ABOUT
I studied at Germain School of Photography in New York City. I spent most of my time learning on a large format 4x5 camera, processing my own film (all formats) and creating darkroom prints. During this time, I interned for a noted entertainment photographer and was afforded the opportunity to work in some of NYC's best studios before relocating to Los Angeles. From there I started to work in the editorial & commercial world. My assignments ranged from shooting portraits, music, fashion, food and celebrities. In 2019, I was given my own column on the OC Register website, Called Sessions, in which I chose celebrities and interesting people to interview and photograph.
In 2020, I started to focus on personal work and surprisingly found myself working on multiple fine art project at once. Always attracted to low key photography, I started to shoot what I loved - night photography, long exposures, light painting and a return to still life. You can see and purchase my work at ralphpalumbo.art
Fun Career Facts:
I had the privilege to photograph a Stradivarius - Cremona 1694 Ex Halir. The Halir made two tours of Europe where the Curtis Quartet gave concerts in many famous cities including Budapest, Rome, Brussels, Vienna, Amsterdam, The Hague and London, where they played for the Silver Jubilee of George V of England. They also toured the United States and gave a special concert for President, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
I was also trusted to photograph the rarest of all automobile mascots designed by Rene Lailque. The "Royal Blue" greyhound, also known as Levrier 1, designed in 1929 uniquely for HRM Prince George of England, Duke of Kent (1902-1941), fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary. The mascot's whereabouts were unknown for over 80 years before resurfacing at a Christie's auction in London in 2012. It was the only Rene Lalique mascot made by commission and not put into commercial production.
I also photographed 2 Pagani's (Italian Car), and the Batmobile...Seriously.
Selected Shows:
Las Laguna Gallery 2021 - Laguna Beach, CA - Textures, Patterns, Shapes & Forms - Virtual
Irvine Fine Arts Center 2009 - All Media - Juror's Choice Award
Laguna Beach Fine Art Exhibition 2008 - Small Works - Group Show
Laguna Beach First Annual Fine Art Exhibition 2007 - Group Show
Martinez Gallery 2006 - Santa Ana, CA - Group Show
Irvine Fine Arts Center 2007 - Photo Series - Group Show
Newport Beach Fine Art Exhibition 2007 - First Place
Irvine Fine Arts Center 2006 - All Media
Chapman University 2006 - Guggenheim Gallery - Orange, CA - Group Show
Selected Awards:
PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris 2021 - Encapsulated Series - Honorable Mention
International Photography Award 2019 - Kevin Nealon Series - Honorable Mention
International Photography Awards 2017 - My Girlfriend As... Series - Honorable Mention
International Photography Award 2016 - Jesseto Series - Honorable Mention
Maggie Award 2016 Best Cover - Coast Magazine
International Photography Awards 2015 - Noah Munck Portrait - Honorable Mention
International Photography Awards 2014 - Gentleman's Beard & Mustache Coalition Series - Honorable Mention
OC Press Club 2014 - First Place Best Portrait - First Place Best Feature Portrait & Third Place Best Portrait
OC Press Club 2013 - First - Second - Third Place & Best Photo Essay
Maggie Award 2013 - Feature Portrait - Coast Magazine
International Photography Awards 2011 - Multiple portraits & Fine Art Bride Series - Honorable Mention
All Media 2009 - Juror's Award - Irvine Fine Arts Center
International Photography Awards. 2010 - Multiple Portraits - Honorable Mention
International Photography Awards 2009 - Multiple Portraits - Honorable Mention
International Photography Awards 2008 - Hot Rod Church & Electric Guitar Orchestra Series - Honorable Mention
Newport Beach Fine Art Exhibition 2007 - All Media - First Place
Selected Clients:
Asics
Amgen
O'Neill
Deutsch
First Team Estates
Casey's Cupcakes
Coldwell Banker
Relativity Records
Beach Candy Swimwear
Mica Beauty
Hybrid Apparel
Stand Up Paddle Board
OC Register
Orange Coast Magazine
Modern Luxury
Coast Magazine