Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Hensley.
Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a photographer based in Los Angeles, originally from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I first picked up a camera when I was 15 years old. It was my uncle’s camera. Him teaching me about photography changed my life. I knew in that instant, capturing moments in time would become a passion of mine.
I went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer after I graduated high School. While in the Marines, I learned photography and videography. I spent more time doing videos for the USMC than I did photography. It’s probably why today that’s my real job. Currently, I am a hobbyist photographer trying to make a name for myself in hopes that I can start to land some real paying gigs.
My interests in photography are editorial, fashion, portrait and sports. My style is simple but bold. I think I bring a unique perspective to my photography. People always tell me that they can always tell when they see a photo if it’s mine or not. So I guess that’s a good thing. Whether it’s a lens choice, a lighting choice, or an angle choice, I always try and find something different within every photograph I take.
A well-constructed photograph will always tell a story. And I enjoy telling stories.
Has it been a smooth road?
You know… I can’t really say I’ve had too many struggles. I always seem to meet the right people at the right time. I guess I’m just lucky that way. I have always stayed busy enough to provide for my family and that’s all I can really ask for. I mean ya, sure, the Marines was hard. But I wouldn’t say it was an obstacle. If anything, the Marines propelled my career more than any schooling could’ve ever done.
Do you feel luck has played a role in your life?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck… I think of luck as a point in time when opportunity meets preparedness. Yes, it’s lucky to meet the right person at the right time I suppose. But if you aren’t prepared to make an impression, then that fortunate meeting isn’t going to work out for you. There’s a certain amount of luck that has played a part in my career, but it’s luck only turns out well for you if you have worked really hard and been prepared for those moments to occur.
Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
I think there are two characteristics that have been most important to my success. The first is a tireless work ethic. I have always and will continue to always go well beyond what is needed to make sure a project is completed on time and on a budget.
The second is likability. You have to be a pleasant person to be around. No one wants to work with a diva. No one wants to work with a jerk. Just be pleasant and have a work ethic that is unmatched and I believe you can be successful at whatever you set out to do.
But you have to put the work in. No one is just going to give you jobs. You have to put in a lot of sweat equity.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love LA. Have always loved LA and will always love LA. It took me way too long to move here, but now that I’m here, I will never leave. I have always identified with Los Angeles. Originally, I am from Oak Ridge, TN. And don’t get me wrong, I love my home city and home state, but I never felt like it was where I was supposed to be. Every time I ever made a trip to LA, it just felt right. I felt like I was home. It’s a hard feeling to describe. It’s that feeling that you have always lived here like I’ve never not lived here.
But to answer your question about what I love about LA, I feel like Los Angeles is such a creative city. That’s what I love most about it. No matter where you go, you can always find a creative outlet. From the Arts District in DTLA to the back alleys of Venice to the canyons and beaches, there is creative inspiration to be found. That’s what I love about this city.
I can honestly say the only thing I don’t like about LA is the traffic. But hey, everyone hates the traffic here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ryanhensleyphotography.com
- Phone: 978-491-9877
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: ryan_hensley_photography
