100 degrees outside. Even the sidewalks were sweating. Richard and Paul Srivastiva were standing outside the old TRG building where the then-Photo Services unit was housed. Richard was wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans. Recall, it was surface-of-the-sun hot that day. I couldn't help asking him, "Why on earth are you wearing all black???" He just smiled and said he was like Johnny Cash. As I look outside at Mother Nature's current interpretation of spring, I still can feel the heat of that day and astonishment at Richard wearing black.

You are one of a kind, Richard. Amazing photographer, insightful observer, and valued friend.

- Brenda"

Kiann McNeill

"My team occasionally hummed the Darth Vader theme music as I walked into team meetings. Richard saw me for who I truly am… Dearest Richard, I wish you all the best in your retirement. Your talent will truly be missed.

- Kiann"

Fatima Jaffer

"Richard, wishing you all the very best in your retirement. Enjoy the freedom of time to expand on your photography.

- Fatima"

Salena Kitteringham

"I would love to highlight the Gold CASE award Richard won for his Portraits of Diabetes in 2018. You will note that Richard's self portrait was a part of the series, having been diagnosed with Type 1 in 1959. He was on dialysis in the mid-2000s due to kidney failure and kept working as a photographer throughout that time. He had both a pancreas and kidney transplant. It was so powerful for Richard to share his story in such a vulnerable way and to contribute his beautiful photographs to support the project."

Tia Lalani

"Richard did this photo for us a couple of years ago. He created his signature "students walking, talking and having a great time" shot but with a distinctly Augustana-spin as he framed our iconic building, Founders' Hall, perfectly in the background. I loved working with him and always appreciated the perspective and talent he brought to the shoot, as well his sense of good-natured humour - if anyone could make our students, staff, and faculty feel comfortable being photographed, it was him."

Marcie Whitecotton-Carroll

"I have known Richard for over 30 years and before he came to us on campus he freelanced and shot product and fashion. I especially wanted to share the first one of the model on the roof of the Mercer warehouse, where Richard and Stanley had studios next to each other."

Donna McKinon

"My favourite photo of Richard's, for obvious reasons. It's so beautiful. I mean, don't get me wrong, I hate winter at the moment, but wow."

Derek Roy Brenneis

"Dear Richard,

Thank you for your wonderful grace - and patience! - in working with honorary degree recipients at convocation. Whether recipients were celebrating with a family of two or twenty-two, you created a space for our guests to feel welcome and honoured. I know firsthand that photos have been treasured by so many people across our local and global communities. Your work will leave a lasting legacy.

Take care and best wishes,

- Derek"

Helen Metella

"There are countless UAlberta students, award-winners and graduates forever grateful to you Richard, for presenting them as authentic yet polished in landmark photos taken as their careers were about to launch. Thank you for your expertise. May the next clicks of your shutter be just as meaningful!"

Shelby MacLeod

"Richard was one of the first photographers to capture Peter Lougheed Leadership College students in Peter Lougheed Hall. Here he shows the confidence of Rhodes Scholar Mackenzie Martin while displaying features of the building behind her."

Bobbi Schiestel

Fond memories of the last print edition of folio!

Steve Kerr

"I was chatting with Richard at my desk, a couple of months ago, about moving photo data to the google drive for storage purposes. Richard started to come around my desk to check something on my screen and went down like a rock. We all thought something terrible had happened but seconds later Richard popped up. I'm okay just stood on my shoe lace he said. Hey Richard, tie your shoelaces, you are going to give us a heart attack."

Andy Grabia

"Richard took this shot for a pop-up book exhibit at Bruce Peel in March of 2014. I absolutely love the colour and the angle of the shots, and have used this as the wallpaper on my laptop for many years. Richard saw iPhoneography as insulting to his training and expertise, and always razzed me as the "social media guy" who liked to talk pictures on his phone. He was right, of course. My pictures were never as good as his. To prove it, here is a picture I took of the master at his desk, working on his craft. I did the edits on my phone, just to make him mad. Hugs and kisses!!!"

Hallie Brodie

"Richard, you've helped us see who we are as a community, and you've shown us how to embrace, capture, and relish the moments as they happen. Over the years you've covered everything from stunning convocation portraits to the excitement of Green and Gold Day to the poignant stories that highlight our United Way connections. Your photo of Nicola Dakers is still one of my all time favourites - the way that you depicted her strength, resilience, and ability to find her joy in one shot is still powerful."

Richard: thank you for all the time and effort you've invested, and all the moments you've captured. We'll miss you.