Once all of the details are in place, what really makes a wedding day special are the personalities and emotions of the people involved. The photography team of Ryan and Laura O’Dowd are particularly talented at capturing experiences through their images so that you can truly feel the emotion. This makes them a particularly good match for a lot of our clients, because at the heart of Ryan O’Dowd Photography is the people. We sat down with Ryan to learn a little more about how they are able to capture those magical moments.
When and how did you get started in the wedding industry?
It started with my wife’s love for photos. Laura had a contagious passion that led to us buying some cameras to start taking family photos for friends. As they loved them, we slowly expanded into an official business and then weddings…and after my first wedding I was hooked!
What clients do you love to work with?
One of my favorite parts about my job is getting to know and draw out the personality of my couples. Everyone is so different…and it is so incredible to see. That being said, my favorite clients are ones who are just so excited to get married that they trust me to do my thing. They value great photos and know that the more freedom I have to draw them out and capture who they are, the better.
What makes you different at what you do?
I have a huge passion for people and weddings…And so does my wife and trusty photographer sidekick. I think being a husband and wife team that truly values each person is what makes us different. After every wedding there are guests that thank us for doing a good job and for our hard work. I used to think that was weird – because they don’t know how any of the photos look. But then I realized that they were noticing our passion.
We really work our tails off at each wedding because we care. We could work half as hard and still get good shots…but we want great shots. It isn’t just another wedding – it is a couple we care about and want to capture moments for them that they will treasure. The pictures that will bring them back to the feelings and emotions of the wedding. Pictures that will remind them, when times are tough, of the beauty of marriage.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past 5 years?
Boundaries. It is far too easy in this industry to work 80 hours a week without blinking an eye. If you say yes to everyone and every request, it can do you in. I am grateful I learned this early on – because I never want what I do to consume me. Luckily, I have a part time assistant who helps me manage some of the daily tasks that can really add up to a lot of time.
I do what I do to serve my clients and to be a blessing to my family. My wife and I have 3 kids and are licensed foster parents – so we always want to work in such a way that we have the capacity to love our kids well and serve the orphans who are placed in our lives. And I believe having those boundaries (days off especially) has propelled me to do this and keep doing it.
To find out more about Ryan, check out ryanodowd.com. You can also check out his Instagram and Facebook. Contact Ryan at 972.987.0341 or hello@ryanodowd.com to chat about your upcoming event!
If you need help with your wedding photography or have general questions, reach out to us! You can also visit our website to see all of our wedding albums including the weddings Ryan O’Dowd Photography.
