WPPI Sneak Peek: Marc Anthony and Tony Ryan Turn Any Situation into a Golden Moment

March 8, 2016

By Laura Brauer

Marc Anthony and Tony Ryan are an international wedding photography duo based in Independence, Ohio. Marc, an award-winning photographer, and Tony, a creative director, bring a unique approach to photography and storytelling that they say “combines classic elements and modern style with inspirations of vintage fusion and a contemporary edge of glamour.”

Their work has been featured in publications around the world, including People, US Weekly and more—they’ve even shot celebrity weddings. They will be teaching the platform class “Making Wedding Lemonade” on March 9 from 3-4:30 p.m.

Photo © Marc Anthony and Tony Ryan

Photos © Marc Anthony and Tony Ryan 

Can you tell us what WPPI members can expect to learn from your presentation this year?

Marc Anthony and Tony Ryan: We have found one the biggest challenges of being a wedding photographer is the ability to create artistic and emotional imagery while working with less-than-perfect conditions. Members will walk away with ideas, tips and real examples from weddings on how to think outside of the box and make the most of what you have available to you on the wedding day. In our program “Making Wedding Lemonade,” we will share how to take less-than-ideal conditions or circumstances (weather, location, non-model like people, short timeframes, etc.) and demonstrate the ways to create beautiful, original images that will impress clients.

What are some ways that photographers and filmmakers with a range of personalities and styles can apply the lessons that you’ll provide?

MA+TR: Our program is geared toward photographers who are looking to make the best of any situation they are in on the wedding day. Even if you shoot high-end weddings, quick, creative thinking needs to happen if you want to produce unique imagery. We utilize what we are teaching at every wedding. We are showing how to think out of the box, while doing things quickly and easily. This is a great program for anyone new to weddings or looking to add new life into what they are doing.

Why is it difficult for such a creative industry to think outside of the box sometimes, and how can photographers overcome some of these challenges?

MA+TRToo many photographers are being consumed by trends and not staying true to themselves as artists. The best way to overcome this is to create your own style. Don’t feel like you need to do the things that everyone else is doing! By creating and staying true to your style, you are creating a client base who will book you because of the work you do.

M&T 05

What do you think is the biggest challenge for photographers when it comes to wedding photography?

MA+TRWorking on tight timelines, where clients think you are a magician instead of a photographer. To overcome this challenge you need to speak candidly with your client about how long it will take to create the imagery they are looking for. In addition to this, you need to make split-second decisions on lighting, posing and composition.

What gets you excited about this topic? 

MA+TRWe are excited that our topic is about creativity! We love thinking of ways to take creative, unique images that are different than other photographers.

Don’t forget to check out these other speakers at WPPI:

Related:

Inside Wedding Photography 2016: Current Trends and Future Splurges