We recently connected with Michael Ryu and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I’ve made as a wedding photographer was for me to spend quality and meaningful time with my clients and getting to know them. I quickly realized that yes, my job is to take photos, but also, the relationship building with the couple was just as important when you’re documenting their most special day of their lives. It allows me to be more intentional with my photographs that I take, and see all of their most vulnerable and raw moments in its purest and beautiful form. This is why I do what I do and it fuels my passion to capture moments that cannot be recreated again.

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

I got into wedding photography because I was at a fork in the road between careers, and I decided to take a risk and pursue my passion as my work. My work is mainly to create images for couples and families who want to leave a lasting memory. I believe that my work provides very genuine and raw moments that will be hard to pose or create, which brings a new perspective on how that day went. That is my number one priority in terms of photography, that I am present during those moments to capture. At the end of it all, I want to create images that will be beyond trend, and culture, but what it was like at the moment. It’s part of their life story and I just happen to be there to help tell it. This is what keeps me going, keep being a photographer, and keep myself driven to take more meaningful images.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to be a better photographer each day, evolving and being more keen to each moment that presents itself. I think that is the main key of being a documentary wedding photographer. I am always growing in my skills, as well as building/maintaining a great relationship with the people I work with.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

To be honest, I want people to know that at the end of it, being a creative is still a job, just as any other jobs out there. I am doing what I love to do, and the financial stability came with the job. It was not reaching that goal, but I believe that as long as you put hard work and passion that drives you into what you really want to do, there really is no regrets about any decision you make. So I do want to tell people to go for it. Go for your passions, and really see what it would take to be happy with what you’re doing. That has been my motto and I’m still sticking by it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.michaelryu.com
• Instagram: @michaelryu

Image Credits
Michael Ryu