Meet Rylan Wright | Atlanta Based Photographer

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

Hi Rylan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think of risks as doing something that is completely out of your comfort zone or doing something where you aren’t sure what the outcome will be, but you try anyway. For me, one of the biggest risks I took was moving to a new city (Atlanta) where I knew little to no one. This was also a huge risk in my photography career because I was leaving a town where I had an established client base and moved to this big city where I had ZERO clients. And looking back on it now, a year later, it was the best decision I could’ve made. I have grown in more ways than I thought could. Not only as a photographer but as a person as well!

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.
The story of my photography journey is funny to me. It’s something I never would’ve expected for myself but I wouldn’t change a thing and I’m proud of myself for doing it.

I’ve been into photography since I was 15 but back then I was only taking pictures of nature, landscapes, and my dogs. As a 15 year old does.

It wasn’t until I was 21, that I started doing photography professionally. Believe it or not, I started out as a food photographer and social media manager for a local bagel shop in my college town.

From there, I had a friend who knew I took the pictures for the bagel shop and she ended up asking me to take her graduation pictures. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I still said yes. Little did I know, this was actually where my photography career would begin.

I knew I wanted to keep doing graduation photography and needed to figure out a way to get my name out there. Therefore, I created an instagram account and a website, and Rylan Wright Photography was born. For the next 2 years, I branded myself as a graduation photographer at the University of Alabama and I loved every minute of it.

But, life happened, and I ended up moving to the great city of Atlanta, GA in July of 2023. I knew just about no one, and had zero clients here but I didn’t want to give up on my photography. My first thought was to try and continue with graduation photography at some of the Georgia colleges, but instead, I found myself doing something completely different.

I was first introduced to the world of working with models doing fashion, editorial and creative portrait photography which i whole-heartedly adored. This is what I predominantly do, but I also dabble in more landscape photography, street photography and even engagements from time to time. All this to say, the city of Atlanta and the community of Creatives here have shown me what it’s like to have creative freedom. I don’t stick to one type of photography anymore which is why I have now branded myself as versatile photographer.

When I look back on how I started versus where I am today, I’d say that it wasn’t easy getting to this point. There was A LOT I had to learn simply by taking a risk and throwing myself into it. But, it also wasn’t necessarily hard because I was doing what I absolutely love.

I’m definitely still growing and still learning through this journey but here is some advice I’d give to anyone starting a business: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and throw yourself into something that’s out of your comfort zone. It’ll only make you stronger. If you mess up, it’s okay. It’ll help you in the long run. Lastly, never stop wanting to learn. The more you learn, the better you will be.

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?
This is such a good question. One thing about Atlanta, is the food scene is superb. So I’d definitely take my friends to some of my favorite restaurants which include, Grana in Piedmont Heights, Tabla in Buckhead, Little Alley Steak in Buckhead, and Whiskey Bird in Virginia Highlands. Then we’d probably go for drinks at some point so I’d take them to some cool places on the Beltline, The Battery, the bars in Virginia Highlands, or any of the cocktail lounges in Midtown. If we wanted to hit some tourist spots, I’d definitely bring them to Ponce City Market, The Botanical Gardens, and the Aquarium. For a chill shopping, eating, walking around day, I’m definitely taking them to Buckhead Village!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents and my sister, they are my rock and the ultimate role models in every aspect of my life.

My partner Carmine, who constantly motivates me and shows endless support in everything i do.

The incredible models and photographers who have allowed me to work with them and learn from them. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Website: https://rylanwrightphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @rylanwrightphotography

Image Credits
Credit for my personal picture: Michelle Tabrizi.