Photographer Feature: Rya Photos

I am SO excited to kick off a new “photographer feature” series on the blog where from time to time I will interview a PWDG customer/photographer to get a peak into their process and how they are using the Photographers Wall Display Guides in their businesses.  In the case of our first featured photographer Rya Dunklee of Rya Photos in Jacksonville FL it is also a chance to ogle her beautiful imagery!

I first became aware of Rya’s work when she send a customer support email and I was instantly taken with her completely branded email letterhead! Everything Rya does is is branded and beautiful and I know you will love learning more about her and her work as much as I did.

How long have you been in business?

In December of 2014, I completed my 3rd consecutive year in business. It also marked my 3rd complete year after leaving my “day job” as an advertising executive to pursue the craft full time.

How would you describe your style?

I would say that my style is light and airy with a touch of whimsy and adventure. I try to incorporate elements of landscape photography into my child photo sessions whenever I can. Travel has always been a big part of my life so I try to incorporate that experience into my imagery.

How long have you been using PWDG and how has it changed your business?

I began using PWDG about two years ago, right when I started incorporating IPS into my sales process. I love how user-friendly it is and the way that it brings my images to life. Clients can truly visualize their new custom artwork in a beautiful space and I find that in turn, PWDG helps boost my sales.

Have you found any uses for the PWDG other than during your IPS sessions? If so, what are some of the other ways you have incorporated them into your business?

So far my favorite thing about the PWDG (other than using for IPS) has been incorporating the finished gallery images into my website. They’re useful as tools for pre-consults, as part of your client welcome packets, etc. so you can get your clients thinking of wall galleries before you even have your session. I also like to post my latest wall gallery guide on Instagram as another way to put the bug in a client’s ear about custom, framed artwork. In 2015, I plan to have an entire page on my website dedicated to wall gallery inspiration in addition to a “how-to-hang your wall gallery” video. People buy what you show them. Just like people will book you for the type of photography you show them. Having a one-stop resource on your website, almost like an interior designer would, I think is vital to providing your clients with an end-to-end service.

What are some other tools you use that you find indispensable in your business (aside from the PWDG of course!)

I could not live without Lightroom and of course Photoshop! Whether I need to organize, cull, sync, or use my PWDG tool I find that both of these programs are just must-haves. I frequently use the LR preset to quickly arrange my PWDG guides. I also love pretty much anything that Design Aglow produces!

Do you have any words of wisdom for those just starting out? Is there anything you learned the hard way that you wish you’d known at the start?

If I were to do it all over again and start fresh knowing what I know now, I would definitely invest in high-end sample products, develop an in-person sales process from the start, and begin implementing it on every client order session straight away. Even if IPS wasn’t always an option, I would have Skyped! My goal now as a more seasoned photographer is to provide my clients with an end-to-end service, not just give them a disc of files. I find that the clients who invest in custom portraiture and custom product come back time after time, refer me out to the same echelon of clientele, and have a more fulfilled custom portrait experience over all. Oh, and I would NOT have done a Groupon! (yes, yikes…live and learn) Less is more. Quality not quantity.

Looking back on your career thus far, what are few highlights that stand out in your mind?
One of the accomplishments that I am most proud of is placing in the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) International Image Competition. I’ve placed consecutively in our two most recent competitions and am so honored to be recognized by my peers among such talented creatives. In fact, one of my images recently placed first in the children’s category. This was a huge achievement for me since child photography is my specialty.

I’ve also become proficient in underwater and Astrophotography. Adding these skill-sets to my repertoire has definitely elevated my photography. Photography is ever-evolving and it is one of my favorite things about the craft.

What upcoming projects or events or changes are you most looking forward to this year?

I recently traveled to Portland to work with the fabulously-talented commercial children’s photographer Shannon Sewell, making what I expect to be a life-long friend in the process. Shannon is a wonderful creative and mentor that I hope to continue to work with in the future.

Late fall 2014, I attended a Jinkyart Photography workshop with Barb Uli and was able to get an inside look at how Barb shoots. Barb is one of those people that you meet and instantly fall in love with. And she’s so funny!

Most recently, I returned from the annual NAPCP retreat where we shared, collaborated, learned, and laughed in the mountains of Whistler, British Columbia. NAPCP is an organization that I have come to appreciate more and more as I go through this journey. They’re an uplifting and inspiring group of professionals and in an industry that can be as competitive as ours, that is a thing I’ve come to value greatly.

RyaPhotos also has a few exciting projects and changes to look forward to in 2015 including a total re-brand by the talented Jane Johnson creative, a new video fusion product offering, and a non-profit initiative with water.org that I’ve yet to announce. I’m super excited about all of it and can’t wait share the transformation with the world!