Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Payton Rademacher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Payton, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I want to leave a legacy of adventure, inclusivity, and just going for it—especially for people who feel like they don’t quite fit the mold. As a deaf elopement photographer, I hope I’m remembered for helping couples feel truly seen, for capturing their love in a way that feels real to them, and for proving that adventure has no barriers.

More than anything, I want people to say, ‘Payton made us feel like we could do anything.’ Whether that’s couples eloping in the mountains, other creatives chasing their dreams, or parents figuring out how to build a life that actually works for them—I want to be proof that it’s possible. And of course, I hope my kids remember me as someone who showed up, who put family first, and who never settled for less than what set my soul on fire.

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?

Hey, I’m Payton! I’m an elopement photographer based in Minnesota, but my heart (and camera) are always chasing adventure. My journey into photography started like a lot of creative passions—just messing around, capturing moments, and realizing I loved telling stories through images. But it wasn’t until I embraced my own identity as a deaf photographer that I really found my purpose.

I help couples break free from the traditional wedding expectations and create a day that’s actually about them. Whether that means hiking to a mountaintop, running barefoot on the beach, or finding a quiet, intimate space to exchange vows, I’m here to document it in a way that feels real, raw, and totally you. My job isn’t just to take pretty pictures—it’s to create an experience where my couples feel seen, valued, and completely at ease.

What sets me apart? I bring a unique perspective to storytelling, both visually and in the way I communicate with my couples. Being deaf has given me a heightened ability to pick up on emotions, body language, and those in-between moments that speak louder than words. It’s also made me really intentional about how I connect with people—whether that’s through written communication, video chats, or just making sure my couples feel 100% comfortable. My work is where silence meets visual poetry—turning emotions, movement, and unscripted moments into something you can feel just by looking at it.

What I’m most proud of? Honestly, it’s building a business that reflects who I am—and watching that inspire others. I want people to know that adventure is for everyone, that love doesn’t have rules, and that your story is worth capturing exactly as it is.

So, if you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels right for you—not what tradition or society says it should be—I’m your person. Let’s make some magic together!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My photography business started as a side hustle—something I did out of passion while balancing my 9-5 office job and raising my two kids. But deep down, I always knew I wanted more. I didn’t just want photography to be a side thing—I wanted it to be the thing. The thing that gave me the freedom to create, to connect, and to live life on my own terms.

The shift really started when I stopped treating it like a ‘side hustle’ and started owning it as my business. One of my biggest milestones was joining Biz With Boundaries Mastermind in November 2024. That’s when I truly recognized my value and uniqueness as a deaf photographer. I began weaving my identity into my workflow—communicating in a way that felt natural to me, improving my SEO so my dream clients could actually find me, and focusing on what makes my work different. And guess what? It worked. My visibility grew, inquiries increased, and for the first time, I could see the reality of doing this full-time.

I’m still in the process of making the leap, but I know it’s coming. And when it does, it won’t just be about leaving a 9-5—it’ll be about stepping fully into the life I’ve been building. A life that gives me more time with my family, more freedom to chase adventure, and more opportunities to capture love stories in a way that feels true to who I am.

So yeah, this side hustle? It’s turning into the dream. And I can’t wait for what’s next.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One moment that really tested my resilience was when I first started putting myself out there as a deaf photographer. I knew I had the talent and the passion, but I also knew the industry wasn’t exactly built with people like me in mind. Most networking, client calls, and business education rely so heavily on spoken communication, and I often felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove myself.

At one point, I wondered if couples would hesitate to book me because of how I communicate. Would they see my deafness as a challenge instead of a strength? But instead of shrinking back, I leaned in. I started integrating my identity into my workflow—letting people know upfront how I communicate and showing them that my ability to see emotions, body language, and unscripted moments actually enhances my storytelling.

One huge turning point was when I joined BWB. That’s when I stopped feeling like I had to ‘fit in’ and started realizing that my uniqueness is exactly what sets me apart. And the impact of that realization didn’t stop with just me. By showing up fully as myself, I started opening doors—not just for my business but for others like me. It helped educate people that deaf creatives can do this, that we belong in these spaces, and that communication differences aren’t barriers—they’re just differences. I’ve had people tell me that seeing me out here, thriving, has given them the confidence to pursue their own dreams. That alone makes every challenge worth it.

Since then, I’ve seen my business grow, my confidence soar, and my clients embrace what makes me different. I’ve turned what could have been a roadblock into one of my biggest strengths, and that’s the kind of resilience I carry into every part of my life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paytonrademacherphoto.com
• Instagram: @paytonrademacherphoto
• Facebook: @paytonrademacherphoto
• Other: Pinterest: @paytonrademacherphoto
  Tiktok: @paytonrademacherphoto