Check Out Rachel Pinkston’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Pinkston.

Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I would sit on the floor of my father’s office, flipping through the endless blue binders filled with his photographs. For hours I could stare at those photos, marveling at the magical effect a long exposure had on a lightning bug’s glow, or the way—when viewed at the right angle—a small pool of water could reflect back the entire sky.

These photos became more than images to look at; they became the way I saw the world. I’d stand in our backyard staring at the trees in our woods, pondering concepts like “depth of field” as I wondered why my disposable Kodak couldn’t capture what I saw, what I wanted to show others. Nevertheless, nothing thrilled me like a trip to the store to pick up the pictures developed from my first little film cameras.

While I attended Appalachian State, I became more immersed in the world of nature and natural light photography. The scenery was epic, the opportunities were everywhere; I couldn’t put my camera down. Suddenly, there were so many ideas, so many ways to show people the images in my mind. My way of seeing the world could be shared.

I worked to grow my skills in every facet of the creative industry I could. As a graphic designer for an international company, I created online advertisements and product packaging. As an assistant to a local photographer, I worked with clients like the Carolina Panthers Top Cats, Home Depot, Showmars, Golden Corral, and Feetures. Now as a freelance designer and photographer, I’m hired to design book covers and maps and photograph families, pets, and events. I’m also developing a fine art following for my nature and fine art photography.

Photography has meant experimentation for me; it’s always been about how I can bring my imagination into reality.

I consider myself an exhaustively creative person. Creativity is something that is inside of me, clamoring for release.

At times, my excitement about how I see the world feels overwhelming. Photography is how I can calm this excitement, bring it out of myself and share it with others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth, but the biggest bumps in my road have been self-induced.

Of course, there have been “technical” struggles along the way. When you’re constantly trying to improve there is an ever-present learning curve and you approach new challenges knowing that you’ll make some mistakes. When I’m doing something I’m passionate about, those technical bumps fade in my memory as a labor of love. The things that stick with me are internal struggles.

For so long, I shied away from calling myself a photographer. With that label came expectations of legitimacy and talent, expectations that were too much for my lack of confidence to bear. I let opportunities for beautiful photos pass me by because I was too concerned with what other people would think. Stepping into the spotlight was too daunting, it felt much safer calling myself someone who takes pictures rather than a photographer.

Over time, as my passion for photography evolved, I was increasingly drawn out of my comfort zone in pursuit of my artistic vision and my confidence grew. I began to recognize and develop my own style as a photographer and that identity gave me a sense of self-assurance.

There are still bumps in the road, as I suspect there always will be, but I’ve come a long way from the shy girl snapping pictures when people weren’t looking. Gaining a sense of self-trust and self-respect has been a learning process just as worthwhile as learning all the technical aspects of photography.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a photographer in a world full of smartphones, it’s hard to stand out. I’ll start by saying photography is a lovely art form and I am so happy to see so many people enjoying it as a mode of capturing the beauty of the world.

But in order to stand out, I try to avoid point-and-shoot photography. The tech has become so good that just honing skills isn’t enough to make a mark. It’s about skipping the “easy” photo and looking at the subject differently.

Like a collector, I want to constantly challenge myself to find unique, rare scenes to add to my portfolio. I don’t want to just snap a photo of a bridge at sunset, I want to present it from an unusual perspective. I don’t want to show you the same picture of a flower, I want to find an alternate angle.

I want to show you the world in a way others don’t. I want to show you the dew on the spiderwebs before the sun rises, the ombre orange bloom before it crumples. I want you to see the doe sleeping in the meadow at dawn before it wakes. I want to show you something that only exists for a second.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My parents, both photographers, were the first to introduce me to cameras. Because of them, I grew up regarding the camera as a tool for expression rather than just documentation. They helped hone my creative eye and stoked my passion for all things artistic. They allowed me to grow into my own person with nothing but love and support. They were my first and still remain my biggest fans. I love you Mere and Pere.

My sister Emily can make me laugh harder than almost anyone I know and having her by my side for this journey has made photography so much fun. She has always been so willing to help support me in any way she could, from modeling in some of my favorite photos to be my biggest advocate on social media. We’ve got each other’s backs and knowing you have people like that on your team gets you through rough days.

My best friends Gwen and Kelly have been vital sources of laughter, insight, and encouragement throughout my photography career and life. Friends since middle school, words can’t describe how essential these two women are to my happiness and mental well-being. Over the years, they’ve acted as lookouts, models, cheerleaders, and counselors—the list is endless.

When I get stuck they help me brainstorm; when I feel lost they empower me. They reassured me it was ok to chase after my dreams, even though the path was uncertain at times. They’re truly the tenders of my soul; I’m so glad our lives intersected and continue to travel forward together *and a special thank you to Gwen for all her help crafting/editing these responses.

I blossomed under the patient tutelage of my mentor Kim. An accomplished photographer, she added immeasurable depth to my industry knowledge and helped me evolve so much both professionally and personally. She introduced me to studio photography and lighting and instilled crucial work, organizational and interpersonal habits in me. I spent my time with her absorbing as much of her experience, wisdom, and warm energy as possible. I consider her as much a friend as a mentor and have modeled much of how I conduct myself after her great example.

Finally, not enough credit and thanks can go to my ever-patient husband. His love, enthusiasm, and support are the reason most of my photographs are taken. He has stood behind me both literally and figuratively in my photography since we met. He often accompanies me on photoshoots, braving all elements of weather by my side. He’s held umbrellas in the rain and flashlights in the dark, navigated kayaks through swamps and trails through thickets, all so I can keep my camera glued to my eye. It’s only with his assistance I am able to reach so many beautiful and at times remote locations. He is right behind the lens with me and for his unwavering love and commitment, I am so thankful. He is my partner in photography as well as in life, the yin to my yang. I literally couldn’t do it without him

I am only who I am and where I am today because of these people’s love and support. I’m forever grateful and owe them every beautiful image I can capture.

Contact Info:

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