Conversations with Ryan Wesson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Wesson.

Hi Ryan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in photography during 8th grade. It was a hobby then, and I would spend more time on Flickr than I would like to admit. When I went to college at Northern Arizona University, I committed to running for the Cross Country and Track programs. After a year, I retired from my competitive career in running and hit the ground running into pursuing photography. One of my close friends, Dakota, was a student brand manager for Red Bull, and he had invited me out to photograph the events Red Bull would be putting on around town and at the school. That got me started in event photography while no longer being a student-athlete and just a student. I continued my education and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Photography. I worked at the studio and picked up event gigs while attending school. When I graduated, I took a bit of a pause and worked retail at a local skate shop as I did not know what I wanted to pursue, and one year later, I landed my first job as an in-house photographer. I was responsible for the product images, web layouts, and email blasts. This got me started in the e-commerce world, and as I progressed, I started doing less senior portraits and more commercial headshots, e-commerce products, and events. I moved jobs about a year later and found myself in the automotive industry, where I was lucky enough to be a part of a team that shot project vehicles for Ford and Toyota. I even shot with the new Ford Broncos when they were released. Today, I am incredibly grateful to be where I am, and for all the experiences I have had the honor of being a part of! I am still a part of the e-commerce world and photographing events, which has led me to some fantastic opportunities for growth and being a part of a community!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a difficult road at times, but it’s a rewarding one to be on. I have faced many challenges as I have grown as a photographer. When I was first assisting, I was thrown into different positions, even ones I was not familiar with, and worked my way up to a digital tech. I have been able to be a second shooter for various commercial events and have been called up by referrals. Through this success, I have made mistakes; luckily, not anything too costly, but taking responsibility and noting where I have fallen short has been a massive contender in my success. When I first started figuring out my passion for photography, it was a struggle even though I knew I wanted to be in commercial photography. In the beginning, my portfolio did not represent that. When I first started creating my LLC and learning more about the business end, it was a mind-boggle for me, and luckily, within my surroundings, I have had a lot of guidance to aid in growing my knowledge on the business side. Still, to this day, I am trying my best to keep pushing for a more efficient process as I take on each job or project and tell the stories I get to be a part of.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a photographer, I specialize in e-commerce products, events, and portrait work. I am most proud of some of the photo campaigns I have been a part of within the automotive industry and a specific campaign I had the honor of photographing for an equestrian company called Show Season, where I was able to photograph for their release of a new line of ride apparel. It was a great experience to be a part of, and I got to work alongside a close friend. Another note I have been proud of is finding my space in photography!

What sets me apart from others is that I bring a contagious positive attitude and a smile to each job. I can pivot, adapt, and hold steady during stressful moments. I love working alongside others to achieve a common goal and doing my best to tell the stories as accurately and effectively as possible! I take an intentional approach with attention to detail when telling a story of a product, brand, or portrait to showcase each of them at their best moment!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
If I could give any advice to anybody starting, photograph in various fields to find what you may or may not like. Focus on building your portfolio and become accustomed to updating it as you grow. Be willing to jump into opportunities with a positive attitude, do not be hard when making mistakes, and be willing to learn. Lastly, always remember your why.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ryanjwesson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjwesson/?hl=en