Christopher Ryan

Artist Statement

The underlying message I try to convey through all of my work is that humans are similar in more ways than we are different. My work has introduced me to a very diverse cast of characters in terms of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, gender, socio-economic background, and many more "categories".

These similarities are often underscored by minimal use of clothing, bare feet, and simple backgrounds. Generally there is little to no consideration given to wardrobe, makeup, or styling.

More often than not I have found it very easy to find people interested in posing for a variety of concepts which I have created. My favorite has been "Youth and Urban Decay" in which I shoot photos of children in abandoned buildings. These places offer extraordinary lighting conditions while offering the models the chance to play and be creative with their poses and are free of interference from other people. Other concepts include "Youthful Ambition", "Focus on Feet", "Parent and Child Intimacy", and "Bizarre Portraits".

Having worked on portrait projects in 20 different countries since 2015, I have noticed differences in people and cultures as well. The perception of masculinity can be rather different when comparing people from different parts of the world, but different within the same culture as well. The more comfortable any person is with themselves, the less such constricts matter anyway.

It has been my great pleasure to work with people (especially adolescents) that cover the entire range of masculinity which pleasantly have defied the perceived norms. I find it very interesting to note the level of acceptance given to individuals that fall outside of the typical range of masculinity at various places on Earth.

Biography

Christopher Ryan (born in Mobile, AL, 1968) is an international conceptual portrait photographer. Though he started shooting at the age of 10 with a yard sale camera, he did not photography formally until 2015 at San Diego City College.

The real world was more attractive than the academic setting and the decision was made to move to Asia. Thailand served as a base for extensive worldwide travel from January of 2016 until returning with his Lao fiancé in December of 2019. The two were married in January of 2020 and currently live in the French Quarter area of New Orleans.

Christopher is passionate about sharing his work and has participated in solo & group exhibitions in Chiang Mai & Udon Thani, Thailand as well as New Orleans and Washington DC.

Christopher's works are influenced by an unusual childhood which was spent working in the family's traveling reptile show and vacationing at nudist resorts throughout the south.

Exhibition History (CV)