Meet Horace Ryans III | Photographer, Life Long Learner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Horace Ryans III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Horace, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am a recovering perfectionist. I desired perfection in every aspect of my life: school, my social life, and even my own photography. I felt like if everything was perfect, I wouldn’t really need to stress; and with no stress I could be happy…Perfection, of course, is completely unattainable and unrealistic. Nothing is ever perfect. And even if it something was perfect, I know that I will never reach my own expectations for anything that I do. It’s like climbing a ladder that lengthens as you go up. This was reflected in how hard and how long I would spend on all of my work. A simple discussion post that normally takes 20 minutes would take an hour. As a photographer, I would try so hard to get the perfect shot, the perfect level of exposure, and composition. And don’t even get me started on editing. Even though my clients LOVED my photos, I was never satisfied because they were not “perfect.” Now, a year and some change later, I’m in my sophomore year of college where I do not have so much free time and school is definitely starting to pick up. The most important lesson I’ve learned is knowing what takes priority and what can take a back seat. I used to put my art over everything; I would give anything to go out with my camera and create something. Now I know I have sit down and study before I can create anything. Don’t get me wrong, I love school; but photography is my passion too. Work-life balance is extremely hard and I know that I haven’t mastered it. There are still some days when these two facets of my life pull against each other and not in a fun way. But as I grow, knowing what I have do versus what I want to do becomes a little easier.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a conceptual portrait photographer. I love telling peoples stories through my photos. Photography honestly feels like it’s in my blood. My grandfather loved taking pictures, and so does my mom. I just feel like it was also passed down to me. My grandfather past last August and I’m not going to lie, I was too heartbroken to continue with my art. Now, I keep going to honor him and his memory. I shoot with his old Canon T3i to hold to a piece of him whenever I do take pictures. Professionally, I will be honest, it was not hard getting here. A camera felt so right in my hands when I first picked it up I was getting really good images. As I continue to learn the technical and foundations to photography, I only get better. One thing I will say is that this art form is not easy. Art takes time to perfect. Personally, I think that photography is one of those art forms that is undervalued and under appreciated. I mean we have cameras in our back pockets all the time. So to me, picking up your phone and taking a great picture is fine. But deliberately setting up a shot, getting the composition just right, messing with the lighting, and all that…that’s what makes this art form beautiful. And that’s why I love doing it. The challenge is finding the time (and the money) to do what I love. I do headshots on the side to try and help fund my different projects but it’s really all about time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots

To hang out, Black Coffee ATL for sure. Beautiful Black owned coffee shop. Then of course Ponce City Market; and then the Belt Line because that’s always a great time. I’d also go ahead and throw Five Points on the weekend just for the vibes. Oh and Piedmont, I love it there.

To eat there are just too many places. Velvet Taco, Hattie B’s, Goodfellas, Negril ATL, Jenny’s (for Ice Cream), Sri Thai, and then some smaller food spots that I keep in my back pocket. Yes, I am gatekeeping!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A couple people:

My parents for always supporting me and always being there. They never ever discouraged from anything I was passionate about. They allowed to pursue so many different hobbies and ideas until I found the ones that stuck. I try to honor them in all that I do. I’m blessed to have gone through them.

I’m a triplet, so I have to give love to my two twin sisters. Without these two I would not be the man I am today. They are the two most important women in my life and without them I do not know where I would be. They mean the world to me and I thank them for being who they are because they helped shape who I am today.

My brothers Tj, and Caleb. I am the oldest boy in my family, so I never had brothers. Tj and Caleb became my life long friends overnight. I met them here are Morehouse and I cannot tell you how much love I have for these two. I consider them apart of my village and they have guided me through some of the most challenging times in my life.

My sisters Taylor, and Kyla. I already have sisters, but these two are different. I also met Taylor and Kyla in college; but it feels like I’ve known them for a lifetime. The love I have for these two is as if they were my own biological siblings. They always support me and push me to be better. I am honored to call these two my friends.

Tamir, Octavius, and Burrell. My strongest mentors. I won’t say too much but these four men have carried me through some of the most pivotal moments in my life. Without them, I do not know where I’d be. To them, I am the little brother. They inspire me, love me, and care for me in ways that only a brother can. I am thankful for all that they do for me.

Lastly: the Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. Every time I read that book it changes my life.

Website: https://hr3photography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @h.ryans.iii @hr3.jpg

Linkedin: Horace Ryans III https://www.linkedin.com/in/horace-ryans-iii-204958161/

Image Credits
Horace Ryans III