SPOTLIGHT-RYDER SCHWARTZ
Ryder Schwartz on why he creates, portraying the feeling of movement through film, and managing imposter syndrome.
Ryder is a filmmaker and visual artist from Tahoe City, CA. He grew up filming ski edits with his friends in the mountains—always looking for new ways to capture motion, speed, and feeling through a lens. Today, that same instinct drives everything he does.
– On the Creative Work
“I’m grateful I get to experience that feeling.”
The feeling of finishing something that started as an idea. Of turning a vision into something real. It’s the reason Ryder paints, writes music, and makes films. As someone who is his own biggest critic, many times that feeling does not come until 3 days into a project at 6 am. But when it feels complete, and it works, it’s an incredible sensation.
– On Pressure & Process
“I fake it till I make it. I take jobs with gear I’ve never used and figure it out as I go.”
Ryder’s not afraid of not knowing. That’s part of the job. And the joy of learning. Each project is something new—and if he gets to work alongside artists and people who are more experienced and more talented than he is, even better. “Many people are scared of screwing it up. I just won’t take no for an answer.”
– On Movement
“Movement is a feeling. And the only way to capture it is to understand it.”
Everything Ryder shoots is rooted in motion—skiing, biking, sport.
It’s how he got started, and it’s still where he feels most inspired.
To him, movement isn’t just a subject—it’s a visual language.
– On the feeling creative work brings you
“I’m grateful I get to experience that feeling.” The feeling of finishing something that started as an idea. Of turning a vision into something real. Many times that feeling of accomplishment does not come until after 3 long nights of editing until 6 am, but when it does, it’s incredibly rewarding. The last fix would be on the polaroid camera- Ryder’s not afraid of a challenge. Instead of hes not afraid of not knowing.