Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Rony.
Hi Xavier, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
To be honest, my photography journey started out with a dime bag of weed and an iPhone X.
I was 15/16 years old and a sophomore in high school. My only escape from “reality” at the time was going into the woods by my house and hiking. As I sat at my favorite smoke spot every day in complete awe of the lushness that was surrounding me and in my bowl, I got inspired. So, I took out my iPhone and just started shooting. The more I went up there to get high and relax the more I found new compositions in the trees and in the sky.
After a year or so, I kicked the weed, and my dad gave me my first real digital camera, an Olympus. From that day forward, I made it my mission to shoot as much as I can, whenever I can. I brought my new camera on hikes, photo walks, and sh*tty high school parties, among other things. I think the fact that I spent so much time shooting different subjects really shaped me into the photographer I am today.
Even if it was subconsciously, finding beauty in the little things was hard sometimes, especially in your adolescence.
So anyways, I went off to college in Riverside, CA as an undeclared major and figured out I can actually make this photography thing a legit business. Thus, entered the world of graduation, it was an easy way to fuel my spring quarter benders and summer travels. It taught me a lot about portraiture, freelancing, and the business side of being an artist.
With the cash coming in from graduation photos I soon took to traveling every chance I had. Having an extensive family in France, it was easy for me to go there for a summer and just hop from country to country. So naturally, I soon transitioned from grad photos to architecture and travel. And in a sense, it turned photography back into a passion rather than a business. (of course, I figured out it can easily be both)
Fast forward a few years and a virtual college covid graduation, I have worked with brands like the UFC, Express Men, Jansport, Kona Brewing Company, Google Pixel, and more. While this was mostly commercial work, it brought me a lot of traction and confidence. Not to mention my portfolio was now growing by the month.
I was proud of myself. Proud that I managed to get a degree, make connections, and travel the world all while building my photography business.
The year is now 2022, and I’ve been experimenting with film photography for the last three years by shooting passion projects, portraits, and fine art photos. Film really allowed me to slow down my process and make every shot intentional. I still shoot on digital like crazy, but film is an amazing tool to remind yourself of why you started photography. It’s a great way to not only level up your technical skills but also slow down and think about what you’re actually shooting.
Intention is everything.
Lastly, I’m currently prepping for an MFA in 2023 to pursue teaching at a university level and step into the world of documentary photography! It’s intimidating to take a medium you know so well and apply it to a different genre of photography, but there’s a fine line between anxiousness and excitement, and I think I’m just really excited for what’s to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is it ever? Imposter syndrome is real, and you have to constantly remind yourself why you’re doing this and why you’re creating what you’re creating. Finding your identity as an artist never comes easy, but you have to keep persisting.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
These days I shoot a lot of portraits; whether it be for music artists, couples, or editorials. Check out my new website and see what kind of work I can do for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: xavierony.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/xavierony
Image Credits
Xavier Rony 2022
