Meet Ryan Fila | Creative Storyteller // Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Ryan, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Environment is HUGE! No one wants to stand in front of a camera and feel awkward. On my end as a photographer/videographer it’s easy to focus on the camera, lighting, and setup, but it’s also easy to lose focus of who I’m capturing. They are the most important aspect of the whole shoot, and making them feel excited to be in front of the camera should be number one priority!

Next time you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, tell the photographer “Hey! Let’s have some fun with this!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love being on the ground telling stories that are edgy, difficult, and important. Last year I went to Ukraine during the war and filmed stories about what was happening to civilians inside of refugee camps and showing their personal experience of war. I absolutely love the rawness and realness of that type of story telling.

Now, my main work here in Denver is focused on capturing events & portraits, but it’s a very similar situation. I’m capturing emotion & the present moment. The present moment just happens to look much different. Each of us are at a specific point in our story and they’re all very real to us – whether it’s smiling because I’m a senior in high school and about to graduate, or crying because I just lost my father to war. Both are very real. My job is to capture the emotion & story in the moment.

My path in creative expression hasn’t been “easy”, and no one’s really is. Finding voice & expression, while being able to survive or thrive financially is a difficult game & one I’m still playing.

I’ve learned that creative expression for me is an evolution. In one year my creative expression may look completely different, and be more true to me. As I continue to learn who I am, my creative expressions evolve to mimic that truer version of myself. So, really the path is from inside.

I want people to know that I’m a genuine person who cares & will be present with you, while also being very skilled in capturing moments with a camera. The moment can be senior photos, family photos, corporate images, event video, etc. It really doesn’t matter. I can capture it visually. What matters to me is how I do that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Bishop’s Castle. It’s one of the most underrated places in all of Colorado.

2. A local breakfast spot with Green Chile. Green Chile is a must try while you’re in Colorado.

3. If we had time, I’d love to take them to the Sand Dunes. I’ve traveled all around the world, and never seen a combo of Sand Dunes mixed with Rocky Mountains like we have in this state. It’s ridiculous!

4. I’m a city rat, so just walking around Downtown Denver would make the list no doubt.

5. Outside of that, my week itinerary would really depend on the individual. I have a Colorado map with 100+ locations on it that I would show them and see what strikes a cord with them personally!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father. His death actually catapulted me into story telling as a speaker. He is also 50% of what gave me life. So, I feel that he deserves a huge recognition for my successes in story telling!

Love you paps. <3

Website: heartledmedia.com // ryanfila.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filaforreal/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ryan+fila