Risa Korris received a Masters degree in Film from Columbia University. She began her career in the cutting room, as an assistant film editor to Dede Allen and Evan Lottman on films for directors George Roy Hill and, Paul Newman. Editing laid the groundwork for her work as a cinematographer and she was hired by CBS News as a staff camerawoman for all network documentaries including "60 Minutes" and "CBS Reports". At CBS she had the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S. working with leading journalist news producers and correspondents Morley Safer, Mike Wallace, Dan Rather and Sylvia Chase. She left her staff position freelancing for all the networks while training for feature cinematography. As a member of the cinematographer's Local 644 of the IATSE Risa was able to navigate through the world of union sets. Her entre came through internships to Directors of Photography Nestor Almendros, and Robby Mueller on films “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “They All Laughed”. A grant from the American Film Institute to direct a small film followed and she continued her shooting assignments operating on feature films and commercials. Risa went over to the producing side of the business on staff at agencies Lowe and Partners and FCB International. She became senior producer of television commercials and had the opportunity to work with world renowned directors, actors and musicians. She went on to line produce for cable movies for MCA/Starz Encore.

In 1999 Risa returned to the camera, this time as a still photographer. Her clients have included The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Central Park Conservancy, The East Hampton International Film Festival, The Play Company, The Asia Society, The Smithsonian Sackler Freer, and The Noguchi Museum.