Photography - Video - Music - Production

JediJoy and I have lived all over the US and abroad. We moved to Las Vegas in 2013 and we lived right behind Mandalay Bay. I took photos of Mandalay Bay every day for 4 years. After the tragic shooting on October 1st, 2017, we decided to try a new place. We packed up our Jaguar and hit the road. We only made it to Fort Apache when the oil pan broke. We decided to stay the night in a cave. One night turned into three months when our car was broken into and then stolen the next day. Inside our car was everything we owned - including our title to the car, bank account information and passports. Our identity was stolen and our bank accounts were drained. We had no option but to stay in the caves.

I photo-documented the entire adventure. We learned how to fend for ourselves without running water or electricity. We only had what we were carrying before our car was stolen; my Nikon Coolpix, two iPhones, a guitar and a couple battery chargers. I learned to edit video and sound under strenuous conditions. We had to walk 2 miles for water and power, and 10 miles for food - everyday.

​I am capable and willing to rough it and go anywhere. I have no problem getting “down and dirty” to get to the bottom of the story or project: I love photography and photojournalism; it is my entire life.

Prior to being a photographer in Las Vegas and moving to Panama in 2012, I studied film at UC Santa Barbara and I currently hold a B.S. in Biology from Lewis & Clark College. I have been an avid photographer for over 40 years. I am also an organic, gluten free and dairy free cook. I managed one of chef Pascal Chureauat's restaurants. He opened Fenouil in Portland, Oregon in 2005 and Brasserie Montmartre in 2008.  And from 2007-2012, I was the CEO of Oregon Image Design in Portland, Oregon.

Jedi live minimally  We do not purchase any more than we can carry; about two days worth of food. We never pay more than one month's rent in order to be flexible, lean and mobile. We live exclusively to report and create the best art, music, photography. We are available for short and long term assignments.

Thank you for choosing to check out our portfolio and text me if you would like to work together at (702) 465-9885. Jedi do not answer voice calls, so text is the best option.

- JediRich and JediJoy Lightowler

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