Alex Ry

today’s office. 😍 ((not pictured: my coworking buddy, ))

Zainah
Ancestry: Pakistani

"My family immigrated in 1996 — I was three years old. My dad came first, for a job opportunity, and my mom, sister, and I came five months later. Even though I essentially grew up in America, my Pakistani heritage is a strong part of who I am. It’s where I was born, it’s where I’m from. So much of my childhood was full of the culture and traditions that my mom grew up with in Pakistan. I think of myself as more American, because I’ve lived here for so long, but there is always that part of me — the Pakistani ancestry and culture — that I’m not going to be able to shake.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to put into words what is going on [in America today] — it’s very surreal to me. The reason so many people — so many Muslims — come to America, just like my parents, is for opportunity. They see it as a country for opportunity, for freedom. They see it as a better place. And now, with everything that’s going on, it doesn’t seem like that anymore."

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This is the first of many immigrant stories to come. You can follow along as we share more here: https://medium.com/immigrant-portrait-project.

California tomorrow.

I am a Christian who opposes the . Wholeheartedly and furiously.

And the best thing I know to do is create. So I need your help.

If you are an immigrant to America, if you are a daughter/son/spouse/grandchild/great-great-great-great-great-grandchild to an immigrant, I want to photograph you. I want to talk to you. I want to recognize you—make known your humanness.

Because this is what is written at the base of Lady Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

And this is what is written in the Bible: “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” (Leviticus 19:33-34)

The very fabric of America is woven with and by immigrants. My (not-so-distant) relatives were immigrants. We are a country of immigrants. Life is made *rich* by their very existence. And for that reason, I will not stand for Trump’s actions.

I don’t know what this project will look like—I haven’t fully fleshed it out. All I know is that I can’t do nothing. And I want to use my talents—my passions—to recognize the grand, gritty, and glorious *beauty* that lives in America’s immigrants. Again, if you are, or are (even remotely!!) related to, an immigrant, I want to photograph you and talk to you. Please comment below or message me if you are interested. And together, let’s make something that cultivates hope and beauty in the midst of hate and fear.

Also, please share this. The more eyes that can see this, the better.

I wouldn’t have imagined it for myself a year ago, but here I am with a full-time job (that I love) and four new countries under my wing. 2016 sparked a different kind of curiosity in me, and so I approach 2017 with the intentionality of creating space for asking questions.

What does that look like? A sabbatical. From weddings and seniors and engagements—from all paid work, actually (aside from what I’ve already booked for 2017.) Instead, I’ll be spending the year pushing my creative limits, reevaluating what photography means to me, and also *resting*.

I’m most excited for a break from the constant hustle (something that I recognize as both necessary and over-glorified) and instead regaining energy and new creative life. And I am so grateful for every one of you that made 2016 such a wildly, wonderful year. Here’s to new beginnings in 2017!

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Image from a recent shoot with Madison Reimer and Jen Des Lauriers.

anonymous.

model: Madison Reimer
hair/make-up: Jen Des Lauriers

A few photos that make my heart flutter. 2016 was a good one. And I’m so grateful for everyone that was a part of it.

Full ‘Best of 2016’ post is on the blog! // http://alex-ry.com/blog/2016/12/8/best-of-2016

This is my friend Elizabeth Bacon. I met her in Nepal earlier this year. She is my favorite. Last week, she gave me a proper introduction to the South. Crazy how I didn't know her even 10 months ago. And now she is one of my dearest friends. 2016, you've been too good to me.

A favorite from yesterday.

Monday snaps with Nicole Sward. ✨

This election night is stressful. But this shoot was fun. And it's on the blog. Check it: alex-ry.com/blog

Talent: Hanna Voxland | MUAH: Jen Des Lauriers

The only way to beat a creative slump is to create. Try things. Fail things. And make make make.

Talent: Hanna Voxland
MUAH: Jen Des Lauriers