We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Ryu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how do you think about risk?
Risk has been a constant theme my whole life. From coming to America at a young age to starting my career as a photographer, I always believed that taking risks requires courage. Courage to face the fear of uncertainty and hoping to achieve a goal. For me, it was definitely worth taking a risk because I am doing what I love, and I can also call it my job. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about story. I love being a storyteller through my eye and vision. I use my photography to create images that tell a certain story, express an idea, a message, or an emotion. I love the organic emotions and ideas that come out of people, when they interact with one another. And combining with beautiful aesthetics, my images are created. Being a storyteller has always excited me to continue my work and be proud of who I am today. The journey of it all was not easy. There were many ups and downs, growing pains, and confusion about what I wanted to become. I’ve learned a lot about communication and building relationships. I had to learn the hard way that to create original, authentic art, I needed to be a better person with the subject. At the end of it, it’s those relationships that really paved the way for me in photography, and helped me to broaden my view. My brand and my story is all about who you are. I want to be the guy that helps portray the authentic, real you. I want my photos to last; something worth holding onto for many years. I think life is full of beauty—even in the mundane. Daily rituals. Passion. Fear. Uncertainty. Hope. Love. I think these are extraordinary things that a wedding brings together to create one unique story.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give credit to my first mentor and friend, Jon, for allowing me to shadow and learn from his experience as a photographer. Second, without the couples I’ve met from my first wedding, this would not be possible. So thank you for putting your trust in me to tell your story. Third, to all my friends who have always supported me: thank you for your words of encouragement and truth. They meant so much to me in being a better version of myself. Lastly, my family and my wife, Grace. You guys were always there for me and have never stopped believing in me. I love all of you guys!

Website: www.michaelryu.com
Instagram: @michaelryu

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.