Ryan McDonell Photography

08/09/2026

📷 DO YOU WANT TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR DSLR CAMERA?

Are you tired of relying on Auto mode and wondering what all those other buttons and settings actually do?

Whether you're a complete beginner or already know your way around a camera, I offer hands-on, individualized photography lessons tailored to what you want to learn.

We'll work with your camera, your questions, and your goals—in a setting where you're comfortable learning.

You can learn how to:

📸 Get beyond Auto mode and take control of your camera
💡 Dial in settings for difficult lighting situations
⚙️ Understand ISO, aperture, shutter speed & depth of field
🎛️ Create and save custom camera settings
🌅 Get better results in challenging shooting conditions
✨ Learn the 5 key photography guidelines that can make your photos POP!
📷 Develop practical techniques you can actually remember and use

Yes, you can watch YouTube videos and read photography books—and as a 22-year veteran film & digital photography instructor, I absolutely recommend using those resources.

But sometimes there's no substitute for having an experienced photographer right there with you, explaining why your camera is doing what it's doing and showing you how to make it work for you.

I've done this many times, and I've seen people make breakthroughs with things that had alluded them for years simply because someone finally explained it in a way that made sense to them.

One-on-one or small-group lessons available in the Rochester, NY area.

📍 Rochester & surrounding areas
📱 585-506-6351 — TEXT MESSAGE, and I can call you back as I work with clients 9-5pm.

Stop letting your camera make the decisions. Learn to make them yourself.

07/14/2026

Always happy to keep sharing the work of this great guy, Ryan McDonell. 🫶📷❤️ If you’re in Rochester, and need an expert photographer for your shoots or events, book Ryan McDonell Photography!

I have been sharing these limited prints for free around the ! ❤️

07/01/2026

I'm shooting some big events and stoked, got new gear, and have all the skills to make it happen, hit me up and share 585-506-6351!

04/20/2026

Couldn't skate, so I shot the pics using an EOS-1D Mark 3 and an EOS 650 Speedlight with stock diffuser. I shot manual (1/250, F4 to f9, ETTL). The light was changing fast, but the moment's were captured, and most importantly I was enjoying my photography!

04/18/2026

Pulling out all the "f-stops" today, going to film a crusty backyard pool skating session, should I bring the Alien Bee's and Pocket Wizard's too? Got 4 packs of Fuji Velvia FILM ISO 400, that have been literally chilling (hopefully still works out) I would love to shoot my EOS 650....

03/15/2026

For the guy that lit my creative spark way back when I was just a scared, lost teenager…

To Ryan (Ryan McDonell Photography): Thank you for being an integral part of this crazy, unpredictable journey, and for believing in me. You saw potential in me before anyone else in my life ever did. You are such a talented and multifaceted artist that experiments with so many different styles and mediums. I admire your resilience in every role / job title / hobby - from art teacher, to photographer, painter, musician, skateboarder, and beyond; your fearlessness to explore your identity through art in all forms has led you to create some of the most incredible (and some of my all-time favorite) work. You are the kind of authentic, ever-evolving artist that I always aspire to be.

For the most down-to-earth, wonderful human being and friend. ❤️

11/13/2025

📸 Capture Every Moment — Big or Small!
I’m all about making your moments special with artistic vision and attention to detail. No job is too small or too large! I offer fair pricing in tough times and take pride in every shoot — from family portraits, events, and weddings to glamour sessions and business photography that helps your brand stand out.

📞 Call or message me today for a quote!
I’m happy to travel and bring your vision to life.
🤘✌️📷🖼️ 585-506-6351

10/31/2025

Still love my pre-Fukushima Japanese Canon gear 💪 My 5D Mark III is my favorite full-frame, and the 1D X holds its own too — both powered through tonight’s downpour like nothing. 🌧️ My 5D Mark III, AND All my L-series glass (50mm, 24–70, 70–200) is old-school Japanese build, and it just hits different. Big thanks to for helping me hunt it all down — totally worth the search 🔥📸

07/20/2025

My daughter shot her first wedding with me today and absolutely killed it, shooting a 1D X and an EOS 50mm F1.2L, no fear, and everyone loved her! So proud, I gave her my EOS 77D with 3 lenses, 3 batteries and 2 grips. Now she has something decent for school and travel.

06/29/2025

Welcome, friends!

I am a seasoned professional photographer from Rochester, New York with over 20 years in the business. I specialize in wedding photography, senior portraits, family pictures, engagement photos, special events, musician / band promos, and much more. Let me help you immortalize the special moments and people in your life. Book your next photo shoot on my website.

https://ryanmcdonellphotography.zenfoliosite.com

Ryan McDonell is a seasoned professional photographer from Rochester, New York with over 20 years in the wedding industry. He has an extensive portfolio full of timeless portraits, and more.