Inspiring Creator Series: Ryan Halls

In our creative community, one name consistently stands out for polished product photography and seriously cool videography: US creator Ryan Halls. Based in Utah, Ryan is a creator whose work feels equal parts refined and dynamic, and impossible to scroll past.

What began as a passion-fueled side hustle quickly evolved into a full-time creative career. His curiosity and drive to experiment have led to big brand projects as well as standout collaborations through our creator platform. He doesn’t just create content, he thoughtfully elevates it.

From splashing with water and ice baths to layering rich textures and crafting carefully considered setups, Ryan has a talent for transforming everyday products into scroll-stopping, premium visuals. And he certainly doesn’t gatekeep, which we and our community love. He generously shares behind the scenes insights, clever setups and practical hacks that help other creators level up too.

Get to know Ryan and follow along as he continues to grow, evolve, and carve his own path in the world of content creation whilst being a hands-on dad and husband.

Meet Ryan

How did your journey to photography start? Have you always been a product photographer?

Hey everyone, I’m Ryan Halls! I’m originally from Utah and currently based in St. George, Utah, where I run my home studio. I started my career in advertising and art direction but my photography journey began in a more personal way when my wife started a small side hustle to help fund IVF and fertility treatments.

What began as a side project quickly grew into a passion, and eventually I left my full-time role to pursue product photography full-time…combining storytelling, lighting, and design in a way that felt natural and deeply fulfilling.

What are some things people might not know about you?

1. I’m a dad of three and genuinely love being involved in everything my kids do…dance recitals, gym days, all of it.
2. I’m really into CrossFit and fitness challenges; I love setting physical and mental goals.
3. I love animals. We have two small dogs, a Goldendoodle and a Yorkie, and in my studio I have two Sugar Gliders, Lily and Luna. They are nocturnal and keep me company when I'm doing late night shoots or pulling all nighters lol.

What equipment do you currently use to produce your content?

• Camera: Canon R5
• Lenses: 24–70mm f/2.8L, 100mm Macro
• Lighting: Amaran RGB lights (300c, etc.) (continuous because I shoot a lot of video and stop motion along with my stills)
• Tripod: Manfroto Heavy-duty studio tripod
• Editing: Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop, Premiere Pro for Video
• I also love using practical tools like filters (Prism Lens FX), diffusion, mirrors, and texture elements to achieve looks in-camera whenever possible.

What is your favourite lighting to use?

Honestly it depends on the product and the look and feel. More moody, soft light or punchy contrast with hard shadows. Being honest, I usually use 2-3 lights and a mixture of soft and hard light to get the best lighting for my products but still achieve the look and feel my client wants.

What are your three favourite props to use?

1. Vinyl backdrops (use them in every shoot). My favourite are from Club Backdrops
2. Liquids (water, glycerin mixes, splashes)
3. Texture elements (fruit, powders, crushed ingredients)

How do you keep learning and evolving your skills?

I’m constantly experimenting…testing lighting setups, new tools and creative approaches. I also learn a lot by breaking down work I admire and asking why it works. I recommend doing passion projects to see if you can try and achieve a new look etc.

I also recommend following photographers who share process, not just results, and staying curious outside of photography…design, film, science and art direction all influence my work.

What is your best advice to share with aspiring creators?

Don’t chase trends—learn fundamentals. Lighting, composition and storytelling will outlast any algorithm or editing style. Also, think in collections, not single images. Brands hire you to solve visual problems, not just make pretty photos.

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Your behind the scenes are so fun! Any advice for creatives wanting to produce this type of content?

Keep it simple and honest. Use a locked-off camera or phone, capture wide angles that show the full setup, and don’t overproduce it. People want to learn, not be impressed. Also, lighting your BTS with the same lights you’re using for the shoot helps everything feel cohesive (one of the reasons I love my continuous lights vs strobes)

Ryan takes us behind the scenes of his photoshoot for Love, Beauty and Planet with Creatively Squared.

Which other creators do you admire and find inspiring?

There’s just too many…lol. This is why I love Instagram. I get so much inspiration from other fellow photographers / videographers and admire their creativity. I will save images / videos I like and challenge myself to try a lighting setup or get a certain look and feel while making it my own vs just copying.

I look up to creators like: @alistairjmes, @notashelfie, @robdowsleystudio, @colorscollective, @a_dickson_film, @studio.liit, and many many more.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

Continuing to grow deeper partnerships with brands, creating more video and motion-based content and pushing my creative boundaries, especially with lighting and storytelling. Long-term, I want to keep building work that feels thoughtful, intentional and timeless.

Ryan, thank you for being a Creatively Squared community member we can always count on for inspiration. Your work, energy and consistency inspires the whole community.

Check out more of his work on his Instagram @ryanhalls_creative.