Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Hamilton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The moment I knew I wanted to pursue photography beyond a hobby was in 2012 when I returned back to Howard University to photograph homecoming. During the week, there is an event, Yardfest, which is like a concert/festival on campus. Rapper 2 Chainz was one of the performers and as he was performing, we received a huge surprise and Drake appears on stage. The crowd went wild, so much so that the crowd pushed so hard that the barricades fell on us. It was extremely frightening; however, the only thing I remember is getting up, and kept shooting. I think I was still in shock, and it did not hit me until hours later what had occurred. I remember telling my partner at the time how scared I was, but also deep down, I felt so alive. It was this moment, amongst others where I understood the power of capturing moments. Recently, the image I captured of Drake was featured 11 years to the date during an exhibition during Howard’s Homecoming.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Ryan C. Hamilton, a photographer specializing in documentary style photography. I have been shooting since 2009, where I was the Historian of an organization, Chapel Assistants, while at Howard University. I did not fully understand what it meant to be a historian at the time; however, after all of these years, I understand the importance of my work over the years. In my many years as a photographer, it has always been important for me to be honest in my work, to reflect the times, and how things and people actually are. One of the most beautiful things about photographing others is hearing “I feel seen” from them. 90% of my work is not heavily edited, and that is intentional. I believe this is due to my background in photojouralism. While I was at Howard, I worked for The Hilltop, the student publication for the University. My senior year of college, I also interned for the University. Before the pandemic, I mainly photographed live events, concerts and festivals. When the pandemic shut the world down, I had to pivot, and it is where I took up photographing in the studio. Over the last year, most of the services I have provided is event photography, studio work, live music, and weddings. Now that I understand my style as a documentary photographer, it is easier for me to take on clients, as they know my work prior to working with me, so I am no longer in my head about shooting the “perfect” image, and can focus on capturing the honest image in front of me.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives often forget the costs that go into photography. While it does not happen often, I have found myself being more transparent about my rates and what all goes into them. Photography equipment aside, there are often monthly subscription fees we pay, web-hosting, batteries, travel expenses, and more. And aside from these things, as an entrepreneur, I also pay taxes on my earnings. I am big on pay transparency, even with other creatives, so I do not mind speaking on rates and earnings, its just hard when it feels like you are constantly defending your worth. Why it feels personal to me is because I understand these images are priceless and many times will mean more many years down the line, but you are trying to get someone to understand and invest in it now.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to show up as myself. Most recently, I had a moment of gratitude over the last few years. I have received opportunities I would have never imagined me getting, and I did not have to change who I was to get them. It adds to my personal mission as a creative to be honest in my work, and I am grateful I am able to be honest in my personal life to achieve this work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ryanchamilton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanchamilton
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanc-hamilton/

Image Credits
For the personal image of myself please credit Nico Fernandez-Kiray. All other images are my images, Ryan C. Hamilton