We were lucky to catch up with Riley Glenn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Riley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My journey into photography began as a college minor, but it wasn’t until later that I truly understood its transformative power. Starting with portraits of friends and food photography for restaurants’ social media, I dabbled in the art without fully realizing its potential. However, it was a pivotal moment—a chance to second shoot at a wedding—that truly opened my eyes.

As I immersed myself in the celebration of the couple’s relationship and love story, I felt a spark ignite within me. From that moment forward, I was captivated—I craved growth and improvement. I dedicated myself to mastering techniques: experimenting with light, capturing authentic emotions, and seizing fleeting moments.

Beyond technical skill, I discovered the art of cultivating meaningful connections and crafting an experience built on trust and authenticity.

What I adore most about running a photography business is the endless variety it offers. Each day presents new challenges, opportunities for growth, and avenues for exploration. I am endlessly grateful that I get to do this job for a living.

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

I’m Riley Glenn, a destination wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas, with a passion for capturing love stories of LGBTQIA couples.

My journey in this industry began with a remarkable wedding—a straight couple who redefined tradition. The bride crafted her own dress, while the groom sported long hair and a vibrant blue suit. Their ceremony was serenaded by their band members, and heartfelt vows left everyone weeping. Their eco-friendly decor and unique “couples first tightrope walk” underscored the beauty of celebrating love authentically. Getting to document this inspired me: love knows no bounds, and every union deserves to be honored in its own way.

Starting my business in the Midwest, I quickly noticed the glaring lack of representation in the wedding industry. Serving LGBTQIA+ couples and showcasing their love became not just a passion but a mission. I saw the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, not only on their special day but on the industry as a whole. Soon, I found myself immersed in educating others on how to be truly affirming.

My goal is simple: to ensure LGBTQIA+ couples feel safe to be seen, celebrated, and documented authentically. I take the time to truly connect with my couples, whether through meetings, questionnaires, or over a drink. This deep dive into their lives allows me to capture their essence—their history, their quirks, their love—in a way that feels genuine and true. Because every love story deserves to be told with honesty and authenticity.

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

My mission is to capture the essence of LGBTQIA+ love authentically and beautifully. I’m dedicated to ensuring every couple feels not just seen, but truly celebrated and safe in their uniqueness.

I’m committed to forging genuine connections with my couples, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease in front of the lens. While I may offer gentle guidance for posing, I prioritize capturing those natural, candid moments where true connection shines through.

The couples I have the privilege of serving place their trust in me to authentically portray their love story. They know that by allowing me to truly understand them, they’ll see themselves reflected back in my work—captured in all their raw, unfiltered beauty.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I strive to honor the little gay girl within me—the one who yearned for representation of queer love but found so little of it. Now, I have the privilege not only to document these love stories but to showcase them in all their vibrant, joyful glory. It’s a reward beyond measure.

Bringing true and honest representation into the world fills me with boundless joy. Knowing that I can contribute to a more inclusive narrative is one of the greatest privileges of my career.

But the truest reward of all? The trust that couples place in me to capture their love genuinely. It’s an honor to witness their trust and to hold their love in my hands, cherishing every moment of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rileysheaglenn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileysheaglenn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rileyglennphotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/riley-glenn-photography-austin-2
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/RileySheaGlenn/

Image Credits
Bio Photo by Zig Shoots https://www.ziggyshoots.com/