Ryan Sands Photography

Quinn★★★★★9 months ago

Ryan is such a friendly, professional, and passionate photographer to work with! My husband and I felt instantly comfortable when we first met with him, and he has so much experience in this area and especially with the venue we went with - 618 in Freehold, NJ - it was truly such an amazing process. He knew all the angles he wanted to hit and shots he wanted but also asked us what we'd like to have taken too. Always considerate of his client's wishes, and attentive too. He was taking photos near the venue entrance before guests arrived and it made me anxious and he noticed that on my face right away and made the move to get me somewhere I felt more comfortable. During our first look he stayed with my husband before I got there to help calm his nerves. Ryan took multiple photos each shot too, to ensure he has a perfect one to select. Towards the end of the night he wanted to take one of our wedding favors but was so polite to check with me and make sure we'd have enough for the guests if he did and ensure he didn't take from the intended crowd. The thoughtfulness is seriously such a breath of fresh air in this world. Genuinely, if you are interested in a photographer who makes you feel like a friend, who is passionate and talented with the craft, and doesn't view you as another client, book with Ryan!!

Amy Ackerman★★★★★8 months ago

Ryan was absolutely fantastic from start to finish! He brought great energy to the day and was incredibly communicative and somehow managed to be everywhere at once without ever feeling intrusive. Every time someone lifted a phone or camera, he was already there capturing a beautiful shot. He blended into the background so seamlessly that we barely notice him - BUT the results peak for themselves. The photos are absolutely gorgeous and he captured the day perfectly. We couldn't be happier with our experience!!

Jaclyn Carlsen★★★★★a year ago

ere is so much to say about Ryan! When we first metTh him during our zoom phone call I knew right away he was going to be our guy. His positive energy and personality is amazing. He is so outgoing and made everything super easy for us. We did an engagement shoot with him prior to our wedding day and to be completely honest, my husband, Nick, and I were super nervous! We were never photogenic people nor did we know how to take pictures and pose lol! But Ryan made working in front of the camera super easy and super comfortable for us. It ended up being so much fun! And the results…..PHENOMENAL. We picked Spring Lake for our shoot and Ryan made sure we got photos in different spots, the beach, the park, the scenery walking around, if Ryan saw it, he captured it! And if the shot was no good, we would do it again. Ryan has a very keen eye for detail and made sure every single shot was going to be perfect. I had a pinterest board of photos I wanted and Ryan was more than happy to have me send it over for him to see! During our shoot, he made sure to peak back at my inspo photos to get those shots! As well as shots he recommended for us as after all, this is his area of expertise! We got married at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club and my favorite thing about Ryan was due to the fact he has never been there, he came out with us one day to do a tour so he can explore the venue prior to our wedding day! We talked about potential shots for photos, and even when the event coordinator spoke to us about dance lighting, Ryan was sure to tell me that if during reception photos if a blue light shined on me I would look like a smurf haha! I love the fact that I was able to ask his opinion on some things during this time and he did not hesitate to give me advice. On our wedding day, Ryan kept that same energetic, outgoing personality. It was such a hectic day for Nick and I and Ryan helped us through it. From the minute he got there, to the second he left, Ryan worked. And by work, I mean I never saw him put that camera down! Aside from our solo shots, during our reception I barely even noticed him, he blended right in with the crowd! Again, I had a pinterest board for inspo shots and once again, Ryan said to send it over! During our solo shots, Ryan would be sure to look at my inspo and get those shots as well. He again made being in front of the camera so easy and laid back we had the best time! After our special day, Ryan went right to work! Within 2 days we had sneak peaks and within 5 days we had our entire gallery! And let me say, the photos are BREATHTAKING. He placed photos into different albums and it was so organized for us. After looking at some photos, I asked Ryan for some edits and he was happy to do them! Again, Ryan made sure that everything was perfect and how we wanted it. Overall, Ryan is very professional and knows what he is doing. He has a strong eye for composition and detail, he was able to communicate effectively with us before, during and after our big day, and his patience throughout the hectic wedding day was just overall awesome. He didn’t let anything get in the way of getting the photos we needed. “We got a good team, so you’re in great hands”- are Ryan’s words to me prior to wedding day when the jitters kicked in and he was absolutely right! I had so many people after our wedding say such great things about Ryan. When I shared our sneak peek photos to family and friends, everyone raved about how amazing they came out. Nick and I absolutely love everything about our photos and are so grateful for him. If we had to go back and do it all over again with Ryan, we most certainly would!

