From the Vancouver riots to the Olympics: How Langara’s Rich Lam captures history through photography

A leap of faith.

Lam's interest in photography began as a hobby during his time at the University of British Columbia, where he honed his skills in fine art black-and-white photography. He volunteered at the campus newspaper, drawn initially by the perks of free film and darkroom access. However, his perspective quickly shifted. "By my second assignment, I fell in love with photojournalism," he recalls.

Through dedication and passion, Lam became the photo editor at UBC's student newspaper, refining his skills before landing a freelance opportunity with Canadian Press. This pivotal moment launched his professional career.

At the time, there weren’t many photography schools in Canada. And back then, equipment was expensive. I had to invest $13,000 in a digital camera just to get started.

Iconic moments and global adventures.

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Over the years, Lam has built an impressive portfolio, capturing historic moments, including the iconic image of a couple kissing amid the 2011 Vancouver riots. Discussing that shot, Lam explains, "I framed it with police in the background to tell multiple stories. I didn't even notice the kiss until my editor pointed it out."

Last year, Rich served as the Senior Project Manager for the photo operations team at the Paris Olympics, marking his eighth time capturing the Olympic games. Lam credits his ability to adapt—whether photographing the Olympics or working in photo operations management—with helping him sustain a long career.

I’ve been to places I never expected to see, met people I never thought I’d meet. As a twenty-year old, it never crossed my mind that I’d be living and working in Russia, Brazil, Korea, Tokyo, or France. This career has given me a lot.

Balancing art and business.

While Lam’s artistic instincts drives him to create visually compelling work, he acknowledges the practical realities of sustaining a career. "Whether you're working with corporate clients or covering a protest, you need to respect the story and your audience,” he says.

He emphasizes the value of structured programs like Langara’s Professional Photography program which provide technical training and career-focused guidance in a safe environment where students can experiment and grow as artists.

“At Langara, you can be taught the difficult-to-learn aspects of the job. As a photojournalist, I’ve hung out with bikers, and I've sat in a room with the Dalai Lama. You need to balance the professional with the personal while maintaining your empathy.”

Inspiring the next generation.

Having witnessed the evolution of photography, Lam acknowledges the challenges brought by digital tools and artificial intelligence. "When I started, it was trial and error, and there was more time to learn on the job. Today, the pressure is higher, and the tools are different," he says

Despite this, he remains optimistic about opportunities for photographers who value authenticity and integrity.

The world needs trusted photojournalists. We need trusted photojournalists that have a reputation of being straight up.

Lam believes aspiring photographers today have advantages he didn't, due to the affordability of cameras and the existence of programs like Langara’s that provide structured training in a supportive environment. Still, he emphasizes that success requires hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from mentors.

“I tell my students: life happens in patterns. Can you recognize it? Can you understand what’s going to happen next? Sometimes that’s only from experience, but a good mentor and training can help.”

Passionate about giving back, Lam encourages his students to learn from his experiences and mistakes. “The grounding, the training, the environment at Langara can help so many succeed in this industry,” he shares.

His advice for aspiring photographers? "Show up, pay attention, and keep improving. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about telling stories."

Langara College’s photography program offers comprehensive training in visual storytelling, combining technical skills with creative development. Graduates are equipped to build standout portfolios and pursue diverse careers in the photography industry.

For more information, visit Langara College Professional Photography program.

View more of Rich Lam’s work on his personal website.