About
Born in Chicago to a Mexican mother and a Polish father, Richard Lech grew up in a very diverse, multilingual household. Since birth Lech was surrounded by photography from his father who was an amateur photographer, documenting every moment of his family’s life. At the age of six, Lech and his family moved to Europe for several years. This early experience created a lifelong passion of culture and travel. After studying in French schools, Lech quickly became fluent in his third language. After moving back to the USA in the mid 90’s, he finished his schooling involving himself in every activity he could find including music, theater, sports and even starting his own businesses.
In 2001 Lech spent 2 years at a small private college playing soccer, double majoring in Computer Science and Political Science aspiring to attend law school. After realizing that the artistic side of him was dominant he told his parents he wanted to pursue his dreams as an artist in design and photography. With total encouragement and support he left for art school.
Starting photography studies at Iowa State University Lech soon realized that he needed to expand his education to more than just camera basics and dive into studying lighting and business. Moving back to Chicago, Lech quickly adapted at Columbia College, one of the leading photography schools in the USA.
Once in Chicago, Lech immediately started working for a blend of fashion designers, magazines, models, and events as well as lighting several film productions around Chicago. He interned for renowned photographer Saverio Truglia, whose work has appeared in publications such as Rolling Stone & TIME. This experience opened a range of opportunities including assisting several other established photographers including Martin Schoeller on a shoot for GQ Magazine.
In 2009 images Lech took of the presidential inauguration were selected among 12 other established photographers in a collaboration for a traveling photography show called ‘The Night Hope Won’. His other work has been exhibited in several galleries throughout the United States and Mexico. Lech will continue to be an influential force within the photographic realm for many years to come.