Ryan Neeven
Photographer / Social Media Consultant at CASA di NIENTE
Pittsburgh, PA
www.casadiniente.com
instagram @neevenr @casadiniente
Q What do you do?
“Lots of things but my main focus is Photography and Social Media Management/Consulting.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
It's been a long time coming branching off on my own doing this full time but the period during covid when I lost my job in Italy and moved back to the US really made me push myself to dive head first into starting my own company. I have been shooting since 2014 when I co-founded a menswear magazine and positioned myself as the travel editor and also managed the social presence of the magazine. So it just made sense to start my own thing and here I am!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think my shooting style and eye for catching details helps set me apart from other photographers. I try to immerse myself into that world and find things that not only intrigue me, but will transport my audience to be right there with me capturing these moments.
As for the social media side of things, it's really a benefit to be both the SMM and photographer on projects because I know exactly what I need to capture, what performs well and what doesn't, and assets to shoot for different upcoming events/launches. The
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently I'm working on the social side and photography projects of some really cool hotels like The Manchester, Petit Ermitage, and Elsewhere California as well as some other brands like Flowers Winery and Explore Postcard Rugs. I'm always shooting new things for some local places here in Pittsburgh which keep me busy and then traveling as much as possible to explore new places.
Q What’s your style?
If you'd ask anybody what my style is the first thing they would say would be Italian-inspired. My time spent living in Rome really shaped who I am as a photographer and I owe my life to Italy for helping me become the photographer I am today. Right now, I am working on a book that will showcase my love for the Eternal City which will be a true representation of how influential Rome was in my career and in life.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Would love to focus more on photography projects and working with some new brands. My big focus now is working with hotels but i'd love to branch out a bit more and start to shoot some fashion campaigns or work on some interior design projects.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Building out a website that I'm happy with. I feel like I have so many photos in my archive that I need to get out there but I just can't seem to get my website looking exactly how I want it to. It's a daunting project but it's essential so I really need to focus and get it done.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Working on admin things like reaching out to a few new places, answering some emails, some light bookkeeping. Things that I tend to forget about but would be helpful to have someone there for some structure with these things.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I think about this a lot actually because I distinctly remember when I was in high school I turned down the chance to sign up for a film photography class. Maybe if I took it, I would have found my passion for photography sooner than I did and who knows that could have sent me in a whole different direction of college life and professional life.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Accounting and Taxes. Starting your own company is relatively easy but the managing of that company is the hard part and is a bit tricky to find some help with when your stuck on something relating to taxes, filing, bookkeeping, etc.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Photography projects with cool, travel focused brands/hotels. Also always looking for new social media management/consulting clients.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Working for a hotel chain that I can just travel around the world to their properties and shoot amazing content in each place... Looking at you Belmond!
Q What is your rate?
Since I do a few kinds of things, I usually tend to build pricing for social media management/strategy based on how frequently you want things posted. For example, 3 posts a week, community management, 10 stories, I usually start at $1500 per month. For photography, it really depends on the project but my day rate is $2250 but can be adjusted based on how many days of shooting, locations, photo turnover, etc.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
ryan@casadiniente.com is the easiest way! But IG DM is also cool with me on @casadiniente or @neevenr
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Riley Harper — His ability to capture places is something that truly inspires me. As his travels and work take him around the world to some of the most beautiful places, his photography from each trip is just perfect and so inspiring.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Travel well. Travel Often.
This member profile was originally published in May 2024.