We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pinkie Ranckey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pinkie below.

Pinkie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Building a full-time career as a photographer has been a gradual, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding journey. It wasn’t an overnight success. Like many creative careers, it required time, dedication, and a lot of trial and error. Looking back, I can identify several key moments and milestones that helped me transform my passion into a sustainable career.

When I first started, photography was just a side hustle during college. My school didn’t offer many specialized courses or clubs in photography or videography, and even when there were opportunities, getting involved took time. So, outside of my schoolwork, I began photographing grad shoots, events, and portraits for friends and family—often for little to no money, simply to build my portfolio. At that point, it wasn’t about earning money; it was about honing my craft and gaining real-world experience. I spent hours studying photography techniques, learning about lighting, composition, and editing. With every shoot, my confidence grew, and word-of-mouth began to spread. Over time, I slowly built my reputation as a photographer.

One of the most crucial steps in my journey was focusing on building my brand. Photography is a competitive industry, so standing out was essential. I carved out my niche in weddings and intimate events, offering a style that reflected my personal approach to storytelling. I wanted my photos to be more than just posed shots; I aimed to capture authentic, emotional moments that truly reflected my clients’ experiences.

As I transitioned to full-time photography, I encountered a surprising challenge—the business side. Being a skilled photographer is one thing, but running a successful business is another. I had to learn how to manage finances, set up contracts, handle marketing, and communicate with clients. Developing a business mindset was essential. I quickly realized that managing a photography business involved much more than taking photos—it meant overseeing schedules, budgets, taxes, and client relationships. I set clear business goals, tracked my progress, and learned from my mistakes. Despite some bumps along the way, each obstacle became a valuable lesson.

As my business grew, I saw an opportunity to offer a more seamless experience for couples. I expanded my photography services into a full-service wedding studio, providing everything couples might need for their big day. In addition to photography, we now offer wedding planning, florals, videography, bridal dress rentals, makeup and hair, album design, and more. This allows us to create a cohesive, personalized experience for our clients, making their wedding planning smoother and more enjoyable.

Looking back, perseverance was key to my success. There were times when I questioned whether I was on the right path—months when income wasn’t as steady as I hoped and moments when work-life balance was tough. But I pushed through, trusting my craft and the relationships I was building with clients.

I also wish I had trusted myself and my work more. Early on, I doubted my abilities and worried about competing with other photographers. But over time, I realized that authenticity and finding my unique voice in the industry were what would set me apart. Had I trusted my instincts more, I believe I could have sped up my growth by not worrying so much about fitting into industry norms.

It wasn’t an easy road, but looking back, it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. From being a part-time photographer hustling on weekends to running a full-time creative business, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. The journey wasn’t fast, but it was steady, and each step taught me valuable lessons as both an artist and a business owner.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

We are a one-stop fine art wedding studio located in San Francisco, California and travels worldwide. Our services include photography, videography, floral designs, wedding planning, bridal dress rental, makeup hair styling, and more.

We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality and professional services. From consultations to photo shoot to the event day, we offer a streamline experience so you can focus on enjoying your special moments.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to connect with people on an emotional level through my work. Whether it’s capturing a couple’s most intimate and joyful moments at a wedding, creating a unique visual experience, or bringing someone’s vision to life, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that my art has meaning and impact.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Finding a supportive community of photographers or a mentor would have been invaluable. While I learned a lot through trial and error, having someone to guide me, offer feedback, and share their experiences could have accelerated my growth. Online photography communities, mentorship programs, and networking events can provide this support, and I wish I had tapped into those resources sooner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.628studio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkieranckey/
• Youtube: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/607bbf60000000000100908e?xsec_token=YBYSG_hkPvWIJXHwpUKID-YTtudNGivGfuVRgakA1vQRM=&xsec_source=app_share&xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=6391ad44000000001f01e113&apptime=1744179985&share_id=25bdceebef884132acb5bcd0b01ab95d
• Other: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/6391ad44000000001f01e113?xsec_token=YBfm9I5vVRTlUoplZdH-YAlXMSdBqW3lWmO8UUu-SapZo=&xsec_source=app_share&xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=6391ad44000000001f01e113&apptime=1744179999&share_id=90f1fb6d92244d9a997a6ae279f55716