Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Ragland.
Diana Ragland was born in Rhode Island and raised in Connecticut and Virginia. She studied photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York and has worked in the photography industry for more than 20 years.
Diana spent many years working as a retouch artist for some of the world’s most notable photographers, with her work appearing in the pages and on the covers of Italian Vogue, Vanity Fair, Allure, Harpers Bazaar & C Magazine, as well as showcased in numerous international cosmetics campaigns.
In the last decade, she has focused on her own photography, with her work published on the covers, pages and online sites of publications such as People Magazine, Miami Living, Monarch Magazine, Austin Way, LA Confidential, The Huffington Post, Deadline Hollywood, and The Hollywood Reporter. As a photographer, Diana is most noted for her portraiture and lifestyle work, for her subdued use of lighting, and for her ease and calming way, which brings out the true nature and beauty of her subjects.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would not say things have been easy for me. I think for a long time the main thing that held me back was myself…and a lack of confidence. I started slowly to pursue my passion in a more professional way, one thing lead to another, I began to get more and more positive feedback, and that allowed me to put myself out there and really make a career of this.
I would tell any young woman starting out, try and find your confidence early — and if you can’t find it, fake it while you focus on learning your craft, knowing your equipment, and always studying and taking courses to improve your technical knowledge. Find other work you admire. Always keep learning!
We’d love to hear more about Diana Ragland Photography.
I’m an editorial portrait photographer. Specializing in capturing natural expressions, moments and mood. I don’t like to use a lot of equipment. I love to create something natural, beautiful and honest. And I enjoy working with people from all walks of life — actors, models, artists of all kinds, along with business people and kids of all ages.
I’ve often heard that I’m very relaxing to work with, so I guess that may set me apart from others as well.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Definitely find a mentor if you can! Or look to the work of others that you truly admire and get inspiration from that. I’m constantly trying to find work that inspires and pushes me, and I also find mentoring relationships in the people I work with, especially the strong women who have been in this industry for a while and know the challenges and the thrills of it.
As for networking, Instagram and my personal website are the main ways I’ve put myself out there. As a photographer, IG is very powerful for connecting with people. In my case, word of mouth has gone a long way in building my clientele, which again is why it’s important to be easy to work with; not a lot of people love having their picture taken. I think of it as part of my job to make the process as relaxed and painless as possible — that’s how the best pictures happen, when people can feel good just being themselves!
Contact Info:
- Website: dianaraglandphoto.com
- Phone: 310-463-6536
- Instagram: dianalragland
Image Credit:
All image by Diana Ragland Photography
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