Capturing Wonder: The Creative Synergy of Ric Lewis Photography and Kayla Douglas Artistry

In the vibrant world of visual storytelling, few collaborations shine as brilliantly as that of Ric Lewis and Kayla Douglas. Their partnership seamlessly blends Ric's evocative photography with Kayla's imaginative costume designs, resulting in captivating images that transcend traditional portraiture.

The Artistic Journey of Ric Lewis

Ric Lewis's foray into photography was serendipitous. Originally an Electronic Engineer specializing in medical imaging equipment, Ric's unexpected modeling opportunity in Atlanta sparked his passion for photography. What began as a means to understand modeling better evolved into a profound love for capturing moments that elevate self-worth and confidence. His commitment to community is evident, often offering complimentary sessions to those in need, emphasizing the transformative power of photography.

Ric's portfolio spans various genres, including weddings, maternity, boudoir, and notably, underwater photography. His work is characterized by a blend of technical precision and emotional depth, creating images that resonate deeply with viewers.

Kayla Douglas: Crafting Dreams into Reality

Kayla Douglas's journey into artistry was fueled by a desire to explore the realms of SFX makeup and costume design. Her dedication led to the creation of elaborate costumes, including her first set of angel wings, which garnered significant attention within the photography community. 

Today, Kayla's brand, Kayla Douglas Artistry, offers handcrafted wings and gowns known for their durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Each piece features a patented corset back, ensuring a customizable fit for all body types, and is crafted with cruelty-free feathers, reflecting a commitment to ethical artistry.

A Dynamic Duo: Merging Visual and Material Artistry

The collaboration between Ric and Kayla is a testament to the magic that ensues when visual and material artistry converge. Their joint projects, such as the Rio Carnival-themed shoot, showcase a harmonious blend of Kayla's intricate designs and Ric's photographic expertise. This synergy not only produces stunning visuals but also pushes the boundaries of creative expression. 

Embracing Innovation: Ric Lewis and Outex Underwater Housings

Ric's exploration into underwater photography introduced new challenges, particularly in equipment selection. Seeking a solution that offered both protection and flexibility, Ric turned to Outex underwater housings. Outex's soft, waterproof housings are designed for universal compatibility, accommodating various camera and lens combinations, while growing with your needs over time, such as lights, mounts, triggers, tethering, and more. 

Key features that appealed to Ric include:

• Performance: Because of its optical glass ports, the end results are better than most more expensive housings that employ plastic or acrylic ports, and help ensure high-quality image capture without distortion.

• Universal Compatibility: Can be used with various camera brands, bodies, and technologies, from film and DSLR to mirrorless nd medium format cameras. 

• Lightweight and Compact Design: Ideal for travel and on-location shoots, reducing the burden of heavy equipment.

• Affordability: Providing professional-grade protection without the hefty price tag of traditional hard-shell housings.

These attributes allowed Ric to expand his creative horizons, capturing ethereal underwater portraits that add a new dimension to his portfolio.

Workshops, Classes, and Events

March, 2025 - 3rd Annual VIP Event

1. What inspired you to create the Kayla Douglas Artistry VIP Event, and how did it all come together?

This previous March was our 3rd annual VIP Party. The brainchild of this event is to bring photographers together to network and also create beautiful art pieces together. Every year the event gets larger and more extravagant. I noticed there was a lack of a community feel at conferences. There’s some, but it’s very structured in a way that’s just education classes or parties. I tried to combine the two in an event. I essentially wanted photographers to walk around with their cameras and a drink, take some absolutely awesome inspiring images and also network with other photographers in the industry. 

2. What are some of the highlights or standout moments from the day? Do you have a favorite shot or did any artists stand out?

I have to say, we had an Artistic Expressions Competition where the attendees submit their best images for a chance to win over 2k in prizes. Including a $750 gift card to my store. I can’t say there’s a favorite shot per se, as over 85 images were submitted as competition pieces but there was one winner, Kaitlyn Silvestri- who blew us all away with her shot. I’ll attach the image in the email! 

