Photography Tutorial · 2020-04-12
Dialogue with Landscape Photography Masters | Ryan Dyar: Artistic Creation Should Be Free
▲ A self-portrait in the landscape, photographer @Ryan Dyar
Landscape photography is so fascinating
Photographers use their lenses to present a world of breathtaking beauty
And those well-known
photographers who can be called masters
do they have unique growth experiences and pursuits?
So
I launched the "Dialogue with Masters" interview series
and will interview 10 top international landscape photographers
They have distinct styles and lead their era
with their own unique insights into photographic art
In these interviews
you'll learn about their more vivid sides
hear them tell of their adventures and inner journeys
and even their worries and decisions
as well as their unique insights into landscape photography
I believe everyone will benefit greatly
This is the 1st interview in this series
divided into 3 chapters
featuring the renowned landscape photographer
Ryan Dyar
United States
Let's now step into the photography world of Ryan Dyar!
(All images used in this article were shot and authorized by @Ryan Dyar)
- Meeting Photography -
Q
When and why did you first connect with photography? And what made you eventually become a professional landscape photographer? Do you have any unforgettable decision-making experiences?
Ryan: In 2006, bored and at loose ends, I tried hard to find something I could be passionate about. It was then that I received a camera as a gift, and from that moment I fell madly in love with creating photos — a hobby that has always fascinated me. It wasn't until 2012, when I lost my job and moved to a new city and struggled to find work. Seeing that I couldn't find a job and had no savings, with only my wife's love and support never changing, I finally decided to make photography my career, which completely changed my life. For the first two years, expenses exceeded income and life was very hard. But through constant effort, plus some good luck, my career flourished. Today, my wife, daughter, and I live an easy and comfortable life — all because 14 years ago, I received that camera. Whenever I think back on it, I feel life is full of the unbelievable.
▼ Montana, United States
▼ Oregon, United States
Q
Does photography hold extraordinary significance in your life?
Ryan: Yes, my whole world revolves around it. Every day I do something related to photography or the photography business. Photography is the only hobby I truly have, and it's also my job. It makes my vacations with my wife not boring, and it's how I met all my current friends. I can say my life has nothing left that's unrelated to photography. Most of the time this is a good thing, though sometimes I get tired and run dry of inspiration, but that's very rare. I've always been passionate about what I'm currently doing.
▼ Senja Island, Norway
▼ California, United States
- Along the Creative Journey -
Q
Before each creative session, what preparations do you make to make your works better?
Ryan: Before each trip, if I've never been there, I'll spend a lot of time using Google Maps to familiarize myself with the landscape there, especially when going to mountains or deserts. Before going to a place, I don't really look at other photographers' works shot there. I prefer my pre-planned shooting ideas to be vague, so that when I actually arrive, I'll explore better. I think this helps me produce more unique works.
▼ Montana, United States
▼ Namibia
Q
Your wife is also a landscape photographer, and as I understand it, you often traveled with Miles Morgan before. Do you think having a companion on the road of landscape photography is important? Does companionship give landscape photography a deeper meaning?
Ryan: Yes, that's right. I think a good companion or partner makes my trips less lonely, and also lets me learn about other photographers' shooting approaches and philosophies. However, I also very much enjoy the process of creating alone, and it's the norm. Whenever I'm alone in the wilderness, contemplating while creating, I take joy in it and never get tired.
▼ Oregon, United States
▼ Oregon, United States
Q
You must have had many unforgettable experiences while shooting landscapes — are there any particularly memorable ones you can share?
Ryan: I've been fortunate to see too many beautiful sights in this world, but the lava I shot on my first trip to the Big Island of Hawaii must be the most awesome scene I've ever seen — nothing compares! You can watch the newest land form right before your eyes, even though you risk great danger to do so. I often joke with friends that after shooting lava, there's no scene left in this world that can move me... By comparison, wildflowers and sand are nothing — they can't burn me alive!
▼ Hawaii, United States
▼ Hawaii, United States
Q
What gear combination do you most often bring on each trip? It's a basic question, but I think many people care about it.
