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

Hi Ryen, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I think to be successful in anything you do, you have to know why you’re doing it. When I first started my business, I was really lost in the idea of being perfect and making money and getting social media exposure… In the time I’ve spent figuring out how I want my business to run, I’ve realized that my favorite projects (and most successful) are always the ones where I’m really in tune with giving back to clients. Capturing their day and experience and emotions. I’ve realized the “why” behind my work is to give to people. To give them their memories back in an art form. To give them a way to remember. Clients always remember the way you make them feel as well as the product. I feel like when you’re tuned into your passion and your “why” for your work, you find ways to innovate and learn and work harder to succeed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My mom always was taking pictures when I was growing up. Every moment was documented on our old digital cam or DSLR. I was really annoyed of this as a kid, but as I got older I realized how important those photos became to me. When I got to high school I took photography classes all four years, but was never super interested in the technicality of it all. I always wanted to get more into candid work. When I got into college, I dropped photo thinking that it “wasn’t a realistic career path”, but could only go so long before picking up a camera. I got engaged and married and was really inspired by our wedding photographer, and decided I’d try to pick it up as a part time things. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t just a gig and I was making the risky jump to being a full time photographer within two months haha. (I have my husband and biggest supporter to thank for that). The more people I got to work with, the more I fell in love with giving back these memories to my clients. I’ve always been a people person, but not a great conversationalist, so this was my way of creating connections and being able to give my time and energy to people. I fell in love with shooting weddings specifically for this reason. I loved documenting all of the little moments and human emotion for someone’s most special day, and being able to give it back to them to keep forever, I’m most proud of my passion for my work, and the relationships and trust I’ve been able to gain through my work. As for what it’s like working with me, I love to keep things stress free and laid back. Photos should never be stressful or tenuous. I love making my clients laugh and just documenting them being in love. I always want my work to reflect that as well. I want all my photos to feel like you’re there enjoying the moment with them. True to color and full of emotion.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

The community!!! I was so scared to reach out to other photographer when I was starting out. I had serious imposter syndrome and was terrified that there would be competition over community. I’ve never been more wrong. The people I’ve gotten to meet both in Arizona and all over the country have been some of my best friends and biggest supporters. Everyone’s work is beautiful, diverse, wonderful, and perfectly unique to them. There’s room for everyone in the community.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My clients always tell me that they think of me as a friend as well as a vendor. I think that’s why I get sent so many referrals and good reviews from past clients, and why 90% of my new clients are referred by past clients! I think when people are searching for a photographer, whether it’s for their wedding, engagements, or even family or senior photos.. they’re looking for someone they can trust. Someone who they feel comfortable with. Who can make them feel less awkward when posing, or make them laugh to get those genuine smiles. I try really hard to make the entire experience worth the investment, not just the photos.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ryenoliviaphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryenoliviaphoto/
• Other: Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.com/ryenoliviaphoto/

Image Credits

All images taken by me (Ryen Olivia Photo)