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.