Jesse Ryan Blog

MY BLOG HAS MOVED

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:52:05 CDT

My blog has moved to a new location. Be sure to bookmark my blog's new home! Click here to check out my new blog: http://www.jesseryanphotography.com/blog

ANGELIKA | PORTRAIT SESSION PART 1

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:29:38 CDT

NEW ORLEANS | FILM PHOTOGRAPHY

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:09:43 CDT

Not too long ago my girlfriend, Angelika, and I spent a day in New Orleans. I was sure to bring along my camera and snap a few candid shots while we were down on Bourbon Street. There really is nothing like a cool breezy day in New Orleans. You're missing out if you've yet to visit the big easy.

EMILY AND BRANDON: AUSTIN WEDDING

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:57:14 CDT

AIMEE AND JACOB: ENGAGEMENT

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:15:16 CDT

RACHEL: PORTRAITS

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:48:58 CDT

NATALIE AND KYLE

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:50:35 CDT

ANGELIKA: SUMMER PORTRAITS

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:38:31 CDT

EMILY AND KELLEN

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:40:59 CDT

ANDREW ARCERI

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:10:03 CDT

EMILY BELL

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:27:01 CDT

I love these images. When it comes to personal work this is right up my alley. A chance to take photos in a new environment and use film is a good day for me! I was especially excited to try a few things I've been wanting to. I've been playing with "soft focus" and was able to get some shots that came out gorgeous. "What's soft focus?" you might be asking. You focus on the subject and then manually pull back just a bit making the subject just slightly out of focus.... and there ya go. There's just something about it.

And thanks to Emily for being a trooper and getting in water that I wouldn't drink if I were dying of thirst.

*shot with Kodak Portra 400

THE PERCIVAL FAMILY

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:45:11 CDT

KRISTIE AND MATT - REAL LOUISIANA WEDDING ON FILM

Thu, 26 May 2011 12:07:57 CDT

MAY 2011 PLAYLIST

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:44:25 CDT

I've been getting tons of feedback from folks saying they love downloading my monthly playlists so I'm going to keep 'em coming. Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Here's a playlist to enjoy during those sunny afternoons in May. A mix of indie, electronica, rock, and a touch of soul. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLAD. Enjoy!

KILEY AND EMILY: MODEL TEST SHOOT

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:50:04 CDT

LAFAYETTE PORTRAITS | FILM

Tue, 10 May 2011 22:59:48 CDT

APRIL SHOWERS PLAYLIST

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:54:44 CDT

Here's a playlist of some new and old artist I dig that will do well in the background during the afternoon showers of April. How would I describe this playlist? ... choral, unbroken, easy, and toothsome. Click HERE to download. Enjoy.

ANGELIKA: SPRING SESSION

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:40:44 CDT

MAGGE AND MEI: KIDS PORTRAIT

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:21:56 CDT

Maggie and Mei are cousins of mine... they were adopted from China and have been the center of attention in this large family of mine! I haven't been able to see them much the past few years but they acted like they knew me quite well ... holding my hand everywhere we went while we shot. Honestly, kids kinda intimidate me... and I usually feel very out of place around children but they always seem to cling to me like glue. It's strange. They must sense the awesomeness that exudes from me. Haha...right. So this is just a little preview... I have a ton more of them reading books, playing violin, and putting on old vintage hats out of that old trunk. Be on the watch for more photos of them down the road. Enjoy.

P.S. For the photogs - shot with Kodak Portra 400NC

CAROLINE AND JOSE FROM PALOMA'S NEST

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:40:30 CDT

I had the honor last week to hang out with and shoot Caroline and Jose from Paloma's Nest. I had the amazing opportunity last year to join with her and do the photography for a Southern Weddings Feature and it sparked a great friendship! After a drink and some small talk the three of us headed to the university kiln area and had a little shoot. I absolutely love this couple... they are just good people and are completely genuine. They are definitely some of my favorite people.

A little bit about them... Caroline Vasquez is an artist and designer based out of Austin, TX. Her brand, Paloma's Nest, is dedicated to creating handcrafted modern heirlooms. Her work is absolutely amazing. She's most known for the creation of the Ring Bearer Bowl. This tiny ceramic dish is intended to replace the ring pillow in a wedding celebration and is now setting a new tradition around the world.

Caroline, along with her husband Jose, and their team of artisans, are always striving to create items of meaning and purpose from natural materials. They are truly set apart by what they do. Go check out the amazing things they create at Paloma's Nest.

NOAH: KIDS PORTRAIT

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:00:24 CDT

MARCH PLAYLIST

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:15:01 CST

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

Here's a little playlist I put together for you folks to download. This March mix has the stuff that has been on repeat on my itunes as of late... mostly melodic southern rock, folksy licks, and dirty blues. Be sure to open a window and put on some coffee. Click HERE to download and enjoy!

JEANINE VAN HULST

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:26:56 CST

GARY BRADFORD

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 01:01:10 CST

Gary and I met not too long ago - right around the time we met we were both starting our photography businesses. It's been pretty cool to hang with this guy every now and then and talk photography - kind of comparing our stories/journeys. It's even cooler to know there are some rad, down to earth, good people like him that you can work with out there. Be sure to keep this guy in your sights over the next few years - he's sure to make a huge dent in the photog industry. Follow his twitter here and check out his work here.
We decided to do a quick shoot and just drove around till we found this awesome looking old beat up house. I don't think any laws were broken but we did have to climb a few fences and break into a few areas. We ended up with some great stuff. Everything below shot with Kodak Portra 400VC. Enjoy.

STEPHEN JOAS

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:04:45 CST

Lifestyle shots of Stephen Joas in Garland, TX - Kodak Portra 400VC

SAM RIGGS BAND

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:16:38 CST

I'd like to introduce you folks to this Austin group - The Sam Riggs Band. I had the great opportunity to come out to Austin and shoot this guys at the Star Rill Ranch. I had a blast with the guys... it's easier to describe this group of characters: easy going, down to earth, and ready to put on a good show. If you're in the Austin area you should look up these guys and catch a show. Be sure to check out their stuff here. I leave you with one phrase... "Every photo is better with a buffalo in it." Enjoy!

-Jesse

JILLIAN EDWARDS

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:37:43 CST

I'm excited to introdude you guys to Jillian Edwards... that's if you hadn't heard of her yet. Jillian is an amazing singer/songwriter out of Waco, TX and is taking the city by storm. If you haven't heard her tunes you need to do these 3 things:
1. Check out her music
2. Follow her twitter
3. Go to one of her shows and she'll be opening for the Civil Wars coming up in March
I had a great time shooting Jillian and it was my first time to Waco which was great. For you film nerds: I broke out a new type of film at this shoot and love it... Kodak Portra 400VC. Anyways, enjoy the images and let me know what you think! Hope you folks are having a great week!

-Jesse

ASHLEY AND AMY

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:01:41 CST

I finally got my Kodak Portra 400VC in the mail, and knew from the get-go that I was going to use it for this shoot. I was somewhat nervous throughout the shoot because I wasn't sure how the Portra would react to the lighting/settings I chose. I basically pushed each from a stop or two (while crossing my fingers) and this is pretty much how I shoot with Fujifilm 400H which I normally use. I have to say... Portra stood up to the hype. The colors are vivid and I think it provides just the right amount of contrast for my taste.

Another thing I was trying to be conscience of while shooting was the lighting. Being a photographer who mainly shoots with natural light you only have a few lighting options... back, side, and front. I started noticing that I tend to always go for backlighting. I think it's because of the dramatic mood it sets. Nevertheless, I decided I need to get out of this habit and make sure I was switching up my lighting situations... I don't want to be the "backlighting" guy. So during the shoot I was extra mindful of my lighting and making sure I would changing it up as we went along and tried to incorporate more side lighting since I that's something I rarely do for some reason. We are creatures of habit and sometimes I don't think that is a good thing... at least not when it comes to creativity and innovation.

I also decided there are a few things I should bring along to every shoot that isn't on my normal list: misquito repellent and a small step ladder. I find myself saying "I wish I were just a foot taller!" at some point during every shoot I do - and I usually end up in a tree at some point.

Everytime I do a shoot like this it just makes me fall in love that much more with what I do. Don't get me wrong, I love shooting weddings, but portrait sessions like this just get my creative juices flowing and I can't wait to get the images on my computer screen. If I could shoot ONLY portrait sessions I would be completly happy with that. Seriously. Anyways... I was completely blown away by the outcome of the shoot and am completely sold on Kodak Portra 400VC. I whole-heartedly recommend it to you film shooters - try it out!

DAVID ST. ROMAIN

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:52:40 CST

Shot with Fujifilm 400H

JONATHAN AND ROCHELLE

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 23:01:28 CST

AMY AND CALEB

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:32:04 CST

A SOUTHERN PLANTATION ENGAGEMENT

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:53:09 CST

ELLA BELLA

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:38:10 CST

ANGELIKA: FUJIFILM 400H

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:39:21 CST

NATHAN AND CHELSEA: SENIOR PHOTOS

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:06:56 CST

JACOB TRICHE

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 21:00:02 CST

THE BARNES FAMILY

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:20:55 CST

GET OUT OF YOUR WAY

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:53:19 CST

The past few months have been a major learning experience for me. I've had to be really honest with myself and ask some hard questions. I think these introspective times in life are important and necessary to keeping growing and moving. It's important to have a time of self-evalution and look at your life with a big picture mentality. BUT sometimes that's hard to do, right? We get stuck in a rut. We get used to our comfortable routines and strive to feel safe.

The past few years I have been trying my best to balance a lifestyle of ministry and entrepreneurship at the same time. Let me just say it - IT'S NOT EASY. Just recently I had to make some tough decisions in order to make sure I'm heading towards the goals I have in life. I'm having to take some big risks and leave somethings that I love behind.

Most of you know where I'm coming from. It's the game of trying to run a business, spend with loved ones, and serve your purpose all at once. At first I was great at coming up with excuses: "I have no time," or "I don't have enough money," or "Nobody will help me." But here is maybe the biggest lesson I learned about going after my dreams - ready? The biggest obstacle is yourself.

The biggest thing that gets in the way of your success is you. You have to come to a point where you stop blaming your failures on your circumstances or on people that did not come through for you. It's called a blind spot. Sometimes people fail to see their weaknesses because they are too worried about the past or too worried about what others think. Bottom line - if you don't know you have a problem you can't fix it.

So here is a list of some blind spots that you may have. Be honest with yourself and do some self evaluation when it comes to these areas.

Ways We get in Our Own Way:

1. Bad Attitudes. This quote explains it well: “No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” - Helen Keller (who was blind and deaf)

2. A lack of focus. People that lack focus have trouble not because they are too busy, but because their priorities are out of whack. You go task to task without making any progress while wasting your time and money. A lack of focus mean your shooting at targets with your eyes closed.

3. Not good with people. How do you interact with other people? Do you listen or are you just thinking of what you will say next? Are you genuine and authentic or do you always have a mask up? Do you expect everyone else to conform to your schedule and agenda? President Theodore Roosevelt put it plainly, " The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people."

4. Resisting change. Some people seem to be so consumed with the past that they neglect the present. You don't have to love change to be successful, but you have to be willing to accept and embrace it. Learn to like flexibility or learn to live with your failures.

5. Seeking the short-cuts. Look, there are no cutting corners. I've tried it... in ministry, at work, doing photography... it never pays off in the long run. We usually underestimate the time it takes to create something of value. You have to be willing to pay your dues.

6. Relying on your talent. Talent is overrated. There are people running some very successful businesses or ministries and it seems like they don't have a bit of talent to their name. How are they so successful? David Bayles and Ted Orland explain it well: "Even at best, talent remains a constant, and those who rely upon that gift alone, without developing further, peak quickly and soon fade to obscurity." Talent without passion, perseverance, and a strong work ethic is worthless.

7. Having no goals. Joe L. Griffith says, "A goal is nothing more than a dream with a time limit." Most people have no goals because they have no dreams. With no dreams there is no passion or drive.

8. Afraid of risk. You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take. As a good friend of mine, Lara Casey, always says, "Feel the fear and do it anyways."

-Jesse Ryan

JOHNNY CASH SHOOT: THE UNSEEN PHOTOS

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:21:19 CDT

I jumped at the opportunity to shoot the collaboration of Caroline Colom Vasquez of Paloma's Nest and artist Kristy Rice of Momental Designs on an editorial wedding shoot with a Johnny Cash theme. My jaw dropped when they asked me to come along and do the photography. The setting was in Austin at the Salt Lick BBQ. Caroline and Kristy really pulled something amazing together for Southern Weddings Magazine - and it was all in the details... from Kristy's hand painted runner to Caroline's famous ring bearer bowl. I was honored to shoot this with them and the friendships developed from it are what is really priceless.

So here are all of the other photos from the shoot that weren't in the Southern Weddings Magazine or in the Etsy blog. Enjoy.

ADINE AND CELESTINE VANHULST

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:22:57 CDT

DANIELLE AND TODD

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:58:38 CDT

BRIDALS: AMY

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:19:34 CDT

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS FEATURE

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 16:19:39 CDT

I had the honor to have a feature in Southern Weddings Magazine this October. I shared this amazing feature with some amazing friends and vendors such as Paloma's Nest, Paisley Day Events, and Pollen Floral Art. Thanks to Southern Weddings for this opportunity! Stay tuned to my blog this week for a full post from the photoshoot with many more images and details.

A LITTLE TASTE OF MEXICO

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:13:40 CDT

While out west we stopped to eat at this little mexican place and I couldn't resist taking some shots of the food... and yes, it tasted as great as it looks. Shot with Fujifilm 400H.

The past few months has been a major learning experience for me. I've had to be really honesty with myself and ask some hard questions. I think these introspective times in life are important and necessary to keeping growing and moving. It's important to have a time of self-evalution and look at your life with a big picture mentality. BUT sometimes that's hard to do, right? We get stuck in a rut. We get used to our comfortable routines and strive to feel safe.

The past few years I have been trying my best to balance a lifestyle of ministry and entrepreneurship at the same time. Let me just say it - IT'S NOT EASY. Just recently I had to make some tough decisions in order to make sure I'm heading towards the goals I have in life. I'm having to take some big risks and leave somethings that I love behind.

Most of you know where I'm coming from. It's the game of trying to run a business, raise a family, and serve your purpose all at once. At first I was great at coming up with excuses: "I have no time," or "I don't have enough money," or "Nobody will help me." But here is maybe the biggest lesson I learned about going after my dreams - ready? The biggest obstacle is yourself.

The biggest thing that gets in the way of your success is you. You have to come to a point where you stop blaming your failures on your circumstances or on people that did not come through for you. It's called a blind spot. Sometimes people fail to see their weaknesses because they are too worried about the past or too worried about what others think. Bottom line - if you don't know you have a problem you can't fix it.

So here is a list of some blind spots that you may have. Be honest with yourself and do some self evaluation when it comes to these areas.

Ways We get in Our Own Way:

1. Bad Attitudes. This quote explains it well: “No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” - Helen Keller (who was blind and deaf)

2. A lack of focus. People that lack focus have trouble not because they are too busy, but because their priorities are out of whack. You go task to task without making any progress while wasting your time and money. A lack of focus mean your shooting at targets with your eyes closed.

3. Not good with people. How do you interact with other people? Do you listen or are you just thinking of what you will say next? Are you genuine and authentic or do you always have a mask up? Do you expect everyone else to conform to you schedule and agenda? President Theodore Roosevelt put it plainly, " The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people."

4. Resisting change. Some people seem to be so consumed with the past that they neglect the present. You don't have to love change to be successful, but you have to be willing to accept and embrace it. Learn to like flexibility or learn to live with your failures.

5. Seeking the short-cuts. Look, there are not cutting corners. I've tried it... in ministry, at work, doing photography... it never pays off in the long run. We usually underestimate the time it takes to create something of value. You have to be willing to pay your dues.

6. Relying on your talent. Talent is overrated. There are people running some very successful businesses or ministries and it seems like they don't have a talent to their name. How are they so successful? David Bayles and Ted Orland explain it well: "Even at best, talent remains a constant, and those who rely upon that gift alone, without developing further, peak quickly and soon fade to obscurity." Talent without passion, perseverance, and a strong work ethic is worthless.

7. Having no goals. Joe L. Griffith says, "A goal is nothing more than a dream with a time limit." Most people have no goals because they have no dreams. With no dreams there is no passion or drive.

8. Afraid of risk. You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take. As a good friend of mine, Lara Casey, always says, "Feel the fear and do it anyways."

OPEN FIELDS

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:46:27 CDT

i'm finally shooting film and i am absolutely falling in love with it. i grabbed my canon ae-1 and a roll of fujifilm 400H and drove north of dallas at sunset to experiment a little. these images just came out gorgeous - i'm excited about what i will be doing with film in the months to come. enjoy.

LAKESIDE

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:44:40 CDT

How to know whether your models are rad: At the end of a photoshoot, if you tell them to jump in a lake - and they do it - this qualifies them as being rad. This definitely was a blast to shoot and I loved every second of editing it as well. That's how I know I really loved a shoot - I just can't stop editing it.

Courtney and Drew

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:25:32 CDT

Great models make it easy to make great photos. This couple is a great duo and I know they are going places together. I appreciate their willingness to stand out in the Dallas heat of the summer for me. Hope you enjoy!

Johnny and Kim: The Wedding Day

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:45:49 CDT

It was an honor shooting this Texas wedding... Johnny and Kim are good friends of mine. Who wouldn't want to cover the wedding day of such a cool couple? Johnny has been serving in ministry for years and Kim has been serving for years as well - she even spent a few years in Haiti on the mission field. This couple is going places.

Ella Nova Lapsley

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:23:47 CDT

I finally was able to go meet my niece, Ella, and get some quick shots of her while I visited. She's an amazing baby... my sis and bro-in-law did a great job. I'm looking forward to watching her grow up into a young lady... be sure that there will be many photos.

PREVIEW: TODD AND DANIELLE

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:29:58 CDT

blah blah blah text goes here

GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:34:00 CDT

I got to shoot Green River Ordinance, a local Dallas band, at House of Blues the other night. These guys just got signed by Virgin Records and are blowing up. Be sure to follow them ( @GRO ) and check out their tunes!

JESSICA AND DAVE

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:01:42 CDT

PORTRAITS: GINA

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:11:54 CST

THREE THINGS I'VE LEARNED THIS YEAR

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:46:12 CST

1. You can do anything you commit to. When I first decided to leap into the photography industry I was told by many people that I didn't have enough experience or that I didn't know what I was getting into. I was also told that this was off of my path and that I was going to be distracted from what I was "meant" to do. It's true... I did NOT have any experience and I did NOT know all that I was getting into. There was one thing that I DID know: I was going to be a photographer. I researched equipment, I asked the advice of photographers that I knew, I picked the brains of small business owners, and I sought counsel from those who's opinions mattered most. I found the most support from my mother and my girlfriend. That was enough for me. I did the research, and shot as many people as I could (for free) to build my portfolio, and put myself out there. Nobody held my hand and told me to do this or to do that... nobody was patting me on the shoulder and saying "Keep your chin up! It's all going to work out." That was up to me. I believe my creator has already put everything that I need inside of me to fulfill the passions that beat within. Four months after I made the decision to leap into photography I had a website, business cards, a blog, a portfolio of at least fifteen portrait shoots, two weddings, and plenty more booked for the months to come. To a seasoned photographer that may not seem like success, but 4 months into it I felt that if I accomplished what I did, then I could accomplish anything! I had coffee the other day with an old friend who admitted that they didn't really believe I would go far in photography... they thought it wouldn't amount to much. I don't blame them... so many people START things and never follow through. Why would I be expected to succeed? It's hard to find people who truely believe in you... but you really only need one person to believe in you when it comes down to it.... and thats you. Moral of the story: You can do ANYTHING you commit to.

2. True fulfillment comes by helping others. Since the age of fourteen I have been involved in youth ministry. My experienced spanned the roles of worship leader, jr. high youth pastor, highschool pastor, college pastor, creative arts pastor, and even church janitor. If there's one thing I learned being in ministry for the last 13 years I have learned this: There's no better fulfillment in life other than giving to others. When I crossed over into the photography business I made it my goal to give and help others in whatever way I can. It has proven difficult because I don't just want to give someone photos for free - I want to change their life in whatever small way I can. I don't just want to become friends with another photographer - I want to give them that extra support and encouragement needed to go the distance. We all have so many things to offer... whether it be experience, information, encouragement, equipment, advice, an open ear, praise, money, a positive attitude, training, or just giving someone company during a hard time. In whatever business or industry you are in you need to make a commitment to look for opportunities to give. Better yet - MAKE opportunities to give. You'll sleep better and others in your life will sleep better. But sometimes that still doesn't feel like enough, which brings me to my third lesson...

3. Don't ever be satisfied. I see too many people settle for the life that they live. Who wants a career that makes you want to bash your face into the wall by the water cooler every morning at work? I had those jobs... the jobs where I thought to myself, "This is not me." I'm twenty seven and life is not getting any shorter. How many more years must I revert back to the jobs that make me want to throw myself off the nearest cliff? I wasn't always "working" in churches. Most of the time I had a side job to pay the bills so that I could get by while I tried to make something of myself. Sometimes those "side jobs" are necessary, but those side jobs must never take the place of what you know you want to do. What does your heart beat for? What fires you up? Just a few months ago I was invited by the amazing Lara Casey to Making Things Happen, an intensive designed to fire you up and send you out towards your passions. I had lost sight of dreams that I have always had... desires to do great things that were always within me. Since the intensive I have been on a crazy, but amazing journey rekindling those passions that had faded away through years of disappointments and "side jobs." I can't settle anymore. I can't wait for life to just happen to me. I have to make things happen. Like I said earlier, I believe God has gifted me and put everything inside of me that I need to do great things. Most people are always waiting on God, but I believe God is always waiting on us.

In closing, I have to relay the importance of having people in your life that inspire, encourage, and motivate towards the things that most people think you cannot do. If you can commit, focus on helping others, and refuse to be satisfied with the status quo I believe you can achieve anything.

Dreaming Big,
Jesse Ryan

NEW CARDS

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:34:44 CST

Finally got my new business cards in. I feel like I have all my bases covered now when it comes to branding. At least for now. Well, for now my blog, website, twitter, catalog, and cards all fit together with the same simple dark brown/light brown/wood theme. I really like things to look simple and clean. I'm happy with my new cards... I feel they give the feel I'm wanting to convey. I ordered these cards through http://www.moo.com . I will probably use another company because there are a few changes I want to make on the card, but for now this will do. Where do you guys get your cards? Thoughts?

Johnny & Kim

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:22:14 CST

Meet Johnny and Kim. Johnny and I go back a few years... we worked together as youth pastors at a church in the North Texas area. Kim has recently moved back to the states after serving through missions for a few years in Haiti. Kim hadn't been back in the states long before the earthquake struck Haiti - Johnny and Kim were on a plane as soon as they could find a flight. We shot this just a few days after they returned from Haiti. Amazing. Johnny and Kim are "good peoples" as we would say in Louisiana... keep an eye out for this couple because they're going to do big things.

TEXAS SNOW

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:15:21 CST

Today was a blast. I went out in a rare Texas snow storm for an engagement shoot. The couple, Jonny and Kim, are good friends of mine and I'm excited to be shooting their engagement and wedding. I must say... it was a challenge shooting in snow so thick, but I brought an umbrella along to keep my gear dry. After the shoot, I followed a crowd of kids to a large hill where families were sledding! I got some great shots of families having a good ol' time in the snow. I put photos below of the sledding and a shot or two from the engagement shoot. More to come from the engagement shoot! Stay warm people!

A COLORADO WINTER

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:03:08 CST

I recently got to travel to Colorado and took some photos that I thought were worth posting here on the blog. The cabin I was staying at was surrounded by the tallest trees which let the sun escape between to create some beautiful images. It was really my first time in snow... remember, I'm a Louisiana boy. It was an experience to remember.

BRANDING YOURSELF: THIS ONE'S FOR YOU CREATIVE BUSINESS FOLKS

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:18:03 CST

Branding... to me "branding" has always seemed like this elusive and intangible thing that I just haven't been able to grasp. You hear eight thousand different definitions of branding and just as many methods. It's so hard to simplify the concept of branding and make it applicable to your business or creative endeavors. I have spent the last month really looking at my business and my passions and trying to hone in on what make my business completely unique. I'm learning the answer to that question is found in what makes ME completely unique. I have such a passion for photography... but I'm just as passionate about other things. I have a passion for those who are in need and have decided this month to start a second business/organization called Relief Photo. I want to help aid causes that will make a difference in the world - causes like stopping human trafficking, providing fresh drinking water, and aiding relief efforts in coutries experiencing crisis. I also have a passion for small businesses and want to inspire and help those starting out to get on their feet in whatever way possible. I have groundwork in place for alot of big things. BUT for some reason I felt the need to leave those things out of my blog, website, and branding. Why? Fear. I think I have just been afraid of the reaction I might receive. But those passions are what make my brand.

After I attended the Making Things Happen Intenvsive this month I have been on a journey of really discovering what makes me tick and what fires me up. Lara Casey, founder and cheif editor of Southern Weddings Magazine suggested the book Crush It. I read it in one day. I just finished two more amazing books that have really opened up my mind, and soul, to branding and the true principles behind the concept. These three books are MUST READS if you want to see forward progress in your branding! The iPad isn't the most popular thing on the planet just yet, so until then you will have to settle for the stacks of paper that are bound together with words on them... books. Here are a few passages from some of these books... if they ring true with you, then get them and read them, please. It will revolutionize the way you look at your business/ organization/ ministry.

