Ry Michelle Scavo is a Colorado based photographer and fly angler. Ry was drawn to the outdoors at a young age, and always had a camera in hand. She loves to share stories through portrait, brand sessions, wedding and outdoor photography. Ry is a full time mother, photographer and content creator. She and her husband, Sam, operate Big River Collaborative, an outdoor content creative.
Ry grew up fishing and exploring the outdoors. Her passion for adventure fuels her photography work, and affection for the outdoors, and storytelling along the way.
Why did you begin photography? What inspired you to begin?
Growing up, my family always had a camera on hand. Whether we were sending home videos from overseas to relatives back in the U.S. while my dad was in the navy, or snapping photos on vacations, a video camera, Polaroid or random film camera was a staple throughout my life. So, it just made sense that I would end up snapping photos of my own some day. I started with disposables, photographing friends and outside environments in grade school, moved up to shooting stills for a skate and punk music zine we started as kids and ended up photographing my first wedding when I was 17. I realized then that I love to capture candid moments and photograph people doing what they love.
Is there a specific niche of photography that you are known for or that you gravitate to?
Sharing stories is my ultimate goal… So I’ve done that through portrait work: brand sessions, senior portraits, weddings, etc, and lifestyle shots for my own stories/work and for different brands and product marketing imagery.
What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish photography?
That it is okay to accept what you are not. For a long time, I tried to do landscape photography. But, I always struggled with really capturing the mood/energy of a scene by just photographing a stream, a mountain, a desert landscape, etc. I think I spent too much time trying to be something I’m not (“Landscape Photographer”) and neglected really indulging in what I love – photographing people, activities, etc.
Is your photography a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
It’s definitely a side hustle for me 🙂
How do you manage a work-life balance as a photographer?
I have a full-time day job. I am a mom and I have photography/content creation as a side hustle. Balance is…hard.
I’ve done two things to really help balance it all. First, I engage my family in a lot of the projects/work I do on the photography side. And second, I intentionally set boundaries. Sometimes, I have to break my own rules (like not working past a certain time), but I mostly stick to it. If we’re on a family outing or I’m taking some solo time on the water to fish (and it’s not related to work), I 100% put my phone and camera down and unplug from “the grind” to ensure quality time for myself and my family.
What brand of camera equipment do you shoot with?
I’ve shot Nikon since I was a kid. But I recently added a Fuji Mirrorless setup to my kit.
Which lens is your favorite for photographing in various conditions?
I’m a sucker for a prime lens and a wide angle, so I have two: my Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 and my Nikon 50mm “nifty fifty” F1.3.
Do you take macro-photography of flies? If so, what is your process/lens of choice?
Not typically.
If someone is interested in getting involved in outdoor / fishing photography today, what would be some suggestions you would give them regarding introductory gear (camera body, lens, brand, editing software, etc.)?
I love a camera body in my hand, but sometimes, that can be a big investment. These days, it’s amazing what an iPhone or Samsung phone can do.
If you go with a digital camera, go mirrorless. They’re typically light and can pack into almost any bag. Add a 50mm to your kit lens and just get out there and shoot!
If you’re going the phone camera route, I’d also suggest just getting out there and taking photos. If you end up getting images of people and their faces and want to respect their rights and use that image in the future for some kind of publication or commercial use, you might bring along a PDF file on your phone so they can sign a “model release form.”
Also, I highly encourage the Adobe Lightroom app for your phone and desktop. Digital cameras these days allow for bluetooth connectivity, so you can send your images (check settings and make sure they transfer at the actual image size and not a downgraded size) to your phone and then import into Lightroom. And for images on your phone, it’s easy to add those to your library too. Then, tag, tag, tag, to keep your files searchable (for yourself in Lightroom) and organized. I have image requests come in all the time for specific content and by tagging my photos from 10 years ago, I have a decade of shots to easily choose from.
What editing software do you use the most for photo edits? Why?
Lightroom – it’s easy, super user friendly, and serves as a robust catalog of all my content.
How did you learn this specific genre of photography?
