Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Ryles.
Eric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I come from a family of visual and applied artists. So, you can say that art and creativity is in my blood. I grew up drawing realistic portraits. I could look at a person or an object and draw it just like the image. Drawing came natural to me. Regrettably, I stopped drawing after high school because I wanted to focus on my studies in college. Although I stopped drawing, the visual artistic part of me was only asleep. I didn’t awaken that part of me until last year.
As my wife and I prepared for our 2018 fall wedding, she asked me, “If I could do anything I love and make a living from it, what would it be?” She asked me that question because she wanted me to “bring home the bacon” by actually doing something I love. I told my wife that I have always wanted to be a professional photographer. And she said with a smile, “Then a professional photographer you are.” Not too long after that, EJRyles Photography was created.
Great, 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?
As a new photographer, learning the various types of photography and learning how to run a photography business does have its challenges. I learned early on and very quickly that there is more to running a successful photography business than just snapping photos and getting paid. You have to wear different hats and sometimes simultaneously. Marketing your business (brand) and building a steady clientele is not easy either, but it must be done. Networking has been enjoyable since it has given me the opportunity to meet other photographers and potential clients. Furthermore, it’s sad to say, those I expected to support me, have not. There is the belief that you can’t make a living being a photographer. I hope the lack of support and misguided belief changes. If not, I will continue to press forward and upward. In the meantime, I have been refining my photography editing skills and am quite proud of what I have accomplished in these past few months. I understand that the road to success will not always be smooth, but I am willing and ready to enjoy the ride while I’m on it.
EJRyles Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
EJRyles Photography is an all-around photography business. My aim is to use my lens to provide a product that tells my client’s story in a unique and visually artistic way. I want them to have a photo experience worth remembering. Thus far, I am proud that EJRyles Photography has received nothing but positive feedback from clients I have worked with and is steadily moving forward. Since EJRyles Photography is fairly new, I would like for it to be known for its integrity; unique, artistic vision; creativity; quality; and superb customer service.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honesty is the key characteristic that is important to my success. Not only does honesty speak to who I am as a person, but it sets the tone for the kind of atmosphere I want EJRyles Photography to create, which is one of trust and confidence. Honesty also provides consistency in my work ethic, and builds loyalty and trust in existing and future clients.
Contact Info:
- Email: ejrylesphotography@gmail.com
- Facebook: @EJRylesPhotography
- Instagram: @EJRylesPhotography
Image Credit:
The picture of myself with the bow-tie was shot by Lajoy Photography.
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