A really good photo not only captures a moment, but makes us feel like we’re there. It’s not just a snapshot, but a story. That’s the way Daryl Wilkerson approaches his work as a photographer, not just showing a scene, but letting the story tell itself.
“I try to bring an aspect of candid storytelling to what I do, mainly because I feel it’s the most authentic aspect of storytelling, being the fly on the wall, not being front and center,” Daryl said.
Photo by Ryl World Photography
Daryl’s been a full-time photographer based in Chicago for the past three years, but his love for photography extends back to his high school days, learning about photojournalism. Throughout the years, Daryl maintained a full-time career in healthcare management, taking photos on the side. Then, he decided to make a change in 2018.
“At that point in my career I had hit a ceiling,” he said. “When I looked up at the upper levels of my company, nobody looked like me, so it was very clear that there was gonna be a level and I wasn’t able to see myself going past that. I decided to take some time to decide what my next move would be. It was more geared toward doing something for myself that I enjoy doing everyday, where I could be the boss of my own ship and drive the direction as high as I wanted.”
Signs pointed toward his photography passion, so Daryl went for it. Since then, he’s been running Ryl World Photography, doing portrait work, weddings, and events. Above all, the goal is to tell the real story of his subject, whatever it may look like.
“Sessions are more about storytelling of the person in the moment—if it’s a smile it’s a smile, if they’re sad they’re sad,” Daryl said. “It’s [my] job to tell somebody’s story as they are, not as we think they should be. The work should always speak to who the person is at that point in time.”
Photo by Ryl World Photography
When it comes to a Sofar show, Daryl uses the same tactic, letting the night speak for itself.
“Luckily whenever I’ve photographed [for Sofar] I’ve been fortunate to have the right kind of energy—it’s usually a Friday night, everybody’s in a good headspace, it’s kind of a party atmosphere if you will—people are cracking jokes, [and] the artists are connecting with them.”
He continued, “It’s just a lively exchange and I’ve been fortunate enough to tell that story–the laughter, the applause, the intimate moments–because you can’t hear the music, but hopefully the photos will be able to convey that a good time was had, [and] this is something you want to be a part of the next time it comes around.”
Photo by Ryl World Photography
Words by Sofar Editorial Team
Photo credit: Daryl Wilkerson, self portrai by Ryl World Photography
