Meet the Team // Ryan: Assistant

World, meet Ryan! Ryan is one of our assistants and might also be known as the 'dark child'. (Can you tell by his self portrait?) However, for all of us who truly know him, he is a giant softy. We absolutely love Ryan for his sarcastic sense of humor, witty remarks and ironing skills - seriously, I can't tell you how many groomsman clothes he has ironed before a wedding!As a photographer, Ryan is a quiet surprise. He has the ability to hone in on a moment and absolutely nail it. These are always images that are print-competition-worthy and make me so proud to see him produce! Ryan - we love you and you are a giant part of this team! If you all see him on the streets, just don't talk about politics or religion - you'll be there for hours!

Q. What is your role in the Photogen Inc. Crew?To give aid and support to the lead Photographer.

Q. How did you begin working for Photogen Inc?

I stumbled in very early on when Photogen was a fledgling company and a pulse was just as important as skill. I had absolutely no experience shooting in a formal environment and all I had shot with was Canon Rebel XTI so I had to borrow a camera.

Q. What does it mean to be an assistant?

I do the things that need to be done throughout the day that the lead doesn't have the time to do. Mostly though, I am another perspective. I have more freedom to shoot the things that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Q. How has being a part of this crew helped you as an artist?

By being part of the crew I have become more competent with the tools we use. It's one thing to read about all the cool gadgets but getting to play with them everyday is much more interesting.

Q. What is your favorite part about shooting?

My favorite part about shooting is the camera can occasionally  be a pass to get you into places that are otherwise off limits. I have always been intrigued by those places marked "Employees Only" or "Authorized Personnel Only".  People tend to think you are permitted to be there when you have a giant camera and an even larger lens.  Those tucked away spaces typically have a much more interesting aesthetic.

Q. What else do you love in life, besides photography?

I have a four year old that could run circles around most kids her age. Foreign and domestic policy discussions. Books so big they exist in their own gravity well. A fine IPA. Cheese. Cereal. Dr. Who. And the fact that GRRM finished the damn book!

Q. How did you start out being a photographer?

I started out by taking a class in collage and discovering I really enjoyed it. And then I had a kid and all new parents fancy themselves photographers.

Q. What do you think you bring to this team?

I bring a love and appreciation to the art as well as a wicked impression of Brian Johnson of AC/DC Fame.

Q. What are you looking forward to the most for the 2011 season?

I look forward to seeing everyone's work and learning from it.