the team.

Ron Nicolaysen

Ron Nicolaysen is the engine behind the workshop. With a career as a professional fashion photographer, Ron is a well aknowledged artist. 
In later years he has also pursued numerous projects, including his book Mediterranean Portraits published in 2007. 

  • Ron Nicolaysen is the founder and driving force behind WorkshopsNYC. Born and raised in Manhattan—with Norwegian and Italian roots—Ron’s career spans over four decades and includes work in both commercial and fine art photography. He studied at Beloit College in Wisconsin, graduating in 1971, before returning to New York to refine his craft through workshops and mentorships with legendary photographers like Harry Callahan, Lee Friedlander, Duane Michals, and Ansel Adams.

    In the early 1980s, Ron’s career took him to Paris and Milan, where he worked as a fashion photographer for some of the world’s top magazines: Vogue, Glamour, Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and many more. His work appeared on both American and European pages and in campaigns for major international brands.

    By the late 1990s, Ron shifted his focus to fine art and documentary photography—looking for deeper stories and personal expression. In 2002, he joined a National Science Foundation expedition to Antarctica, documenting scientific research aboard an oceanographic vessel in the Southern Ocean. In 2007, his project Mediterranean Portraits was published by Skira and exhibited in Italy. His portrait work for a United Nations project on human trafficking was exhibited at the UN in 2008 and 2009.

    Ron has exhibited his work in both solo and group shows across the U.S. and Europe, and has led workshops at institutions including Pratt Institute and NABA in Milan. But it’s the intimate, intensive format of WorkshopsNYC that brings him the most joy—working side-by-side with students, pushing them to ask better questions and see the world more clearly through their lens.

    Today, Ron continues to live and work in New York City, where he hosts workshop students in his spacious Hell’s Kitchen loft and guides them through the photographic journey—one neighborhood, one critique, one moment at a time.

Ronny Næss

Ronny Næss is the other part of workshopnyc.com. After a career as a professional fashion photographer with clients including Tique, Elle, Her, The New, record companies and advertising agencies, Ronny continued teaching photography at a Norwegian private high school. 

  • Ronny Næss is a seasoned professional photographer with a distinguished career in fashion photography, collaborating with notable publications such as Tique, Elle, Her, and The New. His portfolio also includes work with various record companies and advertising agencies, showcasing his versatility and creative vision.

    Beyond his commercial success, Ronny has dedicated a significant portion of his career to education, teaching photography at a private high school in Norway. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in his role as a co-founder of WorkshopsNYC.com, where he combines his industry experience with a passion for mentorship. Through these workshops, Ronny offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant photographic landscape of New York City, providing both technical guidance and artistic inspiration.

    Ronny’s approach to photography education emphasizes real-world experience, encouraging students to develop their own visual language while understanding the nuances of the industry. His dual focus on professional excellence and educational mentorship makes him a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application in the field of photography.

Kristian Ringen

Kristian joined the team as its youngest member after having attended the workshop multiple times. At age 18 he moved to NYC to study entrepreneurship and develop his photography business. In a relatively short timespan he’s built a multi-service media business with, among other things, providing photography services within weddings, portraiture, music and other commercial work.

  • Kristian Ringen is a Norwegian photographer, entrepreneur, and the newest member of the WorkshopsNYC team. His relationship with the workshop runs deep: he first attended as a high school student and returned multiple times before stepping into the role of instructor. Those early experiences shaped both his creative identity and his belief in the value of community, critique, and real-world learning.

    At 18, Kristian moved from Norway to New York City to study entrepreneurship and build his photography business. Immersed in the city’s fast-paced creative culture, he developed his skills behind the camera while learning the business from the ground up. What began as a side hustle quickly evolved into a full-fledged media company: Ringen Media.

    Today, Kristian works full-time as a photographer and creative director, serving clients across a wide range of industries. His work includes wedding and event photography, artist and promo shoots, corporate campaigns, and commercial portraiture. He’s known for his calm presence, intuitive style, and ability to put people at ease—capturing honest, emotional images that resonate.

    But Kristian’s drive extends beyond client work. He’s passionate about helping young creatives find direction in their own journey. In the workshop setting, he brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, startup mentality, and down-to-earth mentorship. He knows how to ask the right questions, when to challenge, and when to just listen. His goal is always the same: to help students move forward—not only as photographers, but as people.

    Kristian is also deeply engaged in the business side of creativity. Having built a multi-service company from scratch, he regularly speaks to students about pricing, branding, workflow, and the realities of making a living as a creative. Whether you’re shooting portraits or pursuing passion projects, his approach is always practical, honest, and empowering.

  • Kristian had Ronny as his photography teacher in high school. And before that, Ronny was Ron’s assistant.
    So in a way you could say that this is a business going back generations :)