About Patricia D. Ryan
Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
I'm not one to sit and ramble on about myself. I'll happily answer any question posed, however, hence the FAQ format of the "about" section.
My photography is another thing I don't talk much about. I prefer to listen to what people have to say about it, rather than talk and miss what is being communicated.
How would you describe your attention span?
I dive in and become consumed with what I'm doing. I have to be challenged or interested in something to have that type of attention span, otherwise my mind will race onto other things.
When did you decide to become a photographer?
I didn't, I just kind of became one. This is fine by me! It's a passion.
What does photography mean to you?
Exploration. The world is completely different from behind a camera. Things that seem gritty become texture, things that seem pointless gain reason.
Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
Back when I was working with film, I took a picture of my mother's weathered hands holding a fully bloomed rose. It's still one of my favourites. The texture of her hands, the depth of field and the color of the rose were incredible.
Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
Not yet. I'm a self starter, always have been.
How technical is your photography?
I would say not, some would say it is. Depends on the audience and the shot. Personally, I prefer photography that comes about organically, both in the portraiture and the event photography that I do.
Define the word "beauty"!
From Merriam-Webster:
1: the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit : loveliness
2: a beautiful person or thing; especially : a beautiful woman
3: a particularly graceful, ornamental, or excellent quality
4: a brilliant, extreme, or egregious example or instance
From me: Beauty is subjective. It cannot be defined.
What is your most favourite and least favourite word in photography or life? How do they make you feel?
Favourite: Thanks. It's nice to hear, it's nice to say. But only if genuine.
Least favourite: Hate. I use the word, but I hate it. Hate is the most complex way of explaining you don't understand something.
How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
I don't think it does. My perception changes, but not my personality. Unless, by changing my perception I've altered my personality. Then I've become someone else entirely, haven't I?
Ever concerned about failure?
I don't believe in it. I believe in learning ways of not doing things.
Who are your influences?
Oddly, I don't have many that are photographers. In my personal work, I'm inspired and influenced by movies. Anything Pixar, Casablanca, Singing in the Rain, Elizabeth and Batman Begins are just a few.
I just watched a film by Shekhar Kapur (fantastic director): Elizabeth the Golden Age. Gorgeous photography and photography I don't see enough of in movies. It makes me think more in terms of angles and using the space around you to capture a moment.
Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
For horse event photography jobs I get up, discard any expectations of shots while in the shower and when I get dressed I slowly change into a photographer. Long before I pick up my camera I begin to think like one. I think about the obstacles I may run into and how to overcome them. I pack my gear, check my email and pack up my car.
I rock out while I drive to the location, get there early and setup my gear. I like to walk around, get a feel for the day and the place, meet any other early birds and fire off some test shots.
When the event begins, I let the event be the event. I try not to put my own spin or thoughts into the shots, I just photograph what is there. At the end of the day, I say my thank yous, pack up and head home. I spend the next several hours combing through the photos, correcting some, cropping others and uploading them.
Then, I eat something. Brush my teeth. And go to bed.
Personal days are just about the same, only instead of photography, I'm behind a computer doing web development and research and scheduling events. And, I eat more than one meal. Usually.
What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
Time! There isn't enough time in a day! Nor, coffee. Not enough coffee.
What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
Learning to find my own style. I'm still working on it. I'm still not sure if I want one.
What are your favourite subjects to photograph?
Horses. They are the most honest subject I've ever had. They're curious and have short attention spans, so you have to be quick and patient at the same time. It's a rush and I love it.
What types of assignments are you attracted to most?
I have two: things I've done before and things I've never done.
I love it when I have to shoot something I've shot a lot of, like horse clinics and things. It forces me to come into it fresh. How can I spice things up? What angles can I get that I haven't gotten before? How can I look at this less like a photographer and more like an audience member? How can I do all of these things objectively?
Secondly, I like the challenge of doing things I've never done before. I've never done fashion but would love to try it. One project I have in my head involves ballerinas and I can't wait to get it started, but I've never worked with dancers. How does that work? I look forward to finding out.
Mainly, anything where I am challenged technically and artistically attracts me.
Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
I think photography is an art, so therefore photographers are artists. I'm a photographer, so I suppose I'm an artist by default.
I think the term artist is used liberally. Perhaps too liberally. But it's subjective, just like the word "beauty".
Just because someone calls it art doesn't mean it is and doesn't mean it isn't.
How do you describe your photographic style?
I'm not certain I have a style yet or, perhaps, my style is simply randomness.
What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
Surprising: People love them enough to buy them. This always fascinates me.
Predictable: That people love the shots I generally don't like. It's a theme.
Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows ...
But then it wouldn't be a secret, would it?
