Meet Rylee Fournier | Wedding and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rylee Fournier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rylee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I never really set out thinking, ‘I’m going to start a business this young.’ It just kind of grew out of my love for photography and connecting with people. My mom first let me use her camera when I was around 12, and from that moment I was hooked. By high school, friends and families started asking me to take their photos, and it naturally turned into something more. I’m really grateful it’s become a business, but at the heart of it, it’s always just been about capturing people’s stories in a genuine way

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is all about capturing people’s stories in the most genuine and natural way possible. I want my clients to feel like themselves in front of my camera, and I think that authenticity is what sets me apart. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built — many of my clients end up feeling more like friends, and that connection shows in the photos.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I started my business at 17, and there were definitely moments of self-doubt and challenges along the way. Balancing school, life, and building a business forced me to learn how to work hard, stay organized, and not give up when things felt overwhelming. I’ve learned that consistency and kindness go a long way.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s not just about pretty pictures — it’s about telling real stories, celebrating people where they are in life, and giving them something meaningful to look back on. I feel really grateful that this passion of mine turned into a business, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want them to experience the things I love most about living here. In the summer, we’d definitely spend a lot of time at the beach — walking the pier, catching sunsets, and just soaking in that California feeling. In the winter, I’d take them up to the mountains for a day in the snow, because there’s nothing like that change of scenery. No matter the season, I’d make sure we found a cozy coffee shop to hang out in and, of course, grab a good bowl of pasta somewhere along the way. For me, it’s about the mix of little adventures and simple moments that make this place feel like home

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents. They’ve always pushed me to be the best version of myself and encouraged me to chase after my dreams, even when they seemed big or scary. I also owe a lot to my mentors and professors in school — they’ve guided me, challenged me, and believed in me in ways that have shaped not only my photography, but also the kind of person and business owner I want to be. I’m really thankful for the people who continue to pour into me and help me grow

Website: https://www.ryleefournierphotography.com/

Instagram: Ryleefournier.photogrpahy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rylee-fournier-564a8525b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Rylee Fournier