About - Ryan J C Petrilla

Welcome, I am Ryan

I first picked up a camera in high school, working with film and learning the magic of the darkroom. I’ll never forget the moment my teacher told me I was going to be successful as a photographer — it gave me the confidence to believe in this craft. For years, life took me in different directions, but I never lost my love for photography.

In 2018, I decided to take the leap and become a professional photographer and filmmaker. Today, I’m based in North Carolina, where I work full-time in photography and film. 

My career is deeply fulfilling, but my true passion is found in the wild. Whether I’m on ski trips in the mountains, exploring coastlines, or heading out on African safaris, I’m drawn to the beauty of nature and the fleeting moments that tell its story.

I’ve witnessed lionesses leaping from trees, leopards scanning the savanna at golden hour, and elephants glowing in the evening light. I’ve photographed cubs at play, rivers carving through canyons, and city skylines alive with energy. For me, every image is a way to hold on to an instant that would otherwise be gone forever.

My photography is about more than just documenting wildlife and landscapes — it’s about connecting with them. Each photo carries a story, and I’m grateful to share those stories with you.