Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Releford.
Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started taking pictures when I realized that I wasn’t good at anything else. I remember signing up for Food stamps and using the little bit of cash aid to buy my first camera at Target. It began with me asking my friends to become my models. We literally pulled the house lamps onto the side walk for lighting, lord have mercy it was horrible. The same models that I love shooting today were the ones that stuck it out with me while I was developing my eye. Till this day I still second guess my work and have doubts, but I go with my gut when it comes down to choosing which photos to post. Photography saved my life. Without realizing that I was finally good at something was the deciding factor if I would commit suicide or not, I guess my idea on the entire thing is that life gives your the chance to evolve and grow as long as you can hang in there. It’s gets so much better.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ha-Ha!! I wish it was a smooth road! I’ve dealt with people using me for photoshoots, not being able to afford equipment that I need and having to borrow money. The most sad thing is when you realize that people will criticize your work and your abilities based on their own issues. I’ve never gone to school for photography, and that always instantly brings doubt when I tell someone what i do for a living.
Is there some part of you work that is particularly difficult?
Im not a Sears portrait studio photographer. I like to create characters and develop emotions within the person that I’m shooting. It can take hours to capture the image that I know we both are going to love. Some people expect it to be easy, but there’s nothing easy about being beautiful.
What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
The measure of success can change many times throughout a life span. Originally I associated some type of monetary value with being successful, but now that I’ve grown as an artist, it’s starting to do little with making money and more of making meaningful connections. Feeling fulfilled and knowing that my heart is in its purest form, means that I have succeeded in life’s journey. When you do what you love, and your able to live (no just survive), life becomes less about climbing a social ladder but instead digging deeper into what brought you here in the beginning.
What are your plans for the future?
Opening the first Releford Academy for Creative minds and abstract thinkers, grades K-12. It would be a dream to develop young artist and cater to each students talent individually at no cost. Im planning on making a large contribution by simply taking one picture at a time.
Pricing:
- $125.00 an Hour
Contact Info:
- Website: http://photographyreleford.tumblr.com
- Phone: 7209850751
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @RelefordPhotography
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