Richard Pardon, born on January 11, 1987, in England, developed a passion for photography at a young age thanks to his grandfather, who introduced him to cameras and the art of capturing moments. As a teenager, Pardon spent his time karting and competing in Formula TKM and Formula Rotax, where he honed his skills behind the lens by capturing shots at the race track.
Initially, photography was just a hobby for Pardon, and he started sharing his photos on online forums. However, his talent quickly caught the attention of the industry, and he began to receive requests from well-known publications such as Fast Car and Max Power to feature his work.
Despite his initial hesitation and anxiety about leaving his day job in recruiting, Pardon was inspired to pursue photography as a full-time career. Encouraged by his then-girlfriend, who was also a photographer, Pardon decided to follow his dreams and turn his passion into a profession.
His exceptional skills and unique eye for capturing moments behind the lens led Pardon to work with some of the biggest names in the automobile and racing industry. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like Top Gear Magazine, Road & Track, CAR Magazine, and GQ Magazine, solidifying him as one of the top photographers in his field.
Pardon's talent has taken him all over the world, with assignments in countries as distant as Chile and Mongolia. In a 2020 interview with Newsroom, he revealed that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, he was flying internationally over 100 times a year for his bookings.
His portfolio includes collaborations with luxury car brands like Porsche, Ferrari, Bugatti, and Bentley, as well as watch companies such as TAG Heuer. His work is highly sought after, with clients lining up to have Pardon capture their products in his unique style.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Pardon's personal life has also played a significant role in shaping his career. His early experiences in karting and racing laid the foundation for his passion for capturing high-speed action behind the lens.
Furthermore, his relationship with a former girlfriend who was a professional photographer served as inspiration for Pardon to pursue photography as a career. The support and encouragement he received from her helped him take the leap and establish himself as a prominent figure in the industry.
One of Pardon's career-defining moments was when he was commissioned to shoot a photo series for custom car builder and television presenter Ant Anstead. This opportunity opened doors for Pardon, leading to collaborations with leading publications and vehicle manufacturers.
Over the years, Pardon has solidified his reputation as one of the most iconic photographers in the automotive and racing industry. His work with Porsche, in particular, has garnered praise, with the brand referring to him as one of their best and most iconic photographers.
Richard Pardon's journey from a hobbyist photographer to a celebrated professional is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. With a keen eye for capturing moments and a portfolio that speaks volumes, Pardon continues to push boundaries and redefine the art of automotive photography.
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