Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Warner. 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. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
In late 2021, I hit a creative rut in my photography business. The pandemic had stagnated much of my commercial work, and my days felt rudderless, searching for purpose. I needed a new project to bring me energy, get me out of my headspace, and kickstart my love for photography again. I’ve always been fascinated with the creation process related to artists and artisans. I began a series featuring local PNW artists and makers in their studios and workspaces. I was tepid initially because I’m pretty introverted, but also because the project felt somewhat invasive. I received a good amount of interest from the outset, and I’d travel around Seattle and down to Portland to meet with folks and take in their process, each in a two-hour session. After each session, the series felt more fulfilling and revitalized my creative energy. This project aligns with my interests as a means for intentional connection with talented individuals and a way in which I could visually advocate for them as artists and small business owners. These sessions were unpaid, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Fast forward nearly two years later, and I’ve shot over 35 artists, makers, and small businesses for this series with no intention of stopping. This series has given me great foresight into the photographer I want to be and what work I’d like to search out moving forward.
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.
I’m a self-taught photographer specializing in portraiture and commercial work. I’ve sustained my business for six years, navigating the ebbs and flows of small business ownership. Before finding this calling, I worked in advertising for several years and traversed other corporate roads. I work with businesses of all sizes but particularly enjoy working with small-to-mid-size local companies that align with my interests and need brand refinement. Storytelling through images drives me as a photographer, and finding ways to impact my community in a positive way is paramount to who I am.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I constantly ponder the “why” of my photography. As a small business owner, financial anxiety is always top of mind. I’m a father of two young daughters, so their well-being correlates to the success of my business. This reality weighs on me heavily, and these are the things that keep me up at night. As a result, I say ‘yes’ to projects more than most other photographers, but I also like to keep busy and plant seeds where I can. Additionally, I want my photography to positively impact other individuals and the community at large. At a certain point down this career path, I became obsessed with the act of creating. Conceiving new projects. Working with new people. Pushing myself. These reasons all contribute to my ‘why.’
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Kindness is the best strategy and has undoubtedly enhanced my reputation as a photographer here in Seattle. I enjoy working with new people but also a collective of strong and talented folks with whom I’ve fostered strong relationships. I’m honest, and because I’m a bit older, I possess some level of lived wisdom that helps. Lastly, I do have some understanding of my purpose and my place in the photography community, which informs my work and my energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ryanwarnerphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwarnerphotography/