Day 11, get to know Ryan with Ryan Ricketts Photography!

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: I’ve been photographing ever since I dug through my parent’s attic and found my Dad’s 35mm Minolta camera back when I was in High School. I’ve always had a strong creative drive, and I think finding the camera and exploring the possibilities it holds really unlocked a whole new world for me. After a series of financially rewarding but personally unfulfilling jobs out of college, I realized I needed to make the switch to becoming a full-time professional photographer. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: My style is a fusion of photojournalistic and classical techniques. I really strive to allow the newlywed’s style and personality to shine through in each and every photograph. Some couples are more outgoing and adventurous on their wedding day and so the images will lend themselves to those types of creative and oftentimes off-the-cuff shots; while other couples may prefer a bit more of a traditional approach to the photographs. Ryan Ricketts Photography is well suited to all kinds of situations and personalities. 

Champagne: What would be your dream person/event to photograph?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: I would love to photograph my brother’s wedding. He is my big brother not to mention a phenomenal musician and the most creative person I know and he would put together the wackiest wedding so it would be a total blast to photograph his wedding. I suppose I would have to actually be in the wedding, so that’s really what makes it a dream. Also, he needs to find a good partner to settle down with. Ladies, any takers out there?!

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: The couples. I love meeting new people and being able to be a part of someone’s most memorable day is something that I cherish and never get tired of. I love photographing (did I mention that?) and being imaginative on their wedding day and working with them to create images that they will never forget. The idea that I get to photograph for my living still feels like a dream that I’m waiting to wake up from (note: don’t wake me!).

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: I think it all boils down to communication. There is so much communication between the couples and the photographers (not to mention other vendors such as the phenomenal Champagne Wedding crew!) that needs to happen in order for everyone to feel at ease on their wedding day so that there are no surprises. Changes will always occur and nothing will ever go perfectly, but having expectations and a set of goals for the wedding day are crucial to executing successfully. For example, I urge all of my couples to flesh out a list of all of the “must-have” shots of their day weeks or even months prior to the wedding so that at the very least, those shots are captured. That type of preparation and foresight is paramount to a successful wedding. But then also being open to the little moments that unfold by themselves on the wedding day is key.

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: When I’m not out on an event, I’m normally working on personal photography projects (I love to photograph portraits, music concerts, sporting events) to keep the creative juices flowing. I’m also a music freak, so I’ll frequent local record stores (love me some vinyl!) and I try and go to as many live shows as possible. So if you happen to see me out at any of the great venues in the Portland area, say “hi”!

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: What really sets me apart from other photographers is my youthful exuberance for photography and for photographing weddings. I want this to be a memorable day of course, but I also want it to be just an all-around fun time for you and yours. I love collaboration and that’s how I think of wedding photography. It’s a collaboration of minds and personalities and I love to see where that connection takes the day and the images. It’s time for you to relax and enjoy yourself on your wedding day. Let’s hike up that hill to the vista of Mt. Hood, to that old barn behind the wedding site, or that street corner with the intersection of railroad tracks that really makes you smile and means something to you. I can’t wait to see where the day will take us!

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Ryan Ricketts Photography: Though Ryan Ricketts Photography is based in the Northwest, we are keen on shooting destination weddings and would love to travel with you with camera in hand to take some really memorable and fantastic images.  Cheers!

Champagne: Thank you, Ryan [Ryan Ricketts Photography], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out his website and become a fan on facebook!

Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?

We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team

P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )