Who We Are
Rick Westra grew up with teachers as parents and his father Jim was the yearbook adviser and photographer for North Junior High School starting in 1968. Jim also worked summers taking wedding photos for a local studio for over 25 years. Due to this upbringing Rick spent most of his young life watching his Dad take photos and work on the yearbooks.
Rick began his yearbook career working with schools in 1988 spending 15 years with a large corporation. Working with hundreds of schools during those years helped shape the focus to personal service and creative design utilizing technology and photography.
RWP (Rick Westra Photography/Publishing) developed in 2004 based on a desire to personally serve customers. Being a small local business allowed for effecient, cost effective yearbooks and photography. After 34 years working with schools the goal is still the same - create great high quality products making special memories for schools, students and families.
Meet The Team
Rick Westra
Founder/Owner
Alex Ryan
Designer/Yearbook Specialist
Jim Westra
Photography Specialist
Rick Westra has been working with schools on their yearbooks and photography for 34 years. Well versed in journalism and computer technology/graphic design he enjoys helping schools make great memories of their time in school. He is a founding member of the nonprofit organization SpudsTV. Rick enjoys time with his boys Nolan and Colton now in college. Other interests include spending time with friends and family, the lakes, traveling, golfing or going for a drive.
Alex Ryan has been working for RWP since the fall of 2015. She is our design wizard and yearbook guru. When she isn't working on making everything and everyone look their best, she is either at the movies with her husband, Jordan, or cuddled up on the couch with her two pups, Onyx and Cirilla. You may also see her in the press box at the next Moorhead High sporting event directing SpudsTV.
Jim Westra grew up in Forman, ND and is proud of being a Sargent Central Cadet. He went on to college at Valley City State University getting a science teaching degree. Jim also received his Masters degree at the University of Utah. Starting his teaching career at Moorhead North Junior High in 1968, coaching, astronomy club, yearbook and camera club were also part of his days. In the early 1980's Jim moved to Moorhead High School teaching chemistry as well as running the yearbook program and being the picture guy for all the activies and events. He retired from teaching in 2000 and has been helping at RWP ever since being a huge help in making sure everything gets done.
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