We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ran Flugstad a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ran, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I ever made was hiring a business coach when I first started my business. I first started photographing weddings by working for another photographer for a few years. So when I decided to start my own wedding photography business, I felt very confident in creating beautiful images, but I knew nothing about anything else. I had no idea how to market my business or what to charge. I took a 3 month business course specifically meant for creative business owners. There was a small group of people who took this course along with me, so I was able to connect with other creatives while starting up my business. Starting my business under the guise of a successful business owner; was the smartest investment I ever made.

Ran, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ran, a queer and trans wedding photographer. I specialize in capturing Lgbtqia+ lovers, but I love capturing all authentic love! Each person’s love manifests differently and I get really excited trying to capture what makes each relationship unique and authentic. I also strive to make my clients feel as comfortable as possible on their wedding day, because I believe taking photos should be fun! I try to make photo sessions feel like messing around taking photos with friends.

I actually got into wedding photography on accident. It was an opportunity that fell into my lap for extra money as a college student. But the more I photographed weddings the more I fell in love with capturing love. The first queer wedding I ever photographed was the first time I saw what my future could look like. Being able to capture their love, and see how supportive their family was, meant he world to me. Growing up, I did not know I had that option; to be queer and build a life with my person. That is why I started my business. I want to show the representation I did not have growing up. That queer love is something beautiful that is meant to be celebrated.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part is being the representation I did not see growing up. I strive for everyone to see themselves in my work. I hope to help people feel like they deserve love, and they deserve to be celebrated. If my younger self were to see my art now, I know they would be so proud. That’s why I do what I do. I find it so rewarding to capture each person and relationship in a way that makes them feel truly seen.

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

Because my photography is an extension of who I am, I tie too much of my self worth to my work. This has caused self esteem issues when a client decides to go in a different direction. It can also cause me to be a perfectionist when it comes to my work. This can and has burned me out. Something that should only take a day to edit, will take me 2-3 times longer because I care so much about clients loving their photos. But that can take a toll on my mental health.

Since I started my business I pick up my camera less in my free time because it feels like work. It is a double edged sword making money from a passion. I love what I do, but sometimes I wish I could photograph just because I love it and not because I need to to live.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ranramiphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranramiphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RanRamiPhotography/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ran.rami.photo?lang=en

Image Credits

Feature Photo is by Amanda Jane-Liles
All other Photos are by Ran & Rami Photography