Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Ryan.
Lucas, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I used to skateboard a lot and casually shoot photos of my friends and bands. I got injured and couldn’t skate as much, but still wanted to be with the group so I started shooting all the time. Got published for some skateboard stuff, got to shoot some big bands, models, weddings etc. and eventually stumbled upon the world of event photography, primarily horse shows. I started travelling the country following the horse shows wherever they took me. Fast forward to 2014, I moved out to San Diego to grow my business even more. (I lived in Indiana before moving here). Now I spend the majority of my year travelling the west coast shooting horses. When I’m in San Diego I still shoot musicians but mostly just local acts for free or very cheap as a way to give back and support the local music scene.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are still struggles with being a freelancer for a living. Sometimes it can get pretty stressful trying to book gigs and get travel figured out and whatnot. It’s a feast or famine lifestyle sometimes.
Dread Pirate Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
People know and recognize me in the horse world because of the very unique style I bring. Because my foundation lies in skateboard and music photography, I have a different style than most equestrian photographers. I love shooting in low light and playing with different lighting/flash techniques. I’m most proud of the fact that I have yet to shoot for someone who didn’t ask me to shoot for them again later, ever. What sets me apart is my unwillingness to sacrifice my artistic vision and final product for anything else. I will lay on the dirt in a puddle, walk out in traffic, bring my camera into a mosh pit, whatever it takes to get the shot I want.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being able to live happily off of my art. Success is being my own boss and never working somewhere that “feels like a job”. I love what I do.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 317 509-6628
- Email: DreadPiratePhotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dreadpirate/
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