Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Christopher Kynard.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I got started with photography very late in life. Originally I bought I Canon T3 Rebel just so could get some quality pictures for family vacations. Then people started telling me how great photos were turning out, so I sought out to become better. With the inspiration of my eldest sister Michelle Nixon, I was able to hone my skill and become the owner of my very own photography business. It was difficult at first finding a style that fit me and working hand in hand with models, but I eventually found my stride. I have found through my life that art has a very beautiful way of inspiring people and more importantly making them feel so good about themselves. I believe for me that is the driving force behind being a photographer is making people feel like they are the most beautiful creation in all the world. The transition to becoming an artist was very difficult because I started off as a high school jock. But after losing my father at the age of 15, I lost my sense of purpose but finding my way to God lead me down a different path which is how ended up here today.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a portrait photographer, and my purpose is to show people how beautiful they are. I show people as they are, or rather a more accurate description is I show the world how to see the people who are the focus of my lens. Every person has some kind of beauty about them, but every day I hear people say about themselves “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not pretty enough”. How awful is that? To go through life believing that about yourself, or believing it because somebody else said it to you. No, I am here to destroy the lie and to show each person that I take a photo of, the so specific and beautiful form that God has put on this earth. My hope, that when people see my artwork, they see a beautiful human being. Not this sexualized form that the world puts out of men and women that get all the likes and comments on Instagram. I want people to see the genuine soul of the people in my portraits. I want the humanity of my subjects to come forth and for not only you, but also them to say “Wow how beautiful that soul is”.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I see success as sticking to what you believe in as an artist. Not changing your style or who you are to fit in a mold. For example, I have had many people ask me to shoot lingerie and boudoir. Now don’t get me wrong, there is an art to that, and I can do it, but when many people see that, they aren’t focusing on the soul, they are focused on the body, and this beautiful form becomes a piece of meat. I do not want to put that out there myself, so I don’t.
As an artist, I also believe that one must have humility and honor for the craft and also for the people you work with. Taking the time to know yourself and understand your limitation and not letting your ego get the best of you will make you great. And honor those who take the time out of their life to work with you and make them feel like the most beautiful creation God ever made.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be found on my Instagram account. I also have my YouTube channel featuring an inspiration series called “Express Yourself” that I am currently directing.
For those who do not have an Instagram, I have my website. I also have my personal Instagram for inspirational word and life.
You can support my work by following my pages, liking and commenting on my work; you can also share my pages on your own social media and also book a shoot. Also just reach out and have a friendly chat, I love talking to new people.
Contact Info:
- Website: rckynard.wixsite.com/photographs
- Phone: 951-285-7068
- Email: kynard.is.ryan@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rckphotographs
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/Sunshine3353/videos?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Adelaine Diaz
Grecia Diaz
Brittany Marquez
Natalie Capilla
Caroline Pantoja
Carolyn Tellez
Ashley Castaneda
Jem
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
