I recently had the great privilege to sit down and speak with one of the most experienced wedding photographers in the business. Ivory Events has had an amazing time working with Ryan and his colleagues at Elevate Photography. The professionalism and flexibility of Elevated Photography is truly one of a kind.
Ryan Erickson is an incredible wedding photographer at Elevate Photography, he is drawn to the authenticity that photography demands. Ryan found his attraction t
o wedding photography through his many years of working in kitchens. As an early photographer, he “volunteered” to photograph his friends weddings, this among the other inspiring photographers such as Jonas Peterson led to his successful career as a wedding photographer at Elevate Photography. He later realized that the years of creating inside the controlled chaos of a kitchen prepared him for being a wedding photographer . He explains how there is beauty in the good and bad of high demanding environments, “Weddings are similar to the crazy beautiful operation of a well oiled kitchen. Except with dresses.”
Starting out, Ryan thought his success in the business was determined by booking extravagant big weddings, but as his career matured he developed an understanding that his success was determined by the ability to capture the unique personalities and story of the bride and 
groom. Ryan sums it up nicely, “Now I value what is truly unique, the relationship of the couple and the family.”
Ryan finds himself inspired by weddings where nature is a strong character in the day. Thick forests, in particular, intrigue Ryan because it adds depth and texture to the photo. Ryan explains how the best photos come from candid moments between the bride and groom, “I can’t coach that or create moments like that.”
Photography is a strength of Ryan’s because he is generally just curious about people and the special moments in life. He describes that it is an honor to be present for the lifelong moments, “I enjoy the voyeuristic nature of being welcomed into the intimate moments that a wedding day presents.” Knowing he is capturing pictures that will remain close to their hearts requires extraordinary trust. Ryan recalls Katie and Dan, just after their ceremony they snuck away for a few photos just the two of them, “While perched up against the barn of the reception, one of their friends came along and hooted and hollered at the two love birds. The raw nature of Katie and Dan’s laughter in that moment will forever stick with me.” Soon after the wedding, Dan was met with cancer and passed within the year. “I’m charged with the task of knowing that I’m given a gift to grab moments from people’s lives to help them remember.” He holds these photos close to his heart knowing the bride and family will always have them to cherish
Elevate photography is an “open book,” there is no secret regarding the pricing or photography. Ryan explains how they are transparent and realistic. They encourage their clients to go to the studio and meet with their photographer, because when the client connects with the photographer the beauty comes naturally at the wedding.
Being apart of such an involved career for 11 years at a professional studio, Ryan’s remedy to sanity is with “a little whiskey and patience. Oh and the support of my friends and family.” On his free time he enjoys the simple pleasures that satisfy other parts of the brain. Cooking for his friends helps his urge to satisfy people because… What pleases your friends more than a delicious meal?
Ryan describes himself as being a shy person by nature yet when he has the camera in hand it is his magic tool that makes him a better version of himself, “With it, I have the confidence to go up to anyone and explore anything.”
Sarah Lurie, June 2nd 2016
Ivory Events
