Rick Nahmias

ZUMA Press photojournalist, writer and film maker, Rick Nahmias, specializes in-depth reportage projects for corporations, foundations, non-profits and cause-driven organizations.

He is best known for documenting the lives and struggles of California's agricultural workforce via "The Migrant Project: Contemporary California Farm Workers," a traveling photography and bi-lingual text exhibition which is currently touring museums, universities and cultural institutions across North America. Since its premiere, through benefits and print sales, "The Migrant Project" has helped raise thousands of dollars for numerous non-profit and charitable organizations.

He has shot assignments for clients including The California Community Foundation, Big Brothers - Big Sisters of Greater L.A., the University of San Francisco, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. His photography is part of several private and public collections throughout the country including those of government officials, major public figures and celebrities.

In recognition of "The Migrant Project," he was awarded a U.S. Congressional Citation form Rep. Loretta Sanchez, and the inaugural 2002-2003 Jason K. Stern Scholarship by the Julia Dean Photo Workshops in Los Angeles. Nahmias also speaks publicly for organizations, sharing current information on the status of farm workers, as well about his journey putting the project together.

Following a strong drive for bringing to light the struggles of invisible, hidden and underserved communities, he is in the midst of shooting, "Golden States of Grace: Prayers of the Disinherited," a photographic exploration of the spiritual practices of marginalized communities.

Nahmias graduated from New York University with a double major in Film and Religious Studies after working under such people as film and theater director Mike Nichols, and performance artist, Laurie Anderson. His images and writing have since been published in numerous newspapers such as The Los Angeles Times, The Orange Country Register, and such magazines as California Homes, and Topic.

As a writer, director and co-producer, his 35mm short film, "A Fate Foretold," a modern day retelling of the myth of Circe, was included as an official selection in over a dozen international film festivals including France's Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and Fantastic Festival of Films in England. He was also honored by Kodak as one of six up-and-coming filmmakers who were hosted at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival.

He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers and the Writers Guild of America. He lives in Los Angeles, California. He is represented worldwide by ZUMA Press.


© Rick Nahmias/ZUMA Press