3. Why do you think events like this are important to the photography community, and how did your event help foster artistic expression and collaboration?

I believe in the new culture of social media, we are so glued to the technology side of the world and less of the connected intimate side of the world. I’ve noticed there’s been a strong desire for community amongst humans- not just in the creative industry - but in the world as a whole. I believe it’s SO important to build up your community and host one on one events where people get to mingle and see the good side of humanity and not just what’s on their phone screen. After Covid I noticed a huge desire amongst our community to reconnect as humans so I thought, what better way other than to invest in the creative side and host an event where people can socialize and take amazing images all in one. 

4. Do you have plans to host more events like this in the future? How can people stay connected and get involved?

Yes! I love to host. I start planning my events over a year sometimes more in advanced. Every year my vip party sells out in 48 hours or less. People anticipate the drop of my tickets. This year, my tickets are dropping for the VIP Event on August 15th ticket release date. I will have 150 tickets available and this next year will be HUGE. I’m renting an entire hotel, and Lindsay Adler is running 5 of my sets out of the 15 so she will have an entire area dedicated to her creative setups. The event next year will be on Wednesday March 4th, 2026 and will coincide with the week of WPPI Conference. 

5. Even though Outex was not directly used during this event, how has working with Outex expanded your creative vision or pushed you to experiment in new ways elsewhere?

Ric and I love to shoot underwater. Actually, Ric is speaking at Bokeh Summit in July for an underwater portraiture class and I will be designing a gown for the event. Outex will play a vital role in the class as we experiment with artistry of gown concepts and colors underwater. We really love the brand and how convenient and easy it is to use for our underwater portraiture! 

Ric and I will also be hosting 2 international retreats. One in Madeira, Portugal February 2-10th 2026 and one in Scotland May 15-26th 2026. 

All information can be found on my website www.kayladouglasartistry.com www.kayladouglasartistry.com

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts of Ric Lewis and Kayla Douglas exemplify the power of combining technical skill with artistic vision. Their work not only produces visually stunning imagery but also tells compelling stories that resonate with audiences. As they continue to innovate and inspire, their partnership stands as a beacon of creativity in the world of visual arts.

Join the Movement: Elevate Your Craft at Upcoming Photo Events

Are you ready to take your creativity to the next level? Ric Lewis and Kayla Douglas are opening the door for content creators, photographers, and visual storytellers to not just witness—but participate in—the magic behind the scenes. Their upcoming photo events are more than just photoshoots; they are immersive experiences designed to ignite inspiration, sharpen skills, and build lasting connections within the creative community.

These events offer a unique opportunity to:

📸 Learn from the Pros

Join Ric Lewis and a network of seasoned professionals as they break down the art and science of capturing breathtaking images. From lighting techniques and camera setups to working with models and mastering post-production, you'll gain firsthand knowledge from experts who’ve turned their passion into a profession.

🤿 Build Your Portfolio, On and Under Water

Whether it’s a fantasy-themed studio shoot or an underwater session made possible by Outex housings, you’ll have hands-on access to create compelling, high-quality content. Work with stunning costume designs by Kayla Douglas and explore real-world scenarios that will elevate your portfolio and impress potential clients.

💡 Boost Your Marketability

In today’s competitive content landscape, talent needs to be paired with strategy. That’s why these events also include candid conversations and workshops covering branding, social media strategy, pricing, and client relationships. Learn the insider tips, tricks, and insights that every professional should know—but few talk about.

Whether you're an emerging photographer, a seasoned pro looking to experiment, or a content creator eager to stand out, these events are built to empower and equip you. Come collaborate, create, and connect with a community that celebrates vision and values authenticity.

Spots are limited and fill quickly—don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Click below to sign up for upcoming events

 Ric Lewis Photography and Kayla Douglas Artistry.

Are you ready to turn your lens toward the extraordinary?