"When you're thinking about your personal brand, don't worry that it will have to look like anyone else's in order for you to crush it. You'll crush it as long as you concentrate on being yourself. Besides, you can't be like anyone else. You brand will be unique and interesting because you are unique and interesting. Don't put on an act to try to imitate anyone else who'd had some success with social marketing. You will lose because people can sniff out a poser from a mile away." - Gary Vaynerchuk - Crush It

"We hear the question "What do you do for a living?" all the time. Your professional category is the wrong answer. You are so much more than your profession. That's what makes you stand apart." - Michael Port - Book Yourself Solid

Does anyone else know any great books, websites, or blogs on branding? If so leave a comment and let us know! Thanks guys!

-JR

Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port
Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath

COLOR OR BLACK AND WHITE? YOU CHOOSE.

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:33:11 CST

I just can't seem to decide whether I like this photo in color, or in black and white. What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know!
-JR

Well, you guys have chosen the color image and I decided to send that photo and another of my photos to possibly be featured on The Art of The Trench website. They accepted both photos! You can view them here: http://tinyurl.com/ylhjvrt & http://tinyurl.com/ygnoham

HAITI - WHAT THE CRAP CAN I DO?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:47:44 CST

Haiti - the poorest country in the southern hemisphere. The city of Port-Au-Prince is destroyed. 1.5 million are rendered homeless. An estimated 200,00 thousand are dead in comparison to the estimated 230,000 killed in the Asian tsunami that occurred years back. Red Cross is there. Other smaller non-profits are on the ground doing what they can. Some churches are feeding 10,000 homeless people 3 meals a day. Thousands are down in Haiti helping but the need is so great. I watched a video of a man walking down a street in Port-Au-Prince with a camera crew about a week after the earthquake - bodies everywhere, Haitians digging in through the rubble for loved ones with trash bags tied on their hands because they have no access to gloves, no one wearing shoes. Not a soldier, doctor, or relief worker in site. No hopes of a bulldozer coming through anytime this month. I'm not saying that nothing is being done. Like I said, thousands are down there doing as much as they can. I have some friends who flew down there as fast as they could because they served as missionaries there for years. I'm sharing to show the urgent need, and the need will remain for months - even years.

What can I do? That's what I have been asking myself everyday. About every other day I text a number to Red Cross towards the relief effort. I only have so much money. So now what? Well, I guess I go on with my usual routine and try to remind myself that people are suffering in Haiti. That's what I did during the landslide in Honduras. That's what I did during the tsunami in Asia. I'm tired of doing nothing. I'm not saying that giving money does not help. It does! Keep giving! Keep texting! I am as well! But I have to do more. I have to do more.

I sat in a room with 15 teenagers last night and showed them a video of Mark Driscoll walking through the streets of Haiti ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQo76Itl6cw ). Before the video was over, almost all of them were in tears. I turned the TV off, turned to them and said, "Now what?". "We do something!" one of them said. They all shouted in agreement. "Ok, what do we do?" I asked. The room went silent. Isn't that how most of us feel? We ask ourselves what more can we do than just give as much as we can? We feel useless. No resources. No money. No connections. So what do we do?

One of the students suggested they go from door to door asking for support. Another suggested they pass containers around in the lunch room to collect funds. One suggested that we hold a water drive - sending emails, tweets, fb messages, and flyers to collect water. This weekend a few of them will be walking door to door in their neighborhood offering neighbors to crack a raw egg on their head if they donate $20 dollars for Haiti relief.

This all hits home with me so much. From the age of 14 I have travelled across the world with churches doing ministry, relief work, and outreaches. I lived in China for a summer, and spent ample time in South Africa and Nepal. I love travelling - I love other cultures - I love helping. It hurts - kinda makes me mad - that I can't be in Haiti right now.

I'm saying all of this to make a point. You ready for it? DO WHAT YOU CAN, AND MORE. There's a quote I always come back to: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing you've been doing and expecting different results." Stop doing what you always do. Think outside the box. Get creative. Grow a pair! Collect money around your office for Haiti. Host an event in your apartment complex or neighborhood. Sell some of your artwork. Throw a concert to raise money. Have a carwash. Do a bake sale. Just DO something. You'll be surprised because people want to give and are just looking for somewhere tangible to give towards. Once you raise whatever amount, give it towards an organization that you know is down in Haiti bustin' their tails. I'll include a list of charities/organization that you can give to.

