Ryan Figard Photography

I like to understand what the customer wants before we start anything.  I try to vision what would be needed to complete a photoshoot and give them the "look" they're going after.  A thoughtful approach between both parties allows us to be creative, have fun and come away with something beautiful!

I studied at Academy of Arts University in San Francisco, CA from 2006-2010.  I learned my craft under some of the best professors in the country.  After school I continued my passion of photogaphy and worked it into my everyday life and very quickly my career.  

I'm always learning and trying to become better with each and every photoshoot.  I have done so many styles within the photography world, from music videos, to fashion portraits and my latest adventure becoming a food photographer full-time.  I just love creating art!

My rates do fluctuate depending on the job and the details involved but my starting rates are as follows:

Photography - $35/hr

Retouching - $50/hr

Again, these are starting rates and each job has a final price attached, with an estimated time of completion.

One day, my parents came home with a new camera and  I was hooked. I remember trying to find new things to photograph (after I ran out of family members and pets), and it left me wandering around each day, exploring and finding a new world for me.  

My Mother said I should go to art school and the rest was history, as they say.  Now, I'm a full-time photographer based in Reading, PA but work mostly out of Philadelphia, PA.  I love it!

I have worked with many customers/clients.  

My biggest has been with some food companies, shooting their products and giving life to their food.  I have photographed lifestyle imagery for some fashion companies/real estate brands and on occasion music groups/acts.  

Some of my recent work can be seen on my website but I'm always willing to share with a potential customer to give them peace of mind of what I can create.  I do alot and a wide variety, but it helps me become more balanced and I enjoy the range that I can express.

About two months ago I created my first music video with a few friends of mine.  It was so much fun working with moving imagery versus a standard still image.  It was a great experience and alot of fun, (hanging out with your friends and creating something cool? Sign me up!). It was something that I've always wanted to do and will look forward to it again in the future.  

I think creating any piece of art should be a fun experience, so make sure they enjoy what they're doing.  If you can feel they're passion, you'll get great photos.  A photographer should always take each photoshoot or opportunity with a new mindset of "I'm going to create".  

Sometimes I feel photographers turn their hobby into their career, but then it turns into their "jobs" and the fun is gone.  The good photographers stay passionate about their art, and it reflects in their work.

Always have at least a few ideas of what you'd like out your photoshoot.  The photographer can always use inspiration, although we will not copy other's work, it's good to see where you'd like to go.  It starts the conversation.  

Ask them about their pricing.  If there's a pricing issue, ask them why their prices are set at that.  

For me, it's quality.  I might have higher prices but those prices help me understand that my clients are looking for something different and unique. But when I'm paying another artist to either work with me or create something, I would like the highest quality my money is going to pay for.  

Figure out what's most important to you, and let them know, you'll be thankful you did when the final images come rolling in.