We were lucky to catch up with Paige Rains recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Paige thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Looking back, I realize I’ve always been a maker, a creator, an artist.. even though I never used to think of myself as “creative.” I’ve always loved crafting and am happiest when I’m creating something, whether it’s cooking up a meal in the kitchen, painting or redecorating a room in my house, building something new in my business, or telling someone’s story through photography.

At the same time, I have this other side of my brain that craves logic and numbers, which is why I went to college and got an accounting degree. Honestly, there are days, a lot of days, when creative fatigue sets in, and I find myself wishing I could work on spreadsheets all day. I know… sounds crazy, right? Lol!

But deep down, I know it’s just a classic case of “the grass looks greener on the other side.” My soul would wither away behind a desk in an office all day. While I might not be a photographer forever, I know without a doubt that I’ll always be a creative. Freedom has always been my north star, and my career as an artist is what keeps me moving in that direction.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a mom to three boys and I got into photography though scrapbooking. I became pretty skilled at creating scrapbook pages back around 2009 but found myself wanting better photographs to build the pages around. So, I bought a Canon Rebel and began teaching myself how to take better photos. What started as a way to improve my scrapbooks quickly turned into an obsessive passion for photography, and before long, I completely left scrapbooking behind.

I started sharing my photos online, and friends began asking me to photograph their families. The classic “momtog” journey, ya know? Then someone asked me to photograph a birth, which felt pretty serious so I made things official: I filed my business name at the county courthouse, bought my first full-frame camera, got business insurance, and just like that, I was a professional photographer! Haha.. or so I thought ;)

From the beginning, my work has stood out for its candid, natural feel. My sessions are as laid back as possible, and I’ve always focused on making the entire experience, from inquiry to gallery delivery, stress-free and enjoyable. People say I have a calm confidence, and I think that energy helps put my clients at ease, especially when they’re in the vulnerable position of being in front of a camera.

While I started with family photography, my business has shifted over the years, and now the majority of my work is brand photography for women entrepreneurs. I absolutely love it. There’s something so rewarding about diving into someone’s brand and learning the story behind why they do what they do.

I get to use my creativity to strategically plan sessions that produce images tailored to their unique story, helping them connect with their audience in a more meaningful way. It’s an amazing feeling to see my clients use those photos to grow their businesses, connect with their people, and even make more money. Helping other women succeed through intentional, story-driven photography lights me up in a way I never could have imagined back when I was just scrapbooking for fun.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission that drives my creative journey is a life of freedom. Freedom to be in control of my limited time on earth. Freedom to express who I am through photography and running a business. Freedom to use my gifts to help others succeed. Freedom to live an authentic life that’s aligned with my purpose.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the process itself, the alchemy of creating something where nothing existed before. It’s the magic that happens when an idea takes shape, transforming raw materials or thoughts into something tangible and meaningful.

For me, creating is a deeply intuitive process. It’s about connecting with emotion, energy, and story, finding ways to translate feelings into something visual that others can experience. There’s a vulnerability, but also fulfillment, in sharing what you’ve made.

The process of creation is where we get to express ourselves, to explore, to experiment, to play. In doing so, we discover not only what we’re capable of but also who we are. That’s the alchemy: turning the spark of an idea into something that didn’t exist before, and in the process, transforming ourselves and adding value to others along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paigerains.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paige_rains/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paigerainsphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-rains/

Image Credits

My headshot was taken by Julissa Shook.