Biography
Richard Viola was born in Brooklyn, New York. His passion for photography developed after receiving his first camera, a Kodak Brownie, at the tender age of 12 as a Christmas present.
Richard graduated with a double major in psychology and education from Queen’s College in New York. While in college he took a part time job photographing babies, children and families in their homes. To further his education in the arts, he attended a comprehensive course in filmmaking at NYU. Living in Brooklyn, Richard opened up his first studio in Bensonhurst where he created a beautiful on-site garden for an elegant backdrop to photograph portraits and weddings. Ensuing 20 years of success in New York, Richard relocated to Florida and established Photo Impression Gallery. His expertise and style has Richard under high demand in Florida to a diversity of clients, such as international recording artists, high fashion magazines and South Beach high profile events among others.
Richard Viola has won numerous awards for his exquisite photographs, including Best of Show at Art Explosion 2009 for his “Cruising the Piers” image, Best of Show at the Inverrary Art Contest 2010 for “Sunrise on Sebastian”, and Best of Class at the United and Proud Exhibit 2011 for “Supporting Hands”.
Richard has also photographed for such notable and world famous (VIP’s or personalities) such as Chanel, Nicole Miller, Susan G. Komen, Hooters as well as several celebrities and entertainers.
Ellen Spitzer was born in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in Ocala, Florida, known for its horse farms and gorgeous Spanish oaks. Inspired by the beauty of the Floridian landscape, she developed a passion for visual beauty.
After Ellen’s graduation from the Art Institute of Boston in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, she continued to grow as an artist by undertaking an internship overseas influenced by the exquisite scenery of Italy.
She has had the privileged to work with renowned photographer Ralph King and world famous equine photographer Suzanne Sturgill. Ensuing her return to Florida, Ellen entered a juried Fine Art show in Miami; the following quote was written about her in the Miami Herald: “if fine art has a future, Ellen is on the right path”.
She has blended her fine art passion with her commercial portraiture. Ellen will capture the essence of your family in her images. She prefers her viewers to enter her photograph by walking up to her work and seeing their embodiment emanate from her photographs.