From capturing fun moments in middle school to high-quality photography, OH senior Kenna Ryan has deepens her passion for photography throughout her junior high and high school experiences, now dreaming of one day becoming a wedding photographer.
“A lot of things inspired me, but I just thought that it would be a fun thing to pick up and do,” Ryan said. “I liked seeing other photographers’ photos and their whole lifestyle.”
Ryan’s fun hobby flashed before her eyes in just seventh grade, starting with a small digital camera.
“I began in seventh grade, actually. I would just take photos of people with a baby camera from Amazon, and eventually, I got a Kodak camera, which prompted me to begin doing senior photos, and as of late, I upgraded to a NIKON,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s interest in photography sparked long before she began taking pictures for people.
“It was really taking pictures. She’s always liked photography,” said OH junior and Ryan’s friend Molly Dillenkoffer. “I remember freshman year, she took the photography class, and she’s always taking pictures of things. That was something that she’s always been really passionate about. I think it was a few years ago when she started taking pictures for people and clients.”
Through her Instagram, @kennarphotography, Ryan shares her talents, promoting her work and reposting the people who have helped grow her small business.
“I think people know by word of mouth, but I do post all my photos, and I have my own Instagram account that people follow and tag,” Ryan said.
Many people notice her from this: “She was posting, and I saw people who got photos done by her, and her photography was really good,” said OH senior Emma Chabot who recently had Ryan take photographs for her.
As Ryan grows with this business, she’s booked and busy for the upcoming weeks with graduates and prom shoots.
“This year, I have done four so far. In total, nearly 10. I am booked for the following weeks, and my business is growing.” Ryan said.
Although in the future Ryans not settled on photography, she does want to continue her passion.
“Maybe,” said Ryan of continuing the business while in school, “but not as a full-time job. I think I would do it as a part-time job. I want to evolve into wedding photography eventually.”
Capturing countless moments, Ryan takes many photos throughout the shoot, afterwards providing many clean, edited photos.
“What I really like is she takes so many photos, you have a lot of options for your photos,” Dillenkoffer said.
After a photo shoot, there are many photos to go through, and it takes time for Ryan to edit down the bulk of photos to provide clients with the best of her work. Ultimately, this work is recognized by her clients.
“[Her work] was really good,” said Chabot. “[Our photo shoot] took about an hour, and she took, like, 700 photos, and then, within two hours, she was able to edit 100 to 300 photos, and give them back to us,” Chabot said of the photo shoot with she and her boyfriend.
Ryans’ love for photography is more than just a hobby; each photo showcases why her passion is never-ending.
Ryan said, “I enjoy meeting new people and making people feel happy. Many people may think I’m only in it for the money, but it’s bigger than that. I’m passionate about doing this, and I like making others feel seen and wonderful. Taking photos for someone is a lot more vulnerable than people may realize, and the trust that people have in me is an amazing feeling.”
Hi, my name is Peyton. I'm a junior in highschool and it's my first year on staff. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
