Tribute To Mr. Petersen

Wednesday evening, my friend and teacher, Richard Petersson was taken to his final destination in heaven. His absence here on earth leaves a feeling of emptiness. Mr. Petersson was a man, who loved the Lord and loved his high school students. He strived to see his students succeed and went the extra mile to help them. His influence at the Career Center was more than he probably ever realized! Even years after retiring, he continued to learn and teach others. I was one of his students he taught the newest software and lighting techniques he just discovered, watching workshops online. We created abstract lighting tools on our own for weddings, along with some interesting backdrops. Some photographers questioned what on earth we created, but it always worked well! And we had a great time creating it!

I remember when Mr. Petersson went on a mission trip shortly after retiring years ago. When he returned, he called me and asked me to purchase his new studio lighting. He said to me, “Amber, I want someone to utilize it that is willing to learn it. Someone who’s passion is to grow in photography. Would you be interested in me teaching you how to use all of it? I have no need for all of it. This trip brought this to my attention. My vision is going and photography is something that I will keep as just a hobby.” I couldn’t turn down such an offer, having just quit my part-time jobs to go full time into photography.

My entire first year was booked solid with sessions. I was nervous first realizing how much equipment I just purchased, but I believed this was all a part of God’s timing. I might not have had the full studio setup for everything given to me. However, someday… I will get there. I continue using his equipment and lighting methods with my outdoor sessions, as long as the wind isn’t blowing. When the weather is nice, you might see me hiking out, hauling a bunch of lights! Rain or shine, I will be forever grateful for having been blessed by his servant’s heart. He was my mentor, my friend, and the best photography teacher, but most of all he loved Jesus.

Mr. Peterson mentored and encouraged me in what I should pursue or ignore within photography. He also taught me to take care of myself physically and spiritually. He told me to pick up the Word every day and read it. God will provide a way and whenever you feel down about things keep your chin up and keep going, digging deeper into the Word and don’t allow busy to eat you alive. He was one I knew I could vent to about business, photography, or anything else happening in the world. This guy loved to talk about life in general, and I found a like mind in our beliefs.

While I sit here housesitting for Mr. Petersson my mind keeps reminiscing the past few months. It’s difficult to write, without tearing up or thinking about how much he will be missed. I keep replaying conversations he shared with me, when he randomly called me before Christmas. We made plans for the spring when we would learn new photography software together. I listened attentively when he would suddenly drop his phone from his ear as he was too weak to hold it. I didn’t know, if I should keep talking to take his mind off things to rest up or continue to distract him from the pain he was in. I realized towards the end things were not going, as well as hoped. Yet, there was excitement and a new hope, when they found a match for Mr. Petersson. I selfishly wanted him to stay around longer, because I had so much to learn yet. We had planned shoots to look forward to this coming spring. Yet, God had greater plans.

Mr. Petersson your legacy will continue to live on!

I have decided to share the legacy of things Mr. Petersson taught me by posting photography tips he taught me in the days to come. He was one of my most influential teachers in encouraging me to pursue the world of photography. He was like the Bob Ross with painting. His legacy teaches his students to see the world through painting happy clouds on canvas. Mr. Petersson’s legacy teaches his students to see the beauty of God’s world through photography. This man was there for anyone to ask questions especially for any of his students or people who want to learn. His mission was to watch his students succeed and to hopefully to direct them to love Jesus the way he did!