We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Hainey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
For me, resilience is all about mindset. I’ve always been drawn to the hero’s journey, where the character faces adversity, learns from the struggle, and ultimately grows stronger. Life’s challenges are often painful, but it’s through those difficult lessons that we develop the mindset of a student—always learning, adapting, and moving forward.
The way we view situations, reflect on them, and most importantly, how we act in response shapes our story. It’s all about perspective.
Coming out of college in 2008, right as the Great Recession hit, I was forced to hustle for work in the creative field. I took whatever gigs I could find to pay rent and make ends meet. During that time, I learned firsthand that reputation is everything. I built my business slowly but steadily by consistently delivering high-quality work and exceptional service, no matter the project. Each job, big or small, became an opportunity to prove my reliability and to grow—both professionally and personally.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a photographer, my role is to document and honor the vision of architects, interior designers, and craftsmen. I take great pride in collaborating closely with my clients, building long-term relationships, and watching their work evolve over the years. I’ve been immersed in this genre of photography since 2013.
On average, I photograph over 100 projects each year, which gives me the opportunity to see a wide variety of design work. Based in the Midwest, I’ve noticed a gap in design publications that often overlook the region’s exceptional design talent. This led me to a recent collaboration with Schiffer Publishing, where we are currently working on a book titled MIDWEST HOME: Interior Design in America’s Heartland, set for release in early 2026. The book will showcase 20 unique homes from across the Midwest, highlighting the rich and diverse design culture in this often-underrepresented area.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are storytelling, composition, and lighting. While my approach is often visceral, I recognize that creating images is also an intellectual process. My goal is to craft visuals that not only capture a space but convey the human experience within it.
Storytelling is central to my work. Every image needs to tell a story, whether it’s about the design of a space or the feeling it evokes.
Composition is the foundation of how I structure each shot. It’s not just about framing; it’s about guiding the viewer’s eye to the most important elements, creating balance and harmony.
Lighting is where everything comes together. It has the power to transform a space and evoke a specific mood or atmosphere.
As for advice to those early in their journey:
Learn to operate on both a business and artistic level. The creative side is important, but understanding how to manage the business side—marketing, client relationships, finances—will keep you sustainable in the long run. Design your life / daily routine in a way that aligns with who you are and what best works for you.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth comes through failure. The only way to improve is by putting yourself in situations where you don’t have all the answers, and then push through the discomfort to learn.
Keep pushing your craft and refining your process. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but also develop a personal workflow that brings consistency to your work, allowing your creativity to flow within a structured process.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals and companies in the built environment—whether you’re an architect, interior designer, builder, or craftsperson. My goal is to document authentic, inspiring design that deserves to be shared with the world. I’m passionate about working with people who are pushing boundaries and creating spaces that tell a compelling story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanhainey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjhcreative/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hainey-9733518/
Image Credits
Ryan Hainey Photography
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