Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Cook
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for photography began when I was about eight years old, after my mom gifted me a Polaroid camera for my birthday. Even at that young age, I was captivated by photography’s ability to freeze my favorite people, places, and moments in time—allowing me to cherish them forever.
Growing up on a family farm, I naturally gravitated toward nature photography and spent years teaching myself how to use a camera, work with proper lighting, edit photos, and refine my skills. It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I made the transition to photographing people. That shift happened when my twin brother planned to propose to his now-wife and asked me to capture the surprise engagement in the mountains.
I’ll never forget how nervous I was. Unlike nature photography—where animals and trees don’t care how your photo turns out—people do. And even though it was my brother, the expectations were still high! When the big moment arrived, the proposal was a success, and I captured the shots perfectly. Later that evening, as I edited their photos, I reflected on the raw emotions and candid reactions I had captured. There was something so powerful about preserving that kind of love and authenticity—it was addicting.
In that moment, I knew the direction I wanted to take with my photography. And so, for the last eight years, I’ve been honing my craft, dedicated to the art of capturing imperfect people perfectly.
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?
I’ve been fortunate to have a wonderful career so far, but it hasn’t come without its challenges. Photography is an incredibly rewarding profession—it’s dynamic, offers great flexibility, and allows for endless creativity. However, it also requires mastering the balance between work and life while setting firm boundaries. The workload can quickly pile up, leading to stress and burnout if not managed properly. It’s a constant juggling act—staying relevant on social media with fresh content, responding to client inquiries, editing thousands of photos each week, investing in new equipment, and continuously expanding industry knowledge. The key is learning how to navigate these demands without losing the passion that made you fall in love with photography in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a photographer, my focus is on capturing imperfect people perfectly. Too often, I hear clients say, “I hate being in front of the camera,” or “I don’t like this or that about myself.” I love helping those very people come out of their shell through my photography.
I take the time to learn about my clients and understand who they are. Are they shy? Outgoing? Once I get a sense of their personality, I consider the best poses, lighting, backdrop, and setting to bring out their true essence. Even the most reserved individuals can feel comfortable enough to open up when placed in the right environment. My goal is to create a space where people feel seen, confident, and celebrated—just as God made them.
How do you think about happiness?
My family makes me the richest man in the world. My wife and I recently welcomed our third daughter, and our home—and our hearts—are fuller than ever. Long, lazy Sundays after church are the moments I cherish most, and each week, I look forward to them more than anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryancookphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryancookphotography77/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryancookphotography704/
