Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Fleisher.
Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started dealing in antique glass when I was 13. I was technically 3rd generation – with my paternal grandparents also dealing and my dad collecting. I collected normal things like comic books and baseball cards, but the glass was always around, and when I gave up the normal hobbies, I picked it up. This specific type of glass is called American Brilliant Cut Glass – and is highly ornate victorian glass. Hard to capture by photos, I learned early on how to photograph it, and over time, developed an interest in photography.
That’s when I started Fleisher Photography. I’m doing all types of photography and have had my work published in Atlanta Magazine, OpenEars, Eater Atlanta, the AJC, and WSBTV. Would love to build up more of a following there!
Has it been a smooth road?
Glass is an interesting one. I think anywhere you’re interacting with collectors you see a lot of quirks and neurosis of the buyer and seller for that matter. Additionally, I have faced a lot of ageism as I’ve always been the young guy in the glass community and when I came around as a teenager, nobody wanted to be told what something was by someone 50 years their junior.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
In the glass business – finding desirable products that are not being recycled between dealers and collectors – bringing the price up by the number of hands the merchandise touches.
In photography – finding clients who want to pay fairly for my work.
What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
Success lies in how happy I am. Many people think of success in terms of how much money they are being paid – but if you’re miserable at your job, it seems like a worthless pursuit. But if I can live comfortably, find my work rewarding, and enjoy my quality of life – I’m successful.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I’m planning on issuing a series of books from glass collections around the country featuring my photography. I’ve already done this at two on both sides of the continent and have some more lined up.
Also looking forward to getting some new equipment – lenses and a new computer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ryanfleisher.com www.criticalglass.com
- Email: refleisher@gmail.com
- Instagram: fleisherphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FleisherPhoto
- Other: twitter.com/fleisherphotog
