Curiosity drives me.
I bring an editorial approach to portraits and storytelling, blending the craft of commercial photography with the connection of editorial.
I especially love working with athletes, musicians, business leaders – experts in their own fields. For me, a camera is a way into other people’s worlds.
Whether I’m working solo or directing a large crew, I keep things easygoing but focused. I always look to learn from and find common ground with whoever is on the other side of my lens. What I learn shows up in the images and gives them a depth that invites a closer look.
My passions and curiosity have always shaped what I do. For nearly 10 years I had a dream role as staff photographer at 89.3 The Current at Minnesota Public Radio, filming studio performances by some of the biggest names in music.That same curiosity also led me to degrees in Geology and Studio Art from Carleton College.
Based in Chicago, I work nationally as a photographer and director for brands, agencies, and magazines. When I’m not on a shoot, I’m with my wife, our 5-year-old, and our goldendoodle pup, or out on my bike.
AWARDS:
AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY:
AP42, AP41, AP39, AP38, AP37, AP36, AP35, AP32
COMMUNICATION ARTS:
2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014
APA ANNUAL AWARD:
2017MEMBER:
American Photographic Artists (APA)
APA Chicago Leadership Board Member
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
One Percent for the Planet
SELECTED CLIENTS:
EDITORIAL:
ESPN
Forbes
The New York Times
RollingStone
AARP Media
Conde Nast Traveler
Wall Street Journal
Smithsonian Magazine
Outside Magazine
EatingWell
Taste of Home
Men’s Health
Minnesota Alumni Magazine
Carleton College
COMMERCIAL:
Microsoft
General Mills
Lululemon
Lifetime Fitness
Specialized Bikes
Redwing Boots
Minnesota United FC
Chipotle
Nature Conservancy
Roku
Sleep Number
Pepsico
Merrill Lynch
Siemens Healthineer
Starkey Hearing
MUSIC:
Verve Records
Sony Music Masterworks
ATO Records
Minnesota Orchestra
Red House Records
Doomtree Records
Minnesota Public Radio
AGENCIES:
Triptk (HAVAS)
Colle McVoy
Olson Advertising
Clarity Coverdale Fury
Preston Spire
Capsule
Hello Riley
Pocket Hercules
Evology Creative
CPC Intersect
TESTIMONIALS:
“Nate is a true talent and collaborator. We had a concept that heavily relied on lighting and Nate and the team worked diligently to make the vision come to life. He’s not only talented as a photographer, he listens and strives to bring authentic connections to life. He’s a gem of a human that makes work fun.“
-Molly McCabe (Creative Director, Starkey Hearing)
“We faced the challenge of how to get the job done safely during a pandemic. Nate led our team through that uncertainty with thoughtful and thorough planning, flexible approaches for production, clear guidelines and safety measures on set, and remote shoot access options. The shoot went smashingly and the images turned out as beautifully, but the energy and joy of being able to work together safely in spite of difficult circumstances was the unexpected surprise.” – Beth Elmore (Production Services Director, Preston Kelly)
"I had an assignment in Minneapolis and Nate came very highly recommended by someone I’ve worked with, respect, and enjoy working with. From the start, Nate was simply a joy to work with. I knew I didn’t have to worry after our initial exchange. He went beyond the call of duty. His images were incredibly beautiful. I am very happy we had this opportunity to work together and am looking forward to many more collaborations with him."
– Leslie Dela Vega (RollingStone Digital Photo Editor, now New York Times)
"Nate truly captures emotions and magical moments in his photography… elevating the art form of portrait-taking into a story-telling experience. It is difficult to translate to somebody what you have in your mind for a photo, but Nate took my ideas and exceeded all expectations.” - Irina Meachem
"I've never seen a picture that calmed me down and made me say, okay, yes, it's me. That's me. That's who I am. You were able to capture my truth. Striving to be the calm, proud, intelligent woman in that beautiful chair every day. Thank you Nate for bringing me closer to understanding myself, through your friendship and through these photos."
– Lydia Liza (Musician)
“We asked Nate to do a particularly challenging job - to help us tell personal and heartfelt stories from corporate employees. Nate’s sensitivity through the lens to the interviewees and their stories imbued our video with a level of authenticity and honest, spontaneous testimony that is rare in corporate videos. We couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the job that Nate and his team did!"
– Eli Cane (Normal Life Pictures. NY, NY)
Nate Ryan is a commercial and editorial photographer and director based in Chicago.