 Born and raised in New York, Richards rose to prominence during the 1960s advertising revolution, becoming a world-renowned photographer and commercial director with clients including Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, Polaroid, General Motors, Hertz, Pepsi, etc.His celebrated advertising work has won every major industry award including the Cannes Lion for best worldwide commercial, as well as multiple Clio’s and New York Art Director Awards.Pauline Kael referred to Richards as “a photographer who became a whiz at TV commercials [before directing movies].”

After years in the New York commercial world, Richards moved to Hollywood and directed his first feature film, "The Culpepper Cattle Co." (1972), which was praised for its historical accuracy and period atmosphere.