Rick Schafer's interest in photography originated in high school. His experience began to develop under a twelve-year apprenticeship with his stepfather, Ray Atkeson, who had a significant influence in his life and his photography. Rick Schafer's scenic, commercial, and culinary photography has been published nationally and internationally. His photography has been used in a variety of advertising, editorial, and decor projects. Publishing credits include Weiden & Kennedy Agency, Alaska Airlines, Golf Connoisseur, Conde Nast Golf, Gerber Advertising Agency, Hasselblad Publications, the State of Oregon, Central Oregon Visitors Association, and national parks publications. Rick's recent works include these exhibit-format books: Oregon: Portrait of a State, The McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant Cookbook,A Chef's Bounty: Celebrating Oregon's Cuisine, Vintner's Kitchen, Oregon IV, Our Portland, Magnificent Places: Oregon Coast. Rick is a fifth-generation Oregonian and currently lives with his wife, Teresa, and their four children in Portland, Oregon.