Rising Stars: Meet Ryan Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Young.

Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I picked up a camera for the first time in 2019.  I got into photography because I wanted to capture memories. Before Covid, I had an annual pass to Disneyland so I would practice taking photos there. But, then Covid hit and I couldn’t go to the parks anymore. Everything was closed due to Covid so instead of sitting at home I would go out and explore with my camera. I would go to Huntington Beach to capture beautiful sunset photos and capture the bioluminescence waves in Orange County. I would head up to the mountains and shoot the scenery. I used Covid as a time to explore a new passion and take online courses to better my skill. Photography was therapy to me during Covid. 

Over time I have gotten better at photography. When Disneyland opened back up I would go as often as I could to practice taking photos.  I have met amazing photographers  which have inspired me and given me advice along the way. I have had my photos reposted from top accounts such as Abc7 Community, Canon and Visit Anaheim. When we were able to start traveling again I would and still do take my camera everywhere. I have photos of beautiful sunsets and whales in Hawaii and Alaska to the Eiffel Tower in Paris,France. I have found a passion in traveling and creating memories with my camera. I can’t explain the pride I feel in capturing the perfect shot.

I love taking photos at Disney but I wanted to venture out more. One day I was at a Dan + Shay concert in LA and I saw photographers in the pit and at that moment I knew what type of photography I wanted to pursue. I started educating myself on concert photography and what requirements I would need to get a photo pass. Then in April 2021, I took a chance at the San Bernardino County Fair concert series! There were three back-to-back days of concerts with big artists playing there such as Parmalee, Morgan Evans, and Danny Gokey. The night I took photos of Parmalee, I was able to talk to their Manager and I kindly asked if I could take photos for them when they come back to California and they said yes! I saw a post on Instagram that they were opening up for Walker Hayes later that year and I emailed Parmalee’s manager and reminded him that I was the kid from the fair. I took the risk and asked him if I could take photos at their upcoming concert. 

On the week of the concert, I was approved to be their photographer for their show in Bakersfield. It was my dream come true. I am now the one in the pits with my camera. I have met new photographers to network with and I met one of the managers for the Arena.  The band shared my photos and the arena wanted me to come back and shoot for them. One night at the San Bernardino county fair started my career.  Over time,  I have really started networking and have begun shooting for more artists like BLUE EYES, JORDY, Noah Guy, Vaultboy, etc. Shooting at the iconic theaters in LA ( Moroccan Lounge, El Rey & The Troubadour) have been such memorable experiences. 

I have also started working with different local high schools around my area for sports photos, I work with Pontious Architecture and the Ontario Empire Strykers. The point of the story is to never give up on your dream, no matter what it takes to make your dream come true, do it! It has taken a few years to get to where I am today, and I will forever be pursuing photography! My career is only beginning. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My constant struggle is that I’m young and still in high school, so for me it’s very hard to balance driving to LA to do shows and going to school the next morning. Some venues require you to be 21 and older and some don’t. I don’t have a publication so yet again, I’m reaching out to bands hoping for them to trust someone my age to take photos of them. Lots of times, I get denied from artists because of max capacity or they already have a photographer. I feel like once  I turn 21,more opportunities will open up. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently a Junior in High School so I’m known as the teenager who takes killer sports photos. I currently work with five different local high schools. I’m a photographer for a local company called Pontious Architecture and I am so thankful that they have entrusted me with capturing their buildings from start to finish. I just started taking pictures for the Empire Strykers at the Toyota Arena. I mainly specialize as a sports photographer and music/event photographer. I have started taking photos for the seniors graduating from high school and local family photos.  I’m proud that I’m getting to realize my dream and I am able to visualize what I want to do as a career. I am hopeful that more doors will open for different opportunities. What sets me apart from others is that there are not that many kids my age out there doing what I do. I can look at an object and envision the finished product in my mind. I have a really good vision of goals I want to achieve and teachers that want to help me get there. I also have wonderful parents who support me with my career as well.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I really don’t know where the industry will go but I’m working my way to be part of it. I’m hoping in the next 5-10 years to be a tour photographer for a band. I live in an area that allows me access to more opportunities. Being close to LA, it gives me more freedom to pursue more iconic venues and a variety of artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ryoung.blog
• Instagram: ryanyoungphotos & ryanssportswatch & disneyryan__

Image Credits
Brienne Hill for the personal photo of me