The Models of Ryan
Welsh Photography   

I wouldn't have some of my best photography pieces if it weren't for the natural talents of my models. I'd like to take a moment here to recognize them.

Emily

Emily is a good friend of mine, going all the way back to my early years of high school. She was one of my first models.

Emily is currently pursuing photography as well. Unlike me, she is more serious about it as a career. I would defend that her skills with a camera are superior to my own. And she's a hauntingly beautiful model, as you can see in my shots of her. What more can someone ask for?

Recently having completed her undergraduate studies at Northern Michigan University, Emily is preparing for her graduate work and beyond.

Katherine

Katherine is not a model by trade. She's just a friend of mine - the first friend I made here in Seattle. After I met her, I asked her if I could ever photograph her. As luck would have it, she's just the kind of person who hates being in front of a camera and in pictures.

The story is long and the details not very relevant, but suffice to say, I was shocked when one day she told me she wanted me to shoot her picture. She used the excuse that she needed a new MySpace picture, but I'm not sure I buy that. :-P

Katherine is a huge fan of Jazz music and she recommends you check out Pearl Django, a jazz band local to Seattle. And sorry, gentleman: I'm also pretty sure the man of her dreams is Jack, the Pumpkin King.

Mai Li

After living in Seattle a year, Mai Li has infiltrated the social and music scene of the Emerald City and enjoyed every minute. She uses her BM in music composition from Florida State University, playing and teaching a plethora of instruments, doing studio session work on a few of her instruments, writing music and performing in a wide variety of settings, genres, and roles. Her performance credentials range from stage and film acting credits, musicals, hamming it up, featured soloist (as a vocalist, pianist, and violinist), dance, burlesque, and as a member of many diverse ensembles on several instruments. She has a broad, award-winning portfolio of musical works, with contemporary "classical" works, film scores, vocal music (solo and ensemble), and a great deal of songwriting in all genres. Her modeling portfolio is also always under active construction, since she has a penchant for changing her appearance.

Her only love at the moment is music, unless someone particularly intense manages to distract her focus. Current projects include restocking the modeling portfolio, a small studio of students who take lessons from her privately, keys and vocals in a new local rock project, a solo project, 2 film scores, a feature film to be shot in the spring, and co-writing a new hit musical, "Jazz Hands Lesbians!"

Mai Li is always considering new projects, and often need people for the current ones! Professional engagements (paying) will be considered first, but portfolio expansion is also up for consideration. Feel free to email theDOTmaiDOTliATgmailDOTcom with any questions, interest, or potential project ideas.

Honorable   
   Mentions

  Eclectic Theater
Company   

Over the months, Eclectic Theater Company has taken me on as their Resident Photographer. Although most of my photography has been less than favorable in my opinion - lending to my lack of proper lighting equipment to best handle theater photography, and last minute photographer needs - I nonetheless shoot for Eclectic when requested, or when the fancy strikes. My shots have appeared in printed programs for Death Behind the Tabloids, press releases, and I shoot many documentary shots of cast and crew for productions and events.

Working with Eclectic has allowed me to network with many artists in the Seattle performance community. I've landed models and contacts from various mediums of art, and that's been invaluable to continuing my hunt for fresh scenery and ideas for my portfolio. For that I thank all of you at Eclectic Theater Company! Eclectic is currently run by a core staff comprised of Artistic Director Rik Deskin, Development Director L. Nicol Cabe (who modeled for me graciously!), House Manager Beau Prichard, Art Director Luke S. Walker, Education Director Adrienne Maclain, Marketing Director Brian Walton, Literary Manager Kim Deskin, Playwright-in-Residence Rosemary Pooler-Carter, and myself as Photographer-in-Residence.