Meet Ryan Jensen | Photographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Jensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve never not considered a creative career. I’m a chef by training. I graduated from Culinary School in 2007 and spent over 30 years working in various kitchens across Salt lake City, Utah and the Atlanta Metro. Secretly i actually wanted to be some sort of artist, in the past few years, that want has been directed towards photography, though i do paint a little and i have been working as a Stage Manager for the Cherokee Theatre Company in Canton, Ga.

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 try to be a photographer. I’m not sure what genre my photos would be considered, Street, Documentary? Mostly I just try to make photographs of the things that I see that interest me. I suppose that my own interpretation of reality would be what sets me apart from other photographers, just as theirs sets them apart from me.
I took my first photography classes while in high school. Learned what a camera was, how to develop film and make prints. Maybe the most challenging part of the process has been learning to adapt. From Film to digital, from darkroom printing to computer editing, and then back again when I rediscovered a love of film photography. Film is Back!
Ability to adapt is key. Life is constantly changing, as is technology. Find what you enjoy, Learn how to notice the small things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Unfortunately, I’m not a particularly “fun” kind of guy. If I were in charge of the itinerary, we’d eat at home, hang out at home and mostly stay at home.
I suppose that’s not really true. Cheeseburgers at the Vortex are usually on the agenda. I also enjoy taking people to the High Museum. Usually when I have out of town guests, we pick a destination within about a four hour driving radius and take tiny road trips. Savannah, Mobile, Charleston, Chattanooga. The destination usually isn’t as important to me as the journey to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout The Acworth Arts Alliance. I’m fortunate to have been involved with them for several years. They were kind enough to include me for my very first experience publicly exhibiting my artwork.
Also, The Marietta Arts Council. My hometown Artist Group.
The South Cobb Arts Alliance is a wonderful group.
The Suwanee Arts council has been very kind to me and it’s always a pleasure to be a part of their exhibitions.
and the Atlanta Photography Group has been one of the best groups for me to help expand my photography skills.
Individually, shout out to;
Leafmore Studios, Becca and Justin are wonderful people and artists and it’s been a pleasure to know them.
Brian Galgano, Jee Su Kim, David Clifton-Strawn from the Atlanta Photography Group.
Malik King, even though we’ve never met face to face, we have an ongoing conversation that I’ve come to really value.
And everyone that has taken the time to talk with me, and teach me.

Instagram: r.jensen_photography

Other: newgrain:@r.jensen