Meet Ranee Vespi: Photographer + Creative Director

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

Hi Ranee, how do you think about risk?
I think in any creative career risk is inevitable. It’s not an A to B, go to school, get a job, buy a house kind of life you’re looking at. And that’s huge part of the appeal to me. I like not knowing what’s coming next, it makes it all feel like an adventure. I lead with my heart in every aspect of life, in fact so much so, that I’m at a place in my life where I’m like, oh wait, let’s use some logic here, what’s my next step, let’s be reasonable here, and it’s HARD. I moved to NYC at 19, and LA at 25. Studied acting, comedy, then photography. I love understanding humans and our idiosyncrasies and trying new ways out to express myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m excited about life after the pandemic. This last year has been an awakening for me, having to really sit with myself, in my body, listening to my thoughts, and I’ve gained a lot of understanding of who I am and where I want to go. Life is a continuing evolution and I’m stoked to get out there and create. I waited tables for a gazillion years and have been supremely lucky to have been able to work freelance this last year (as well as the two years previous) from home as a Creative Director for an artist representation company with the best boss imaginable. Looking forward to getting back into the studio (and out in the world) shooting with beautiful, interesting people.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oooooh okay! I’d start with bringing them to get a Terry Gross + Canadian Cold Brew at Wax Paper in Frogtown. And then obviously, a hike is a must, so I mean if we’re talking a first-timer in LA, we’ve gotta go Runyon right? It’s all about those views! I’m also a fan of finding the beautiful old Victorian homes around the city, so probably take a little in-city road trip to scope some of those out. And let’s say it’s the before times/after times (pre/post COVID), I’d hit up some dancing in Weho, definitely ending up at the Abbey at some point.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my boyfriend Hank Hyten– who is the kindest, most supportive, and giving person I’ve ever known. I absolutely never thought I’d use the term “rock”, but he truly is that for me. I’m lucky to have him in my corner.

Website: www.raneevespi.com

Instagram: @raneetakespictures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranee-vespi-95a065159/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raneetakespictures