For subjects with dark skin, Rick uses special lighting techniques and seven studio lights rather than the usual five lights. Dark skin requires special highlights to show detail and skin texture. Notice the facial highlights and detail in every picture. Also notice that in the reception image, the whole room is visible. In Rick's reception images, backgrounds do not go dark.

The groom's portrait (with light coming in from behind him) shows detail in every portion of his face. These lighting techniques are considerably more labor and equipment intensive and the results are really worth it.