ST. LOUIS — A local photographer took more than 40,000 photos of Circus Flora, a St. Louis one-ring circus production, capturing performances, behind-the-scenes, audiences and more.

What You Need To Know

  •  Ryan Stanley’s photos are in the limelight at the Egg Midtown. His new exhibit, "Behind the Big Top, tells a visual story of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing a circus

  • Stanley is a self-taught photographer with 20 years of graphic design experience

  • He hopes people gain a different perspective and appreciation of the circus lifestyle as they view some of his still moments of the fast-paced performances

  • "Behind the Big Top” will be displayed through Oct. 20 where people can view and purchase Stanley’s work

Now, Ryan Stanley’s photos are in the limelight at the Egg Midtown. His new exhibit, "Behind the Big Top, tells a visual story of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing a circus.

Circus Flora has been combining the wonders of the modern circus with traditional circus acts over the past 38 years in its iconic Big Top tent.

The theatrical productions feature world-renowned acts and original live music that continue to entertain and engage with audiences. 

“It really surprised me how much the circus does mean to so many people in St. Louis. It was great to see all ages just blown away,” he said, adding that this project gave him a newfound respect for the circus.

Stanley said his photography focuses on a variety of communities and cultures, noting that Circus Flora is a community of its own.

“A lot of times, I think the circus is thought of as this kind of entertainment, but people are not fully seeing the artistry and the strength it takes to do these things,” Stanley said.

He hopes people gain a different perspective and appreciation of the circus lifestyle as they view some of his still moments of the fast-paced performances.  

“I shot a lot of rapid fire shots, so I could get the right actions, which also gave me a lot of other video material with it,” Stanley said.

In the works are a color book and a black-and-white book to showcase more of his photos. Stanley also is working with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation to hopefully set up a gallery.

“The more I can support this series, the more I can do (other) series like this and go even further into these communities,” he said.

Egg General Manager Jason Sintel said Stanley’s latest work captured his heart.

“If you had imagined running away as a child to the circus, this is your chance to see what that lifestyle is like,” he said.

“What I love about it was just to see all of the different personalities that go into the circus and it’s great.”

Stanley is a self-taught photographer with 20 years of graphic design experience.

Some of his work dates back to capturing Cherokee Street about 15 years ago and photographing “The Art of Protest” in 2000.

Stanley also did a home series project where he photographed people in their homes in black-and-white style, in addition to a small town rural series.

“I think my (work) is somewhere between photojournalism and art,” he said.

Stanley also does portraits and event photography.

"Behind the Big Top” will be displayed through Oct. 20 where people can view and purchase Stanley’s work.