Now you may be thinking... "Who the heck do you think you are?! What are YOU doing to help?" Well, I'm doing what I can. I've already started a fund with the students I mentioned above. We already have some events planned and I also have some large events in the works that I will be sure to post more info about soon. As of now, I will be giving 10% of my net income from my photography business towards Haiti relief. Making a difference in the world is not just a fad that I'm in... the crisis in Haiti has spurred me to dream bigger. I plan on starting a second business that gives 50% of it's income towards countries/peoples in need; especially countries in crisis situations. Not only do I want to raise money to help, but I also want to raise awareness and inspire otheres, especially small businesses, to do something and make a difference.

So do something. Don't wait for someone else to do it. They won't. I just imagine a tired, thirsty, young man trying to dig his family out of the rubble in the middle of Port-Au-Prince with no one around to help - and with no hope. Thinking about that just fires me up. So do something. Do you have any ideas? Any plans to help? Comment and let us know what you are doing! Tweet this post ( http://tinyurl.com/yd2usmu) and get people inspiried to do something.

Relief Efforts:
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.charitywater.org/
http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti
http://www.helpinghaitianangels.org/
http://www.water.cc/
http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/haiti/
http://www.worldvision.org/

JOSH & KELLY

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:57:57 CST

CLAUDIA & MARIO

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:26:45 CST

SOME LIVE MUSIC

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:24:37 CST

I've had the opportunity to shoot some great live shows... including This Beautiful Republic, Ben Rector, Radio Revival, Jillian Edwards, David Ramirez, Seth Philpott, and The Northern Lights. I threw some of my fav shots from these shows below. Good times!

BREANNA'S BRIDAL PORTRAITS

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:27:24 CST

Below is a bridal shoot that I pulled together with the help of my girlfriend, Angelika (@angelikaeleni), her friend Breanna, and the make-up work of Pure Colour. I had the experience of making a bouquet for the first time. I seriously never thought I would see the day when I would be choosing flowers and ribbons and then fashioning a bouquet. Weird. Either way.. the shoot turned out great. Let me know what you think. Good times.
-Jesse Ryan

MY TRAVELS: FILM

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:24:56 CST

Most of the photos shown here were taken with panoramic film. The above and following images were taken in South Africa. The photo above was in actually in Swaziland. We arrived with tons of food and clothing for the students at the school - about a 1-2 mile walk for each student.

I was alot closer to the wildebeest than it seems. It just seemed too serene a scene to not shoot. Below is a shot I took out of my hotel window in Durban, South Africa. You can see the Durban skyline off in the distance.

The photo above and below was taken in Honduras about 3 hours out of the city. We took a break on a bridge that overlooked this landscape and I snapped away. About an hour after I took this video our van rolled down the mountain a few times with us in it. No one was hurt and we all walked away with a pretty sweet story.

Image above: Konstanz, Germany overlooking Lake Konstanz south towards Austria.
The following images are all from my travels in the Phillippine Islands, near Cebu. One day we took a catamaran out to sea, dropped anchor, caught and ate our dinner out there on the boats, swam for a while before the tide went out, and enjoyed a gorgeous day watching rain clouds move in and out of the distance. I have never been more sunburnt.

EMIRYN: SENIOR PORTRAITS

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:11:53 CST

Here are a few shots from Emiryn's senior portrait session. We had some perfect fall weather and the sunlight was just right. Senior portraits are always a blast to do... I always look forward to them.

Angelika Eleni

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:33:47 CST

Christine and Cortney

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:11:36 CST

DREW ANDERSON

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:13:32 CST

THOMAS AND TAYLOR TURNER

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:29:08 CST

VANIA VANHULST

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:36:02 CST

BLAKE MYCOSKIE

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:51:30 CST

This week I really have to thank God and my lucky stars for all the opportunities that have opened up recently. I have be so busy that is crazy. It seems like just 3 months ago I would be waking up in the morning hoping the phone would ring but now I have more business than I know what to do with. And I love it. But I know... when it rains it pours, and when there's drought there's famine. So I'm eating up this busy time while it's busy. Anyways... my good friend Alexander Pappas asked me to come shoot Blake Mycoskie, the chief shoe-giver and founder of Tom's Shoes. For every pair of shoes that you purchase, Tom's gives a pair to a kid in need. Blake and his crew primarily work in Guatemala and Ethiopia although doors are opening to other countries. Blake is a major inspiration to young entrepreneurs wanting to make a difference and not just be successful. He's a rad and down to earth guy. So go so your support and buy a pair!

NICOLE LUGAR

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:58:40 CST

AURORA and MICHAEL

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:01:37 CST

Johnny & Kim

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:20:25 CST

MAEGAN WRIGHT

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:57:13 CST