Following a passion

by Denise Massie
Pharos-Tribune staff writer

July 19, 2008 08:21 pm

— After working as an amateur photographer for the past 15 years, Ryan Buck decided it was time to branch out.
Owner of Buck Portrait Studio, Buck said he discovered his passion after taking photos of barns and buildings around the Logansport area but only recently decided to make a business out of it.
He said a friend asked him to take photos for their wedding, which he was hesitant to do.
“I thought of myself as an artist,” he said. “I thought portrait photography wasn’t art, but that’s not true.”
After taking photos of friends and family for the past five years, Buck said he wanted to capture photos of different clients and try new things.
“Every new person is different,” he said. “Each one has a different personality.”
As a self-taught photographer, Buck said he has learned a lot since he first started. Though he has been fine-tuning his art, he also sees areas he needs to work on.
He is still learning everyday.
“Every time I do something, I learn something new,” he said.
With other competition in the area, the photographer said he hopes to stay unique. He said he doesn’t like to use the same prop twice, even though it is not possible.
His work covers everything from weddings, senior portraits, high school reunions, families, portraits, engagements, sport teams and many other events.
The photographer will go on location or take photos in his studio. He said both settings have both positives and negatives.
“I really like the studio because I can control it,” he said. “Location is more interesting because of the scenery.”
In addition to offering prints, he also sells photo mugs, buttons and key chains. One of his favorite items though is the coffee table book, which he designs and lays out himself, usually for weddings.
So far he said the job can get stressful, but he loves working with the people.
As the only photographer, Buck looks to his wife, Rebecca, for help when needed. He said he plans to remain the only photographer, so people know what to expect every time.
Getting his first business started was challenging, said Buck. The business owner had to renovate his new studio when he first started. The business is located in an old warehouse and needed a thorough cleaning and paint job.
Despite this, Buck said the large amount of space in the building was perfect for what he was looking for.
The photographer said he looks forward to meeting new people with the start of his professional career. But while the studio is a step away from his traditional photography, he still gets a thrill for seeing his finished piece of art.
“It’s very exciting after a photo shoot,” he said. “I get butterflies before seeing the first photo.”
Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com

New business
Name: Buck Portrait Studio
Location: 719 Spencer St.
Hours: By appointment only
Phone: (574) 722-3333
Web site: www.buckportraitstudio.com

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