Meet Michael Ryno | Professional Landscape and Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Michael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I retired from a 38 year career in corporate banking in 2021 so that I could dedicate more time to photography and establish a photography business. I had become passionate about photography ever since purchasing my first camera in 2016, and having a photography business provides me with a very active retirement while generating supplemental income. Since retiring from my corporate banking job, I was also able to become more active with photography organizations I belong to, particularly Professional Photographers of Colorado as the current President and Lone Tree Photography Club as Past President and recent board member.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I prefer to photograph during the first hour of light in the morning or last hour of light in the evening for all of my outdoor photography. While photographing landscapes, wildlife, nature and cityscapes, the soft light during these hours allow me to capture softer tones, providing an ethereal quality to my images, which can also be enhanced with modes post processing. Photographing people during these hours allows me to reduce the harsh contrast between light and shadows, while creating a flattering and warm glow to my subjects. The use of reflectors and/or off camera flash during these lower light hours allows me to have better control and make the subject pop from the background.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I am a big fan of the beautiful outdoor locations we have in Colorado, I prefer to take out of town visitors to a variety of these locations. One of my favorites is Roxborough State Park, which is approximately 20 minutes from home. This location has several easy-to-moderate trails for hiking among spectacular natural red rock formations. There are often opportunities to see wildlife including deer, elk, foxes and coyotes during these hikes, particularly during the mornings or evenings when the animals are more active. Of course, I highly recommend brining a camera and tripod along for those guests who are also interested in capturing beautiful landscape and nature photos. During their stay, if time allows, I like to take them to Boulder and then to Rocky Mountain National Park, particularly if they are interested in more challenging hiking trails along with spectacular scenery. As I enjoy cooking, I prefer to prepare a gourmet meal rather than going out to one of our local restaurants. Oftentimes this will be a large pan of paella enjoyed out on the back deck of our home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been a few key organizations that have contributed to my growth and success with photography, and several individuals within those organizations who have provided valuable education, support and guidance. I became a member of Lone Tree Photography Club in 2016, one month after purchasing my first camera, and quickly learned landscape photography skills from experienced photographers in the organization, including Darren White who often shares his knowledge with our members. I joined both Professional Photographers of Colorado (“PPC”) and Professional Photographers of America (“PPA”) in 2020 and became interested in photographing people during a PPC sponsored Family Portrait Workshop with portrait photographer Jessica Vallia, which led me to developing new skills and expanding my photography business into portraits, headshots and weddings. I am also an active member of Frederick Van Johnson’s This Week in Photo (“TWiP”), with Troy Miller, a wedding photographer from California, introducing me to the world of infrared photography and providing guidance on photographing weddings.  My wife Lori Ryno provides great assistance during portrait and headshot photo sessions.  Her background in wardrobe & styling helps clients determine clothing and accessory selections that will help them look their best.

Website: https://www.michaelrynophotography.com ; https://www.rynoportraits.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnryno/ @mnryno

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ryno-baa075b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mnryno34

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.ryno.9/

Image Credits
Not applicable, as all of the images were taken and processed by me.