Digitalab Featured Photographers: Ryan Welch & Jacob McCarthy

This months Featured Photographers are Ryan Welch and Jacob McCarthy of Ryan Welch Photography.

The team at Ryan Welch includes two primary photographers, three assistant photographers, a graphic designer and a filmmaker – offering quite the range of services to lucky couples!

Here they speak about their photographic influences, favourite kit and motivations.

One of the guys most recent weddings situated along the Gower Peninsula South Wales.

Who inspired you to become a photographer?

Ryan: I’m not sure I could give a particular name, however I knew I wanted to be a photographer from the age of 16-17 when I went on some work experience with a local photographer and fell in love with the industry. Working within weddings has enabled me to build a great sized company and allows me to do something I love and gives me the flexibility to do the things I want.
Jake: I suppose I was inspired from the fact I always wanted to be good at arty things, but sucked! When I started doing photography in school I was actually good at it and was hooked straight away becoming obsessed with every aspect.
What is your all-time favourite photography shoot?

Ryan: I have to say, we shot an incredible wedding last year at Pencoed House in Cardiff. The couple were super relaxed and stylish and fitted right into my target client demographic. Check it out HERE

Jake: Me and Ryan shot Danielle & Emyr’s wedding together and it was an incredible day! But I shot a recent wedding at the Langham in London and it instantly became one of my favourite weddings with the most amazing of people.

What drew you to Wedding photography in particular?

Ryan: After doing some work experience I loved the thought of spending working days with people on the happiest days of there life.

Jake: Money. Can I say that? I suppose wedding photography just allowed me to have the lifestyle and flexibility I wanted.

What is your camera of choice and why?

Ryan: Canon 5D Mark 3 but I’m not one for keeping up to date or worrying about the latest equipment I just need to have a great connection with my clients and find some great light to shoot in.

Jake: Same, but I used to be obsessed with gear. Once I got over it and realised it doesn’t matter what you have, it stepped up my game ten fold.

What one piece of advice would you give to any aspiring photographer?

Ryan: Run your photography business, like a business and not a hobby and you can make some real money from it.

Jake: Have a concise product range and a tight after sales profits and it’ll allow you to open up additional revenue opportunities you didn’t know were possible.

Is there anything that you would love to photograph that has escaped you at present?

Ryan: I love shooting destination weddings and have travelled all over Europe and parts of the U.S. but would love to experience even more tropical places.

Jake: I’d love to shoot a destination wedding and am yet to do so… maybe next year!

To find out more about the guys and the team at Ryan Welch visit their site HERE