Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Belk
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I often credit my grandfather with putting a 35mm film camera in my hand when I was around 13 years old. He taught me how to use it; throughout his life, he indirectly taught me the importance of documenting the things around us. He always had a camera with him wherever he went, and I think something happened subconsciously because I do the same exact thing now. It’s how my love and passion for the medium started.
When I really started to take photography seriously around the age of 18, I really fell in love with documenting the world around me. To this day, that’s typically how I like to approach most jobs. I want to show up and document what’s happening and really photograph the candid aspects of whatever situation I find myself in. Most of my personal work is made on the streets and so I like to approach most events and commercial jobs like I would photographing people on the street. I like to be a fly on the wall most of the time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall it’s been pretty smooth. Becoming a full-time freelancer was certainly an adjustment at first, but over the past year I’ve started to learn the flow of when months will be busier than others, so that’s been helpful. I feel like most freelancers would admit that the biggest challenge would be the fear of not having new work come in, but so far, it has kept coming in, and I’m really thankful for that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a street and commercial photographer based in Charleston, SC. My personal work typically involves photographing on the street. With my background in documentary photography, I like to use those same techniques in my commercial work. I photograph a lot of events, and I treat those events like I would if I were on the street. I try to become a fly on the wall and capture scenes/people very candidly and very closely. I think in terms of photographing events, my work is set apart from others because of my use of harsh flash and how I treat these situations like I would on the street. I think I’m able to capture some very interesting moments as opposed to just having people pose for a photograph.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I love that it’s a large enough city to where there’s always plenty to do, but yet it’s small enough to where it’s not too fast-paced and everyone knows everyone else. It’s a pretty slow lifestyle, but the food scene here is amazing. So it feels like the best of both worlds. But the city is beautiful and there is a ton of history here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ryanbelk.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanbelk
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Kathleen Saunders
