About Red Dragon Photos

Have Camera, Will Travel!

I am Roy Nierdieck, owner and primary photographer for Red Dragon Photography. I’ve had a passion for art my whole life, beginning with drawing in the margin of my notes and homework in school.

I studied Commercial Art at Texas Tech University and am a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. While attending Texas A&M University, I worked as a photographer for the University. I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Texas Professional Photographers Association and The Austin Guild of Professional Photographers Association, where I am currently serving on the Board of Directors.

I am also designated as a “Certified Professional Photographer” by the Professional Photographers of America.  What does that mean?  It means that I don’t have just a fancy camera like many people who tout themselves as a “professional”.  It means I have put in the time and effort to hone my knowledge and skills to a degree that I was able to be examined and tested by the largest and oldest organization in the industry and have proven myself capable of achieving and maintaining a higher standard in the craft.

My work has received much recognition and acclaim. My photographs were used in the College of Business display in the Rudder Tower Visitor Center at Texas A&M University. My work has also appeared in the Houston Chronicle, Paper City, and was on the cover and the featured article in the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal. My wildlife photos are used as greeting cards for the National Wildlife Federation and appeared on the cover of their merchandise catalog. One of my bison photos was used by the President of the National Wildlife Federation as his personal Christmas greeting card to the members in 2014. I have also appeared in the February/March Special Collectors Edition of “Cowboys and Indians” magazine.

In 2019, I received awards from the Austin Annual Image Competition for Best in Show, Best Illustrative Image, and two Judges Choice awards.  I was also recognized as the 2019 Austin Distinguished Photographer of the Year.  From the Texas PPA, I was awarded Best sports/Event Image and named as a Platinum Medal Winner.  My highest honor was from the Professional Photographers of America International Image Competition where I received a Gold Medal, one of only 60 photographers in the United States to receive such an award.

See our works

Why Red Dragon Photo?

I am not a purist, meaning I consider myself an artist more than a photographer. I will use any tool available to achieve the look I want, whether it is a camera, photoshop, device or gadget- anything is on the table to create my art. I have heard some photographers say they do not retouch their photos at all, they create in the camera and I applaud them, if that is what they want to do. When I was an art major at Texas Tech, I used oils, pastels, pencils and any other media available to render my pictures. That is what I do with my photography.

Because the community is also so vital to my business, I feel I have a responsibility to give support and service back to the people who support me. While attending Texas A&M University, I taught community education classes in photography and was an active supporter and photographer for Justice For Children, an organization dedicated to ending child abuse and volunteered for the Houston Council on Drugs and Alcohol. When I move to Austin, I became a photographer and supporter for the Testicular Cancer Foundation and because of my love and passion for photographing animals, I also support H.O.P.E., Hands On Purpose Enterprises, a no-kill animal rescue facility in Herne, Texas.

I am trained and experienced to handle almost any photographic event or happening you want to preserve. One feature that sets me apart from most other photography businesses is the ability to make your memory into a work of art. I can transform any photo into a masterpiece in virtually any media, oils, watercolor, pastels, etc., that will become a family heirloom. I also have the ability to make your lifelong fantasy come true. If you have always imagined yourself as an ancient warrior, or gunslinger, or anything else that you want, I will orchestrate the location, makeup, costumes and whatever else needed, then transform that into the photo of your dreams. If this appeals to you, contact me for a consultation.