PHOTOGRAPHER | RYAN FORBES

I discovered the beauty of photography at the age of 13 when my father, an Art Director, gifted me with his old camera. I would spend hours pouring through the photography books that he would bring home from the office, conceptualizing and imagining my own photo shoots. Every week I could be found gathering props and wardrobe pieces from around my home, constructing “elaborate sets” on my back porch and “casting” neighborhood kids for my shoots. Armed with only my ideas and creativity, I would utilize old table lamps for lighting and cheap, everyday 36mm film to capture my “highly produced” photo shoots. Although, I never quite achieved the polished, professional look of those in the photography books, the whole photo shoot process was really exciting to me and I couldn’t wait to do the next shoot. I was so crazy about photography that my parents encouraged me to follow my dreams and go to a photography school.

After graduating from Hallmark Institute of Photography, I began my journey as a professional photographer, exploring and honing my craft. Even after all of these years, I still get that same, thrilling feeling I did as a teenager about my shoots, only now it’s more satisfying to know that the end results are much closer to what I envision. Collaborating with an amazing crew and post-production team helps make this possible, and also the best job in the world!

I have had the great fortune of working with many amazing clients and traveling around the world, experiencing life from many different perspectives. I am so thankful for these opportunities, as they continue to inspire my work, pushing me creatively and artistically. I look forward to each and every day as new adventures and images are waiting to be had.