Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylie Fuline.
Hi Rylie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started with my grammy — she always had a fancy camera and took pride in capturing our family’s memories. I was fascinated by it. Once I was old enough to use it myself, I never put it down. At 14, she let me “borrow” a camera that she never got back, and that was the beginning of it all.
By 16, I was charging for sessions and building a small but loyal client base. When I graduated high school, I was told photography wasn’t a “real job,” so I went to college to become a teacher. I kept taking photo clients on the side, but school took most of my energy. Still, photography was always there, even in the background.
After earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I moved back home to Canton and was welcomed by a flood of returning clients, many of whom I had photographed since I was a teenager. Since then, my clients have continued to come back and refer new ones – growing my business larger than I could have ever dreamed. This resulted in me stepping away from teaching and starting photography full time. After I was full time for a year, I invested in a photography studio. Now I am three years in to being full time and two years of being a studio owner!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been proving myself — not just as a photographer, but as a business owner. I’ve had to show people that my age doesn’t define my capability, that I can handle this, and that this is more than just a hobby.
I didn’t go to school for photography. I actually have four degrees in education and worked hard to build a career as a teacher. But photography has always been the thing I kept coming back to, not because it was easy, but because I couldn’t imagine my life without it.
Everything that led me here felt like fate, but none of it came without hard work. I spent years doing free or donated sessions just to get my name out there. I worked long days — often longer than I’d like to admit — to make sure I could build something solid in an oversaturated field.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a legacy photographer, which means I focus on capturing life’s full story from the big milestones to the quiet, everyday moments. I don’t specialize in just one type of photography, because my work is about connection. My goal is to grow with the people I photograph, documenting their lives over the years. What sets me apart is the way I prioritize real relationships. I intentionally keep my client list small so I can stay present, available, and fully invested in the people I work with. I want clients who are looking for more than just a one-time session, they’re looking for someone to capture all their moments, and I’m honored to be that person.
I’m also known for being bright, bubbly, and your personal hype woman! One of the best compliments I hear from clients is that I make them feel good, not just in front of the camera, but before, during, and after the shoot. I help build their confidence and let them know how beautiful, real, and special they are.
One of the parts of my business that I’m most proud of is Team RFP, my senior ambassador program. It’s not just about senior photos, it’s about building a community and making memories all year long. Each year, we handpick a team of outgoing, fun, and vibrant seniors from hundreds of applicants across Northeast Ohio. These young ladies get access to monthly themed photoshoots and exclusive pop-up events. But beyond the camera, Team RFP is about connection, from Friendsgiving dinners and holiday parties to spontaneous icecream dates and styled shoots, it becomes a true sisterhood. These young women not only represent my brand — they become a part of it, and I’m so proud of the confidence, joy, and community we’ve built together.
At the end of the day, I don’t just take photos — I hold space for people to feel seen, celebrated, and remembered. Whether it’s a senior session or a family I’ve been capturing for a decade, I’m always in it for the long haul.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is preserving the moments that matter, both in my personal life and for my clients. I’ve always been “that person” with their phone out, capturing everything from birthday parties to casual trips to the park. Some people see it as a distraction, like I’m not present, but for me, it’s the opposite, I’m deeply present in those moments, and I never want to lose them. I once heard a quote that said, “Check your camera roll — those are all the things you fear losing the most.” And that really hit home for me. I photograph life because I treasure it, and I know how fragile it can be.
The other thing that matters deeply to me is being genuine. It’s something people often tell me they appreciate about me — that I’m straightforward, but always with heart. Whether I’m solving a challenge, offering advice, or simply showing up for someone, I do it honestly and with intention. I want people to feel seen and heard, not brushed off or given a quick fix. That kind of connection makes both my work and my relationships feel meaningful — and I think that’s what makes it all worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryliefulinephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryliefulinephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryliefulinephotography/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryliefulinephotography
