Today we’d like to introduce you to Rye Stewart.
Hi Rye, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up my mom was a photographer and I was always the right-hand woman or assistant for her (or even model to a certain extent). She only did it for a hobby never really a career but I grew to love it on my own. I somewhat strayed away from the camera but back in 2019 after getting married and moving away from everything I once knew I became a little lost and needed to “find myself” again; and I did so living in Utah where the snow-capped mountains and magical sunsets were. I was able to fall back in love with my camera & figure out that this was what I wanted for a career. I then moved back home to Palm Springs, CA in February of 2020 literally like a week before covid hit. I came back to everyone I knew, family & friends. They had nothing else to do because of covid so they wanted pictures done and that’s where I came in. I did lots of couple pictures, LOTS of family, wedding formals, and even some boudoir. I then knew I wanted to become a wedding/couple photographer primarily. So much so, I submitted a couple of sessions to wedding magazines and was published my first go around! Not to mention, I was the cover. Wow. What a moment in my career. Now, I am moving to Florida. I can’t wait to see what the opposite coast has in store for me. I’m excited to get my feet wet in the gulf coast beaches and meet some incredible couples out here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not necessarily. The pandemic obviously has been an obstacle. People are obviously not wanting to get themselves & their families sick nor me and mine. Not to mention being a military spouse so moving around and that’s a big thing to tackle. But I love it, I get to meet more clientele and have so many more locations for my portfolio!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Photographer Specializing in: Weddings & Couples
Cover of Ikon Magazine September 2021 issue #3
My goal & what I believe sets me apart from other photographers is to get the best candid picture you have ever seen. I want my clients to be able to feel and remember the real and authentic love they had that exact moment when I took that specific photo. Staged and posed photos aren’t really my thing. I want my clients to have fun throughout their entire session with me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking on social media and word of mouth has worked best for me. I know it’s not for everyone but that’s just my style.
Targeted hashtags, reels, and reaching out to people via dm. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Contact Info:
- Email: Stewphotography20@gmail.com
- Instagram: Stew_photography_
- Facebook: Stew Photography
Image Credits
Stew Photography
