Feature Friday: Daniel Ryan Fotos
I thought it was time that I finally featured another cosplay photographer on this page. My friend Ryan has always been more than enthusiastic about his photography, and I was lucky enough to be one of his first cosplayers he shot with. It has been such a pleasure to watch him grow over the past year (ish), and I’m so happy to feature him today. You may notice a familiar shoot from a previous feature post.
What is your photography name? Daniel Ryan Fotos
What is your name? Ryan Fonner
What do you do when you do when you aren’t behind the lens? I work for a telecommunications company as a Network Analyst and also working on my Anthropology degree. Ultimate goal is to work for National Geographic.
How old are you? 35
When did you first decide to become a photographer? When I was looking at National Geographic, National Wildlife, Ranger Rick, and Nature magazines when I was kid. Seeing nature, landscapes and other cultures being documented inspired me. My dad also introduced me to photography. I used to play with his old Konica SLR camera. That is probably the earliest memory I have from my childhood.
What made you want to be a photographer? I was out in San Francisco and the Bay Area in 2009 on vacation. Just taking the photos of San Francisco, Santa Cruz and the redwoods inspired me to pursue photography more seriously, especially after someone telling me my sunset picture over the Pacific at Marin Headlands was beautiful. And I did for several years. I got burned out from it and and took a long break from photography (I regret the duration I took a break from photography).
How long have you been photographing cosplay? Since 2015. SC Comicon was my first convention and seeing the amazing cosplay rekindled my interest in modeling photography. I haven’t looked back since. I get to learn the processes of cosplay by asking question and learn a lot about different characters that are unknown to me. I enjoy seeing the excitment on someone’s face when they talk about their character.
Tell us about your photography style. My style… hmmm… I try my best to capture a natural moment. Natural reaction (such as you doing your Supergirl cosplay reading Supergirl). Speaking of that photo, getting recognition from someone about that photo by pure chance because I was volunteering for Upstate International at an event at the Oil and Vinegar in downtown Greenville was a humbling moment. The worker there, Amanda, and I were talking about Japanese culture and anime. We gravitated towards cosplay talk and I mentioned to her she should follow you on Facebook. She told me she already was and was describing that photo of Supergirl reading Supergirl. I told her I was the photographer of that photo and we actually did a photoshoot together after, hopefully more with her in the future (check out the Madam Red from Black Butler picture on my Facebook page).
What is your weapon/camera of choice? I have always used Sony. My first DSLR was the Alpha 300. After my long break, I got a Sony NEX5T (probably that has been my favorite camera). It’s a small DSLR with interchangeable lenses. I have upgraded to a Sony Alpha 6000. I usually shoot with my 50mm prime lense. That’s one of the best for portraits and modeling. Please be as detailed as possible, so people know what to search if they are interested in purchasing a camera.
What is your favorite cosplay photograph you have taken? This is really hard for me. Can I say all? I have taken a lot in a short time. The one of you as Carrie Kelley Robin and Rob as the BvsS Batman. You were pulling back the sling shot and Rob was getting ready to fight. The lighting on it is amazing. Think that photo showed me how far I came in a year a photographer.
What is your favorite photograph (doesn’t have to be cosplay) you have ever taken? So many to choose from. This one is actually very recent. I took it while I was in Spain while touring the Camino de Santiago in June this year. I was standing in the Plaza de La Quintana in Santiago de Compostela. I looked over to my left and noticed the shadow of one of the steeples of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela next to the cross on the far wall of the plaza. Photo title is the Shadow of the Church.
What is your dream photoshoot? Actually, this one is quite achievable. I was actually inspired by a music video by Shakira for this idea (the video has given me a lot of ideas in actuality). The song was Ciega, Sordomuda. There is a part of the video where people are walking around with blindfolds over their eyes. I originally thought to myself I should get people to volunteer to do like a statement about walking blindly with cell phones in their hands and the blindfolds over their eyes. But this was when Pokemon Go came out and I thought about having people dress in Pokemon gear or Pokemon cosplay with blindfolds on, phones in hand and walking around. I still think the cell phone part of my ide is still good and it seems like Pokemon Go has died down a little. So if anyone wants to volunteer to help me with at least part of this vision then let me know.
If you could photograph any cosplayer who would it be? This is a list… Yaya Han would be a dream come true to me. But I don’t think I have the talent of the photographers she works with, yet, to work with her. Stella Chuu and Vivid Vision in their Pokemon cosplay would be great. There are few on Instagram that I started to follow I want to work with in the future hopefully; kaylalacosplay (she is an awesome singer), netherjade (she’s new and is going to be featured in the Women vs Cosplay calendar in her gender bend Nightwing. Her stuff is amazing), and if a_gent_simmons can do his Gaston that he did for the Beauty and the Beast play this past summer and maybe find someone to do Belle that can sing (maybe if kaylalacosplay can do Belle) and we can make music video.
What is your biggest challenge as a photographer? Overcoming my shyness, learning to take chances on angles of pictures and finding more time to practice photos and editing.
What is a pet peeve of yours as a photographer? When one is at a convention and you are posing someone, then people come in and take the same photo that you and the model are working on. That happened to me at Oak City Con in Raleigh this spring and I was a little peeved with the people stealing my shot with their camera phones.
Who are the biggest inspirations/influencers in your photography? Shirley Ly (Shirley Star Photography, check her work out) has been my biggest mentor. She has given me great advice and constantly giving my critique on my photos. Joe Everson has given me advice. I study the photography of Steve McCurry and Eric Lafforgue on how to achieve better lighting and get the natural looks I like to achieve. Martin Wong is an inspiration for my cosplay photography.
What is the best advice you have for models as a photographer? Have patience with the photographer and relax. Listen well and also don’t be afraid to give some input in the shoot as well. Collaboration I love to do with models and listening to their ideas have made some good photos.
What is the best advice you have for aspiring photographers? Practice, practice, practice. It’s the same in photography as in sports, music and art. Practice makes you better. Also, study paintings and other photographs in museums or the internet to understand lighting. Ask questions to photographers you know and network. Shirley lives out in Los Angeles and I know her because of networking (fingers crossed her and I are collaborating next year). I would join a local Meetup too of photographers (I have joined Greenville’s, but haven’t gone to one yet due to how my work schedule is).
Anything else you’d like to add? Have fun with photography. Don’t be afraid to take chances and live your dream.
Ryan is just one of the nicest people I’ve met as a photographer, and he is so easy to work with. Which photo is your favorite? Make sure you follow all of his social media below. Don’t forget to subscribe via email or Bloglovin’ to never miss a post!
Daniel Ryan Fotos Social Media:
Facebook: Daniel Ryan Fotos
Instagram: @danielryanfotos
Twitter: @dryanfotos