We were lucky to catch up with Ryan West recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, appreciate you joining us today. Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?
Initially, it was just myself and would rely on friends to help out when needed. As I grew and got bigger jobs I was able to hire a team. I now have assistants, an agent, accountant, lawyer, and a retoucher.
I think starting on your own is good as it helps you bootstrap and really be creative in how you accomplish what you need to. Of course having a team makes much easier but you still need to develop your leadership skills. When you are leading a team it’s important to understand that you need to give them, or make sure they have, the skills to do their job so you can both be successful.
As well, I try to understand what motivates them and what their goals are so I can help in any way I can. Being an assistant for me is more than just simply earning money, I want to empower them so they can succeed as well. Typically, to hire assistants I will at very minimum have a phone call with them but I prefer to meet for a quick coffee to get a sense of who they are and do they fit into my team and will they be a good representation of me on set.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m originally from Canada where I obtained my Business degree and worked in finance for a number of years while also producing music on the side and doing a weekly hip-hop show. Eventually, I decided to pick up a camera and focus on photography which had always been an interest of mine. The initial response was positive to my work getting small editorial jobs and I really felt a passion for it so I decided to see if I could do it full time.
I consider myself in the image making business, specializing in beautiful, elegant photography and film, which hopefully captures the emotion of the moment. I live and breathe what I do and am constantly elevating my style and technique.
What separates me from others is the ability to problem solve whatever the client is looking to do, doing it in a professional manner, and ensuring everyone has a fun time doing it. A lot of clients, celebs, magazine editors and publicists trust me because they know I achieve what they need on a consistent basis at the highest level possible.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, I once read that two great ways to expand your horizons are to travel to somewhere with a different culture from your own, and to read non-fiction, specifically personal development and biographies. Reading plays a huge part in my life in terms of learning and growth. I have a pretty decent amount of books from fashion, art, photography, personal development, biographies, finance, etc.
I would say in terms of entrepreneurship and business I really liked:
Real Artists Don’t Starve – Jeff Goins
Timothy Ferris – The 4 Hour Work Week
Russell Simmons – Do You
Robert Kiyosaki – Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Riaz Meghji – Every Conversation Counts
So many more, but that’s a great start.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
From what I’ve heard from clients and talent it’s that I’m good but also reliable and consistent.
I think these days as a photographer just being good is not enough. There are so many talented photographers so really that’s just a prerequisite to get through the door, but if you want a seat at the table you have to earn it by demonstrating you can be counted on to do what you said could do, and that you can consistently do it.
And of course being friendly and flexible with the ability to think on your feet is going to help you immensely!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ryanwestphoto.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ryanwestphoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ryanweststudio
Image Credits
Photos by Ryan West