Ryan: I currently use a Nikon D850 with several Nikkor lenses covering focal lengths from 14mm to 300mm, and the 14-24mm lens is the one I use most. For other gear, I have Fotodiox ND filters and polarizers, and recently a good Chinese tripod brand — Fotopro — sponsored me; I'm looking forward to working with them. I carry less gear than any photographer I know. Three quarters of the time I don't use filters, and only half the time do I use a tripod. I bring only three lenses on each trip. I'm 36 this year, but my back is like that of a 75-year-old man who's done hard labor his whole life, so I like to keep my backpack as light as possible, haha.
▼ Colorado, United States
▼ Washington, United States
- The Path of a Master -
Q
Your works have a very distinctive personal style — deep, delicate, and silky smooth. How did you cultivate this personal style, and what was the inspiration? On the road to developing a personal style, what would you like to share?
Ryan: Personally, I believe a successful artist must go through three stages: imitation, mastery, and innovation. Any form of art we engage in begins with imitation. For example, when someone starts learning to play the guitar, they don't immediately write songs; they learn to play songs created by a band they like. When they reach the mastery stage, able to use the guitar skillfully and compose songs in the musical genre they love — this is also the stage where most people stop and stagnate, and it's true of every art form. But true artists break through the barrier and reach the third stage: innovation. At this stage, they can create something that has never existed in this field before — and that's exactly the process by which an art form is truly founded. I'll do my utmost to improve myself, hoping that one day I'll truly reach the third stage.
▼ California, United States
▼ Utah, United States
▼ Oregon, United States
Q
In recent years, landscape photography has shown a "fast-consumption culture" and "check-in culture." Many photographers travel to the same locations to reproduce the same compositions in imitation of masterworks. What do you think of this? And how do you think one can shoot truly original photos?
Ryan: The digital age has made it easier to get started in photography, and with the popularity of social media, there are more photographers in this era than at any time in history. But I think the vast majority of photographers will forever remain at the first stage of creation: imitation — and it's very hard to get past this hurdle. So never stay stuck in your ways; strive to make yourself a creative person.
▼ California, United States
▼ Utah, United States
▼ Montana, United States
Q
How do you view your current works, and how will you create going forward? Would you consider shooting in China?
Ryan: I hope my career is long enough that I'll have more chances to challenge myself and keep learning, and I hope to reach the third stage of creation someday. I feel my post-processing still has a lot of room to improve. The camera can only do limited things, while the creative space in post-processing after pressing the shutter is endless, so in the future I'll focus more on improving my post-production. Shoot in China? Yes, I definitely will. I've met many Chinese people and become friends and work partners with many. I very much look forward to going to China someday and seeing the beautiful landscapes they speak of with my own eyes.
▼ Montana, United States
▼ Lofoten Islands, Norway
▼ Lofoten Islands, Norway
Q
What is your devotion or belief in photography?
Ryan: I think artistic creation for any purpose can be understood. Even if some people do it to chase fame and fortune, that way of pursuing fame is relatively harmless. I've seen too many people who like to criticize the purposes and methods of others' artistic creation — that's saddening. I want to appeal to everyone: artistic creation should be free, and any form can be accepted, as long as it follows your own heart and serves your own goals. That will also let you have a clear conscience.
▼ Montana, United States
▼ Oregon, United States
Q
In landscape photography, is there a photographer you really like?
Ryan: Yes. Many years ago, when I first started using a camera, I was inspired by some photographers like Marsel Van Oosten and Marc Adamus, and also some painters such as Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Cole. These people are true masters, and they all influence generation after generation of art creators.
▼ Montana, United States
▼ Montana, United States
Q
Is there anything you'd like to say to Chinese photographers and readers?
Ryan: I don't know when this interview will be published, but I want to send my regards to all those affected by COVID-19. Once, this world seemed so vast and independent, but amid the raging pandemic, I feel the world isn't as wide as imagined, and people are more closely connected than imagined. I hope that in the future we always keep this close bond, and remember how, at one time, we fought together for health and peace.
▼ California, United States
▼ Washington, United States
We hope that through this interview
everyone can get to know a more authentic Ryan Dyar
one who is still seeking progress
constantly reflecting on his artistic pursuits
eagerly hoping to reach the third stage of creation
Ryan Dyar
For more of his works, please visit
www.ryandyar.com
(The End)
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About the Author
Liu Bai YantingLiu (刘白YantingLiu)
Nature landscape photographer
Member of the landscape photography team Leading Line Eyexplorer
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