PHOTOGRAPHER | Ryanne Hollies

Ryanne Hollies is a wedding photographer based out of Toronto, Canada. She strives to capture her subjects as they are with a comfortable and relaxed shooting style. Ryanne Hollies believes in the importance of telling each individual story true to the events as they unfold and not turning your wedding into an overly staged photoshoot. She works in the US often and travels worldwide for weddings.

Where are you based?

I'm based in Toronto, Canada , and I primarily shoot weddings across Canada and the U.S. primarily working in New York & California. 

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes, I frequently travel for weddings and am always excited to explore new destinations.

How would you describe your style?

My wedding photography strives to captures a beautiful mix of candid moments, portraiture, and authentic emotion. I focus on storytelling, highlighting spontaneous interactions between couples, families, and guests. I love using film to enhance the intimacy of each shot, creating images that feel personal and timeless. My style strives to be effortless and work shamelessly with the given energy of the wedding day-  blending elegance with a down-to-earth feel, while always paying attention to the small, meaningful details that make each wedding unique.

What is your most memorable career moment?

One of my most memorable career moments was photographing an intimate wedding in Le Compton Kansas. The couple was so present and in tune with each other and their day that we didn’t need to orchestrate anything or stick to a rigid schedule. They had thoughtfully curated every part of the day in advance, so when it arrived, they could simply live through it with a level of fluidity that’s often challenging to achieve in tight wedding day schedule. There was no rush, no stress—just an honest, beautiful experience from start to finish. Capturing that kind of authenticity was incredibly special. It gave me the space to fully immerse myself in their day and respond to each moment as it naturally unfolded.  There was a mood to the day that’s difficult to describe, but it felt different and the photos are some of my all-time favourite.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the way people interact with and interpret the spaces around them. I’m fascinated by how what we see or how we see it shapes how we feel and perceive it, and this curiosity flows into my photography and beyond. An exploration of how environments (spatial, virtual, or physical) can influence mood and experience, whether through design, architecture, composition, or the way something is curated and presented. The connection between what I see, how I perceive and capture it, and then how it is perceived  really drives my creative approach.

I'm also deeply inspired by Hans Ulrich Obrist, the curator of the Serpentine Gallery. He has this fascinating practice where he asks every artist or person he interacts with to write whatever they want on a sticky note. It’s such a simple yet curious experiment, offering a small window into someone’s life. Whether it’s an old saying, a personal piece of advice, or just a random thought, it reveals something unique about the individual. What I love is how these notes, when stacked together, become a collection of personal insights—each distinct, yet part of a larger, collective narrative. Something about this reminds me of how a collection of images can be larger than the individual images.

What motivates you to do what you do?

I'm driven by experimentation and a sense of healthy competition. I’m constantly seeking ways to evolve as a creative, always looking for new approaches and ideas that push my boundaries. It’s important for me to stay inspired by the work I take on, ensuring that each project feels fresh and exciting. The opportunity to collaborate with like-minded, passionate individuals plays a big role in that.

Being surrounded by incredible people who challenge and motivate me to produce something personal and unique to them is a huge part of my creative process. Every collaboration is a chance to try something different, to grow, and to create work that resonates on a deeper level, both for myself and the people I work with.

How would you describe your working style?

My approach to wedding photography is about being part of the day, not just as an observer. Getting to know my couples and really understanding what they’re about and what’s important to them on their day. I love capturing real, unrehearsed moments—the kind that happen when people are comfortable and fully in the moment. By integrating myself into the wedding, I always strive to create photos that have an insider's perspective so they reflect the true feel of the day.

I also place a big emphasis on couples being present and enjoying their day as it happens. When you're focused on having a real experience, it naturally leads to the kind of genuine moments that are meant to be documented. My goal is to anticipate those moments and capture them as they unfold. 

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I shoot weddings on film, although I don’t believe the medium should be the focus of how weddings are documented. Analog just seems to the best tool for me to help achieve my creative vision while also maintaining an environment that provides a simultaneous balance of maintaining creative boundaries through limitations and the imaginative nature of the medium through it’s  ability to remove immediacy.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

I would love to travel to Portugal for a wedding - this is where my husband is from and I want any excuse to go back and visit. There would be an added layer of meaning for me in that situation and it’s an opportunity I’m looking forward to.

Who is your dream client?

For me, anyone who trusts me to document their day the way I choose to approach it. When someone trusts me to document their day in my style, it opens up space for genuine connection and collaboration. I see photography as a collaboration—both sides bringing their energy and openness to the process. This exchange is essential to creating something meaningful and unproduced, where the photos are effortlessly created as everyone is caught up being in the moment . When everyone involved is willing to share in that experience, the results are always more powerful and layered.

Ryanne Hollies

Website: ryannehollies.com

Instagram: @ryannehollies