The Virginia Travels of Photographer Ryan De Neff

by | Aug 9, 2017 | PHOTOGRAPHY

“I am a photographer based out of Richmond, Virginia who specializes in adventure/travel photography. Cityscapes and landscapes are my favorite subjects to shoot but I also like to shoot portraits of people and objects. Some would say my style is a little bit different than most in Richmond but that’s what I like. Most of the time I like to go for the darker/moody style but I do like to incorporate different colors as well. I’ve been behind a camera since about 12 years old. That’s when I got my first camera and I fell in love right away. Some of my inspiration comes from the photographers I follow on Instagram but most of it is in my surroundings and the people I have the pleasure of working with. Photography is definitely my passion and I have no intentions of stopping now. I learn something new about my craft everyday and I think that’s important for anyone out there who is trying to pursue their dreams. If you have a talent, put it to use. Make something out of it and make your passion your job.”

Check out more at @r_deneff

This was taken in the Blue Ridge Mountains right on the border of West Virginia. I was on a job and took my drone up to find this road perfectly open for me to take a quick picture. Pretty much an accidental find.

This is my roommates dog, Bailey. She’s the sweetest. I honestly was just really happy with how this edit came out. Her eyes were the main focus to begin with so that’s why I decided to make them stand out more.

I love driving places and just taking in the scenery so when an opportunity presents itself like this, I always stop and take out my camera. The mood of this scene was pretty dark so I kind of wanted to keep that intact.

I’m obsessed with the sky, especially stars. I went out last year around November I think with Jude Dizon(Photo buddy) to Raven’s Roost. It was my first time being up there and it was the coldest, most miserable night of that winter by far. We were dealing with freezing rain and terrible wind but the Milky Way was completely visible. Probably one of my favorite photo memories yet.

I was on the way to another job this day and this storm was coming in fast. I looked up to see the clouds getting darker by the second. I immediately pulled over by the wheat field and snapped a quick photo. It started down pouring the minute I got back in my car.

Fellow photographer Spencer Steel and I went out for the sole purpose of catching sunset. But instead of getting the typical sunset photo everyone else gets, we decided to get above the city for this one.

 First time hiking Old Rag was amazing. It was a sunset hike and on the way up the weather changed for a second to give off this moody feel.

Catching the last glimpse of sunset that we had left on top of Old Rag and I really wanted to go for that “distant” feeling here.

It’s hard to imagine being in another city. Richmond has presented so many opportunities for me and has given me the freedom to create stuff that no one else is creating in this area. The angles, the people, the architecture. It’s all there, ready to be captured in a whole new light. I just hope that my style inspires others to be different and take risks as often as possible.

If you would like to be featured, tag us on instagram @RVAmag

R. Anthony Harris

R. Anthony Harris

In 2005, I created RVA Magazine, and I'm still at the helm as its publisher. From day one, it’s been about pushing the “RVA” identity, celebrating the raw creativity and grit of this city. Along the way, we’ve hosted events, published stacks of issues, and, most importantly, connected with a hell of a lot of remarkable people who make this place what it is. Catch me at @majormajor____




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