Duluth photographer Rick Rice can recall the exact moment he discovered a love for his craft. “I got started with photography when I was 30 years old,” he said. “My parents were living in New Jersey, and I was out there visiting.
“I used a little 35 mm camera to take a photo of a mill. It turned into a beautiful picture, and my mom even painted it. After that, I started doing more ‘dabbling.’ I became the family historian, and took family photos at Christmas. I began taking photos of people whitewater rafting in Wausau, where I’m from. Those images got great feedback.
“And now,” he added, “I love capturing Lake Superior sunrises and more. I can see the Lake from my front window, so I take a look every morning before I decide if it’s a good day to head out.”
Early Years
Rice is the eldest of four children born to the late Dick and Gail Rice. Dick worked in the insurance industry, and Gail was a homemaker, and later, a retail store manager.
In his youth, Rice loved skiing, and later became a ski instructor. He earned an associate’s degree in sales and marketing from Mankato Area Vocational and Technical School.
Rice’s family owned a chain of retail stores, called Togs n Toys, which sold children’s clothing and toys. Rice managed the Mankato branch until the stores were closed in 1984.
After that, he worked for Berman Buckskin, which later became Wilson’s Leather. He moved to Duluth after receiving a job transfer, and he managed the Miller Hill Mall location from 1989 – 2000.
He worked as the manager of guest services and security at the DECC from 2011-2022, and still occasionally fills in when needed. He finished out his career at United Health Care (UHC) after 21 years (his career at UHC overlapped with his work at the DECC), and officially retired in June 2024.
Rice loves keeping busy, however, and now dedicates his former working hours to giving back. He is a prolific blood donor, and recently celebrated a milestone of 18 gallons donated. He had the pleasure of meeting a 9-year-old cancer patient who is now cancer-free in part due to Rice’s donation.
Rice also enjoys doing the annual Polar Plunge into Lake Superior, which benefits the Special Olympics.
Photography
As noted, Rice got started in the field of photography at age 30, using a basic 35 mm camera. Eventually, once digital cameras came on the scene, he upgraded to a Canon Power Shot fixed lens digital camera.
Ten years ago, he purchased a Canon Rebel T3i, which he still uses on occasion. But his primary tool is a Canon 60D, which he pairs with a few upgraded lenses. “I can get the F-stop down to 1.8, which makes for a wide-open lens,” he noted. “It’s good for shooting the Milky Way and the Northern Lights.”
He also uses a Manfrotto tripod. It’s lightweight, and good for getting crisper shots. It also helps provide stability for his photography; a huge help, after losing partial use of his left arm a few years ago, due to an autoimmune condition.
Rice is mostly self-taught. However, he gives much credit to a Community Education course he took several years ago.
“That was a game-changer for me,” Rice said. “I learned about changing the ISO, shutter speeds, bracketing, white balance, and aperture.” He also gives credit to several local photographers, who generously offer lots of pointers when needed.
Rice doesn’t use any photo software or photo editing tools. Rather, he alters his ISO and shutter speed right before he snaps his shots. “It’s a fairly simple setup, but it works really well for me,” he explained.
When it comes to his favorite subjects, Lake Superior sunrises are his top muse. He also enjoys chasing the fall colors, and shooting waterfalls, ships, Lupines, the Milky Way, and the Northern Lights. His favorite locations include Oberg Mountain, the shores of Lake Superior, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Accolades
Rice maintains a website for his photography, duluthrice.com. He assembles a beautiful calendar every year – featuring his photos – which he sells at cost. But he doesn’t do this work for the accolades.
“I do my photography more to bring joy than to sell photos,” he noted. “I don’t do marketing or anything for my work. I’m retired from the sales and marketing world! Now I just want to be out shooting.”
Despite his preference for being low-profile, he has definitely caught plenty of attention for his work. Destination Duluth’s managing director, Jerry Thoreson, noticed Rice’s photos in 2017. Rice quickly became a top contributor and has been featured 139 times, with those photos having 3.5 million views.
Additionally, Rice, along with fellow DD contributing photographer, Dr. Stephanie Irwin, were both selected for a very special honor: they both have their work prominently displayed in Mayor Roger Reinert’s office, which will remain for the entirety of 2025.
Personal
Rice and his wife, Judy, a retired abstractor, have been married since 1984. They have three adult children: Rick, Jr., Rob, and Emily. They also have four grandchildren.
The Rices live in Duluth’s Endion neighborhood, which, as noted, offers a wonderful sight line to Lake Superior. Together, Rick and Judy enjoy traveling and spending lots of time with their kids and grandkids.
Rick also enjoys muskie fishing, kayaking, brewing beer, and playing his acoustic guitar.
Advice
For newer photographers looking to get started, Rice would say this: “You don’t need to have the top equipment to take amazing photographs. And, have patience and persistence – you won’t get a ‘wow shot’ every time. Just get out there. And, don’t be afraid to try new things.”
Rather than seeking financial gain, Rice enjoys bringing happiness to others through his photography. “One comment I hear frequently is, ‘Thank you for getting up early, so I don’t have to,’” he noted. “It makes me feel good to know my photos have brought joy to others.”
To view Rick’s photography, please visit his website, duluthrice photography.
