Spotlight: John Ryan Of J&J Studios

In the fall of 2020 John Ryan, owner of J&J Studios, sent me a message via Instagram for my business Sincerely Ginger Jewelry. He found me under #phillyjeweler, which is a hashtag I was hoping would come in handy at some point. 2020 wasn't a great year for many of us. For me, it was the year I was set to begin attending my first high-end craft shows, but Covid obviously prevented the shows from taking place. Knowing that I really won't get exposure until I was able to attend shows, all my pieces were sitting in the safe. What John had contacted me about was using my jewelry as part of a styled engagement and wedding shoot. I was beyond thrilled at the opportunity! I loved the idea of being able to collaborate with another business in the area, plus it was a joy to know my pieces were being put to use and there was an opportunity for exposure.

Prior to the shoot John put me in contact with Hollie Roberts, the model who was going to be wearing the pieces that day. Hollie's boyfriend (now husband), Evan, joined her for the shoot. Since the shoot in that year, both Hollie and Evan have been part of a number of sessions with John. I asked Hollie what she appreciates in regards to knowing John as both a photographer and person.

Hollie responded, "What stands out to me about John Ryan of J&J Studios is his quick creative eye and his ability to connect with his clients. John's eye is quite impressive to say the least! He is great at scouting locations to find the picture perfect spot. His vision, however, comes into play when he sees the perfect moment and must capture it. For example, during a break, Evan and I were simply talking and John said, 'Keep doing that', he snaps the picture, 'That's great keep going', and snaps some more. Even when the picture is not planned, John always takes advantage of the unplanned, candid moments with his creative eye. John is such a people person as well. When shooting with him, he emanates professionalism as well as friendship. While working with John you know you are a well cared for client and feel like a close friend. John is great at cracking jokes and keeping the mood light, which is essential to proceed through a photoshoot without tiring".

Sincerely Ginger Jewelry And J&J Studios

The photoshoot in November took place at the beautiful Hickory Run State Park. I know it sounds funny, but I didn't exactly know what to expect when it came to the end result. I tend to look at many pictures on Instagram and other outlets online. I've learned over the years that finding a photographer who knows how to properly photograph jewelry is extremely hard to come by. I had gone through a number of them myself, even receiving negative feedback on photos taken by photographers that have been highly recommended by those in the jewelry industry. I could say John is a fantastic photographer simply by the fact he knows how to properly photograph jewelry.

Sincerely Ginger Jewelry Aquamarine Engagement Ring

There are other impressive skills John possesses that need to be mentioned. I've seen the photos of From photographers in the area that are rated among the best. I had viewed and thought of them as such too, that is until I saw the finished photos from the shoot with John. So many photographers tend to have pictures that appear just as that...pictures. Sure, some may have certain aesthetics within their photographs that they are known for. The two types of aesthetics that come to mind are where the end product has more of a dark ambiance to them, then there is the opposite where the photo is bright and alive (I'm referring to the overall photo). Filters on a phone can give you the same effect. There rarely seems to be anything falling in between those two kinds of aesthetics, nothing that truly sets them apart, and in the end the photos fall flat and appear like every other photo you have already viewed. I believe what makes John stand out from other photographers is the extra touches he adds, and in the end it brings a wow factor to each and every photo.

Not only does John know how to enhance the photos using different editing and lighting techniques, he has the ability to highlight every detail. I'm not sure if it is due to the lack of skills when it comes to other photographers, but so many times I've seen wedding pictures where different parts are blurred out, washed out, or they look like basic photos I could have taken using my phone. When a bride wears jewelry it is supposed to become a part of her, not be blurred out or softened in photos as if there was no purpose in wearing it. This is especially true when it comes to the engagement and wedding rings, after all they are an integral part of an engagement and wedding ceremony. I often come across photos of engagement rings and wedding bands that look nothing like what they do in person. When a photographer is hired the client is expecting the photos to do the jewelry justice along with the excitement of the overall day. During the wedding portion of the shoot with Hollie, her dress was equally as decorative as the jewelry itself. John made sure each and every jewel on the dress, as well as the jewelry, popped with their natural color and shine. I have yet to come across another photographer that pays so much attention to such details. I must say, John's turnaround time is impeccable given the meticulous process he goes through to deliver such a prestigious end product.

Sincerely Ginger Jewelry And NE Flower Boutique

Within the month following the photoshoot at Hickory Run State Park, John contacted me about taking part in another one. This new shoot was a bit different in that it was for a local flower store, NE Flower Boutique, to promote their products. Once again, the end result did not disappoint anyone who was part of the collaboration. I wasn't able to be present for the shoot, but I had seen the video footage from behind the scenes. What Hollie stated, about John making his clients feel comfortable and at ease, was very true for this shoot as well. Those who were part of the shoot didn't have modeling experience, as they worked for the boutique, but you would have never known it when the video and photos were released. Just like the shoot with John prior, there was the attention to detail in making each element of the photo stand out. The viewer's attention would be drawn to the flowers being shown, yet at the same time the jewelry was highlighted along with the joy on the faces of those taking part in the shoot. The result was top-notch and on the same calibrator as a high-quality commercial you would see on television, or an ad in a magazine.

I highly recommend John Ryan of J&J Studios if you want the real deal! I've been blown away by what I've seen him deliver thus far. Not only am I thankful to him for allowing my jewelry to be part of the shoots, but I've connected with some amazing people since then as a result. These folks, as well as those who have seen his work, all agree that he is the premier photographer to go to for all your photography and video needs.

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