We kick off the Athletes & Artists interview series with a man and his camera. Ryan Longnecker, who currently calls Los Angeles his home, has taken his talents around the globe working to bring colorful and surreal outdoor images to life for major brands. Theres a good chance you might have caught his work whether it be in the form of a LifeProof add, feature in Art of Visuals Magazine, or his impressive IG grid. Recently we had the chance to fire off some questions at Ryan and got to know the man behind the beard just a bit more:
WHAT SPARKED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY INTEREST?
Ryan: At first it was the darkroom and development experience of film photography in high school, then in college I took on the yearbook photography job.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN CALIFORNIA?
Ryan: The Eastern Sierras.
IDEAL WEEKEND GETAWAY WITH FRIENDS?
Ryan: Cabin in the mountains, campfires, frisbees, hikes, good coffee.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BECOME BETTER AT SHOOTING?
Ryan: I think I’d like to be able to capture more scenic compositions rather than the fine art compositions my work has taken on.
BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS?
Ryan: Lots of different ones for many different reasons. @bejamin, @thepianofarm, @sheepfeet, @al_humphreys, @lee_jeffries
TIPS FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Ryan: You better love it, so create your own work that you love. If you don’t love it you wont last the dry seasons and it will show in your work. Besides that, be kind, generous, and engage with the art community.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY BESIDE PRESSING THE SHUTTER BUTTON?
Ryan: I like being in the mountains regardless, being with my wife and daughters, and stand up comedy.
WHERE ARE YOU SHOOTING NEXT?
Ryan: The only sure thing right now is some CA coast, potential for Cook Islands, and Iceland!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER JOB?
Ryan: I think a private detective, architect, or blacksmith.