I’ve been into outdoor/adventure photography all my life. I’ve read magazines with images that inspired me (American Fly Fishing, The Drake, Fly FIshing Journal, etc.) and I just went out and practiced. It’s okay if you botch a shot, the more you shoot, the better your eye gets. I’ve also requested and received great feedback from editors and other photographers. I don’t use forums, but by submitting my work to publications, I’ve received a lot of great feedback that has made me the photographer I am today.
Out of all your photos, which is your favorite and why?
This is a very hard question to answer. I think one of my more recent favorites has to be a shot I snapped of my husband the first time we fished Texas together. It was part of a photoset for Southwest Fly Fishing Magazine (now part of American Fly Fishing) and has been seen floating around the Postfly/Catch Co. publications. It was my first BIG 2+-page spread photoset in a print magazine, so that felt pretty good!
What was your first fishing experience?
I was probably 7 or 8 and my dad took me fishing at the local park pond. I had my tackle box and a little spin rod. It smelled like fish on the banks and I didn’t like touching the worms, but I knew I loved to fish!
When did you begin fly fishing?
I was 17 years old and dating my boyfriend then/now husband. We would go spin fishing a lot together. We were both working at two different big box outdoor stores in Pennsylvania and he was expressing interest in fly fishing. I bought him a setup, he let me try it, and I landed a fish that day! I’ve been hooked ever since.
What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I had a pretty deep fear of water when I was younger. Not sure if it was childhood trauma or just the fear of the unknown… But, I was absolutely terrified – cold sweat kind of terrified – if I went too deep while wading. Thankfully, through fishing with friends and finding peace and respect with the water, I’ve found myself in a place of pure joy when I’m fishing.
I am pulled in and embrace so many different directions in my life – whether through work, play, or being a mother and partner – that fly fishing has let me stop all the chaos in my mind from ALL the things and slow down.
Professionally, fly fishing is something I believe more women can and should do. Being on the water is unlike any other place. Having a rod in my hand and line connecting me to a fish is such an empowering feeling. Even getting skunked but having a clean cast is a reason for me to celebrate! It takes energy and practice and patience. Professionally, I think it’s that balance of challenge and reward (reward being just time to slow down outdoors, but definitely a perk when I land a fish!) that keeps me coming back.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
I tend to be inspired by other women on the water. We might be outnumbered by the guys, but we keep getting out there!
Do you remember your first published piece?
My first published fishing story in an actual fishing magazine was a piece on the South Fork of the Rio Grande in Southwest Fly Fishing in 2019.
With so many people scrolling on their phones, does social media play a role in your photography?
Definitely! I love sharing my photos via social media…I also love being inspired by others’ photos on there – new places to visit, new people to fish with, etc.
Do you have any tips to help people take better photos with their smartphones?
Definitely use the custom focus option. I like pinpointing my focal point on a camera, so I do the same thing with my iPhone.
Do you suggest any smartphone apps for photo editing?
I exclusively use Adobe products – Adobe Lightroom, for photos, because I know my images are safe and readily available across all of my systems (laptop, desktop, cell phone, etc).
Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing photographers?
Get out there and shoot with anglers! It can be the old timer from next door, the local highschool kids, or a Trout Unlimited or other organization group meet-up. And, if some folks get nervous when a camera is pointed in their face, try using a longer telephoto lens. The bokeh can still be stellar on an image if you use the right lens.
What is your favorite weather to photograph in, or what is your favorite time of day?
I love shooting on clear days, but an overcast day can be just as nice – both have equal lighting. Dappled clouds are always the hardest (going shadow to full sun is TOUGH!). And, I love shooting in the early morning and later in the evening- those are my favorite 🙂 The sun is lower on the horizon, so you don’t have that “hard” light hitting a subject.
What photography trends currently inspire your work?
I’m not sure, to be honest. I’ve been enjoying exploring and creating a mix of short videos with some stills mixed in.
Where can people find your artwork? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
Most of my work is digital content under @RyOutside and @Big_River_Collective on Instagram and www.RyOutside.com and www.BigRiverCollective.com but I also work with a lot of brands and clients like Mountainsmith, Postfly/Catch Co., and others.
