Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Wade.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in 2012 when I was given a D3100 to take pictures on a school field trip. I was a new teacher at the School of Business and Management at Townview that year so I was the designated male field trip chaperone because there weren’t a lot of men there when I started. It wasn’t like an Aha! moment but the camera just felt good in my hand. I don’t think I’d ever held a DSLR before but it just felt natural. Soon after, I was watching anything and everything about photography on YouTube. Anything from maternity portrait composition to photo product reviews were fair game. Then I would find friends or family to try out whatever I learned that week.
As with everything, there was a lot left to be desired lol. But I loved it. Not necessarily the finished products yet, but the learning was addictive. One of my wife’s (at the time) friends inquired about a price for a session. I think I charged her $25. I just couldn’t believe anyone was willing to pay me to do something I most definitely would have done for free. So I decided then to monetize my budding talent and began to grow a business alongside it. I invested any extra money I received, like my tax refunds, into professional grade lenses and bodies. Bought piping from Home Depot to set up a stand to hold paper backgrounds. And within a couple of months of my initial investment, I was shooting clients in my living room every Saturday.
Since then, I’ve increased my prices just a tinge… and I use multiple studios around the DFW metroplex. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph judges, lawyers, entertainers, businesswomen, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons… but most importantly, to me at least, the black family. I don’t mean to sound like I favor photographing black people more than any other race. I truly don’t. But I do believe that there is a need for positive imagery concerning black people and our experiences. I grew up in South Dallas in the early 90’s. There wasn’t even thought of black judges and businesswomen, let alone a powerful image of one. I see now that this is part of my purpose; to use and invest my talents into budding businesses that normally wouldn’t be able to afford professional and creative imagery.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all lol. There’s the divorce of course. Not to mention dealing with what was just recently diagnosed as a herniated disk for the last seven years. Juggling my schedule from school and photography commitments while being a single father during the week isn’t easy always but I’d say it’s worth it.
Please tell us about Loyal Media Group.
Loyal Media Group started as a multimedia company providing music production and photography primarily. I also offered small graphic design work such as business cards, billboards, flyers and website consultation. I’ve since narrowed my business focus to photography. I specialize in portraits. All portraits, from seniors to pets to corporate. I also provide wedding and event photography as well. I’m most proud of seeing small business owners that I’ve photographed for their first websites or business cards go on to become very successful using the images we created together. It takes more than a photographer to create wonderful imagery. It also takes confident, relaxed subjects that are able to express themselves. Photographers must find ways to grant their subjects this freedom. I think this is what sets me apart from other talented photographers. I believe that people pay for more than just jpgs downloaded from a gallery. They also should get a good time.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Just playing outside really. Football, basketball… didn’t matter. As long as I had my Shaq jersey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lmggalleries.com
- Phone: 214-629-3275
- Email: ryan@loyalmediagroup.com
- Instagram: @loyalmediagroup
- Facebook: fb.com/lmgdallas
- Twitter: @loyalmediagroup
Image Credit:
All images copyrighted by Loyal Media Group.
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