Meet Pinkie Ranckey | Photographer & Creative Director of 628STUDIO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pinkie Ranckey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pinkie Ranckey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business wasn’t just about working for myself—it was about creating a space where artistry, collaboration, and practicality come together. I’ve always had a strong passion for visual storytelling, and while I could have continued as an individual photographer and filmmaker, I saw a bigger opportunity: to build a platform where creatives could work together to provide a seamless wedding experience. That’s how 628STUDIO was born.

The idea stemmed from a few key realizations. First, I wanted creative freedom—full control over my artistic vision and the kind of stories I tell. Working under someone else’s brand can sometimes mean compromising on style or approach, and I knew I wanted to create something truly reflective of my aesthetic and philosophy.

Second, I noticed a gap in the wedding industry—couples were constantly juggling multiple vendors, which led to miscommunication and inconsistencies in their wedding vision. I wanted to streamline that process by offering a one-stop solution, where photography, videography, planning, floral design, and even bridal rentals were all coordinated under one roof. That way, couples wouldn’t have to worry about piecing everything together—it would all be seamlessly integrated.

Another major motivation was community and collaboration. I knew so many talented photographers, videographers, and event specialists who, like me, wanted to pursue their craft but didn’t necessarily want to handle the business side alone. By creating 628STUDIO, I was able to bring together a team of like-minded creatives, allowing us to grow together and support each other while delivering exceptional experiences to our clients.

It wasn’t always easy—building a business meant learning everything from marketing to client management on top of perfecting my craft—but it was the best decision I could have made. Seeing couples light up when they receive their wedding photos or film, knowing that we’ve helped create a day they’ll never forget—that makes all the challenges worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply rooted in storytelling and emotion. As a wedding photographer and filmmaker, I strive to capture more than just beautiful images—I want my work to preserve the emotions, the fleeting moments, and the raw connections between people. My style blends cinematic storytelling with an editorial touch, meaning my photos and films feel both polished and deeply personal.

What sets my work apart is my ability to make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. Many people feel awkward being photographed, and I make it a priority to create a relaxed, natural environment so they can truly be themselves. This results in images that feel authentic rather than posed.

🌟What I’m Most Proud Of & Excited About

One of my biggest accomplishments is founding 628STUDIO, a one-stop wedding studio where couples can find everything from photography and videography to floral design, event planning, and even bridal rentals. I built it with the vision of making the wedding process smoother for couples while also providing a creative home for other artists.

I’m also incredibly excited about expanding into destination weddings across the U.S.. Capturing love stories in different locations—from the beaches of California to the cityscapes of New York—pushes my creativity and allows me to offer unique storytelling experiences.

🌟 How I Got Here & The Challenges I Faced

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. The wedding industry is incredibly competitive, and in the beginning, it was hard to stand out. I had to self-teach everything—not just photography and filmmaking, but also marketing, branding, and business operations.

One of the biggest challenges was building credibility. Early on, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself—taking on projects with little to no budget, constantly refining my portfolio, and learning how to market myself effectively. Social media, especially Instagram, played a huge role in my growth. Consistently showcasing my work and connecting with clients through storytelling helped me gain traction.

I also had to learn how to balance art and business. As a creative, it’s easy to focus solely on the craft, but I quickly realized that to build something sustainable, I had to master the business side—client relationships, pricing, branding, and team management.

🌟 Lessons Learned & What I Want the World to Know

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that art alone isn’t enough—you have to understand how to connect with people. A great photograph or film isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about making people feel something.

Another big lesson is persistence. There were times I doubted myself, faced setbacks, and questioned whether I was on the right path. But I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The key is to keep learning, keep refining your craft, and never lose sight of your purpose.

What I want people to know about my brand and my journey is that every couple deserves to have their love story told in a way that feels true to them. My goal is to create timeless, emotional, and artistic wedding photography and films that couples can treasure forever.

For other creatives looking to turn their passion into a business—stay true to your vision, embrace challenges, and never stop evolving. The journey isn’t easy, but when you build something with heart and intention, the impact is worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The San Francisco Bay Area is full of amazing spots!

For a chill day, every street offers something picturesque—there’s no shortage of great spots for photos and hanging out.

When it comes to eating and drinking, my advice is to step off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known restaurants and bars. You’ll often stumble upon hidden gems and have the chance to connect with incredible people in local, secret spots.

And if you have some free time, I’d love to invite you to visit our studio! We offer one of the best views in the area, and we have a wide selection of beautiful dresses and jewelry for you to use to take some stunning photos. 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! No journey is ever a solo effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me along the way.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. Their unwavering support, even when I chose a non-traditional career path, gave me the confidence to pursue my passion. They never pressured me to follow a conventional route and instead encouraged me to carve my own path, which made all the difference.

I also want to recognize my creative community—my photographers, stylists, florists, planners, and musicians I’ve worked alongside over the years. 628STUDIO wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible talents I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with. Their dedication and artistry inspire me every day, and together, we’ve built something truly special.

Another huge source of inspiration has been my clients. Every couple who has trusted me to capture their love story has played a role in shaping my journey. Their emotions, their stories, and their trust fuel my creativity and push me to constantly improve and innovate.

Success is never just about one person’s efforts, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and inspiration of so many people. I’m truly grateful for all of them.

Website: https://www.628studio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/628.studio/