Erin McFadden★★★★★a year ago

Ryan... This all started in 2022 with a wedding date of 2024, multiple things came up along the way and we ended up extending our wedding date by a year leading us to Sept 2025. From our first zoom call with Ryan to our engagement shoot to extending our wedding date- Ryan was so supportive. He was open and honest and to be completely honest- it seemed like we had known him our entire lives. He became almost like a friend to us which made everything feel so comfortable. The details and explanation and real-ness in our initial conversation was when we knew he was the one we wanted to capture our moments. The options for the engagement shoot, his flexibility, his dedication- the fact that for each photo he took our ideas and his and combined them to create THE photos. His creativity and positivity kept us in the moments. We smiled, laughed and truly enjoyed our engagement shoot and could NOT wait for the wedding. We received the photos so fast and they were incredible. He does not filter or edit to a point that the photos become different. When we reached out and told Ryan that we had to extend our wedding date, he was beyond accommodating. He assured us that he would be there no matter what. He was very flexible and reasonable in pricing. He was so supportive, understanding, great at communicating and following up. Leading up to the wedding day, we had all the tools and information we would need, plus some. Ryan was very honest with us when we shared with him, we did not want to do a first look and have a more traditional wedding. He advised us that our cocktail hour would not exist for us more-less and that some of our photo ops/ideas might be cut short due to timelines. He was so supportive when we told him that we still wanted to move forward without doing a first look and in his words “cool, we will make it work!” One thing that stuck with me when I first met Ryan was, he said to us: I will be on the dance floor, I will be apart of your bridal party, I will be one of you that day, not just a photographer to get the best photos I can- that was honestly the moment my husband and I looked at each other and said he is DEFINITELY our guy. It wasn’t strategically posing to feel uncomfortable or feeling like we were dragging from a camera being in our faces all day long. It was a friend, hanging out with us, capturing the most important moments. Fast forward to wedding day- it was raining, our hotel rooms were so tiny and all the wedding party was having their “moments” Ryan remained calm, he got straight to business not wasting time and sticking to a timeline. He was encouraging, he was supportive and definitely hyped us up! HAHA I have to also add in a funny story- so while taking photos in our hotel room, one of the bedroom doors shut. Surprise! The doors locked….. All the equipment, bridesmaid dresses… everything in that one room. My Maid of Honor, the hotel maintenance, Ryan and my videographer were trying to break into this room. My Maid of Honor scared of my reaction (I had no clue) was in a complete panic !! Ryan was able to keep light of the situation, keep her calm and assure her we would be on track and everything would be ok. My point is, not only as a photographer, he felt like a friend and that made everything so much easier. He was so much fun, so involved and laughing with us. He was for sure on the dancefloor and I have to say such a trooper.. I know for us it was a long day, I cannot imagine for him. Along with the extreme heat and humidity that came from NOWHERE, he carried his equipment and checklist with pride. He looked out for the special moments we made him aware of and I truly can say there was not a single thing missed or that we disliked. He was so great and patient with our families including our 3 children. We will forever love Ryan and refer him to anyone and everyone because he truly is THE GUY. BOOK WITH RYAN NOW, YOU WILL NOT REGRET A SINGLE THING! Thanks so much Ryan, we love you !

White Water★★★★★a year ago

Ryan is an amazing photographer. Super talented, professional and dedicated. He took photos for my husband's 80th birthday party in The Highlawn in West Orange, NJ. He showed up ahead of time, stayed throughout the entire event of 4+ hour, captured every details and all the exciting and happy moment. Delivered the photos promptly before the committed date and time. Photos are impressive! every guests gave tons of compliments to Ryan's photos. I am so happy to have used Ryan's photography service and will use again in my future family events.