If a picture is worth a thousand words, Russ Reichard's life speaks volumes. From capturing images during WWII to acting as a volunteer photographer for CICOA In-Home Solutions, photography has been a lifelong passion for Reichard who has been taking pictures for more than seven decades.

As early as his childhood in Gary, Ind., Reichard enjoyed capturing life’s special moments with a camera, but it was his stint in the Navy that really got him hooked on the hobby. His task was to take pictures of damages to naval vessels and send  those photographs back to base to initiate the repair process. “I really learned to use the light and shadows … and it made me a very popular guy on that ship,” says Reichard with a grin. When he was called back up to the Navy, Reichard was assigned to head up the photo lab. He received both his undergraduate and master’s degree from Valparaiso University, moving to Indianapolis where he has resided in the same home since the mid-60s.

Russ Reichard has taught numerous continuing education classes and been an active member of central Indiana photography clubs.  While his professional career took him seemingly far from the darkroom – retiring after 32 years from the Indiana Department of Mental Health where he had served as the director of social services – he was never far from his camera. The walls of his Indianapolis home are covered with photos of his family – his late wife, Betty, their two daughters and grandchildren – and places they traveled together.

“We loved taking our granddaughters on those Ambassadair trips,” he recalls. “We became known as, ‘Those really nice young ladies and their grandparents’ because the girls just didn’t know a stranger.” He and Betty also enjoyed staying in elder hostels throughout the country and did some international travel as well. 

Following the loss of his wife of 58 years, Reichard found himself searching for projects to occupy his time. “I just had to find other things to do to stay busy,” he confides. He became active again in his church and relishes the new friendships he has made. “We have a weekly group that meets to discuss current events and issues, and I find them to be a great bunch with some really interesting, intellectual discussions,” he says.

He has completed numerous photo assignments for CICOA for the agency’s marketing efforts as well as a photo essay, “Positive Images of Aging” that was displayed in both Indianapolis and Louisville. His most recent photography adventure was shooting a fish fry that was held by his church earlier this summer.

Not to be left behind by modern technology Reichard has adapted to the digital camera. After spending many an evening in his basement darkroom, he replaced it with a high tech digital printer in the corner of his bedroom. Nonetheless, he still maintains his favorite camera is the 1948 German Rolleiflex (which he has recently passed down to one of his granddaughters).

“It’s not the camera that really makes the pictures great,” he offers. “The secret is focusing on not just the subjects, but what is going on around them as well.”