Meet Chanelle and Ryan Whitacre | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chanelle and Ryan Whitacre and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chanelle and Ryan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ryan and I (Chanelle) – combined is where we got rynell from ~

We’re dating for 7 years before we got married. Throughout our relationship we took trips and always brought a camera with us to document our special moments and adventures in our late teens. Fast forward to Covid – a friend of ours asked us to shoot his wedding when his original photographer cancelled on him. I said yes not knowing what I was getting myself into but I knew I wanted to help. How hard could it be? I went and bought a used DSLR and drowned myself in YouTube for two months. The day came and Ryan and I actually did a good job considering we didn’t know anything about the fundamentals of wedding photography. I fell in love with capturing those cherished moments you look back in forever. In short – photography chose us and I am thrilled I get to pick up my camera close to everyday.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets Ryan and I apart from other photographers is how much we care and tend to the needs of our clients. We are the photographers that will pick up more champagne on the way to the wedding if the bride needs some, to stay later to get more shots, etc. Having a husband and wife duo is so radical – you get two totally different perspectives, ideas & vibes. It’s amazing.

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 it’s a girls trip we’re going to the beach – Crescent Bay in Laguna is forever a favorite. If it’s a boys weekend we’re going golfing – probably at Newport or Costa Mesa to ensure you’re close enough to grab a beer afterwards. We love 2145 to grab a bite in Costa Mesa. Their happy hour is unmatched. Helmsman is always fun to go to with friends in Newport and of course, Wild Taco and Bearflag are the OGS.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely! Nate and Christina Perez are the first to thank – they trusted us with their wedding day when we truly had nothing to show for with precious work. They led us to find our passion. Jeff Vanags and Colton Tisch are both phenomenal photographers that have always been there to answer questions I have and encourage me to keep going.
Forever thankful for their time and advice.

Website: rynellmedia.com

Instagram: @rynellmedia

Other: Personal IGS: @chanellewhitacre @ryanwhitacree

Image Credits
@madisonelizaa @rynellmedia