Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ryals.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In elementary school, my grandpa gave me his camera when he and my grandma took us on trips during the summer. I became infatuated with capturing moments in a creative way. Long story short that trickled over to capturing friends’ senior photos in high school which then led into bigger things like weddings. I have been professionally shooting weddings now for four years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road, majorly due to my age. I started photographing things for money when I was so young, 16 to be exact. And unfortunately, the art itself isn’t enough for some people. People would reach out and see my work and fall in love, but as soon as they learned how young I was, they would deem me unfit.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The things that inspire my creativity in photography the most are movement, emotion, and storytelling. I have a desire to capture people and moments authentically. My niche is intimate weddings and elopements. I love working with couples who are madly in love, and I strive to become your friend, not just your photographer! I would say what sets me apart from most wedding photographers is my desire to capture things as organically as possible. I want to be as documentary-esque as possible.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I will say it again and again; COMMUNITY OVER COMPETITION. This is so hard to truly believe, but once you start viewing all of your peers in the industry as community and not just competitors, it makes it so much easier. In an industry as saturated as photography, this is crucial.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenfphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/laurenfaithphoto
