Today we’d like to introduce you to Payton Rademacher.
Hi Payton, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started photography in 2019 just as a lifestyle photographer while working a full-time office job. At the time, I was photographing everything—maternity, seniors, newborns, weddings. But over time, I realized how much I was drawn to the quiet, emotional moments. The in-between stuff. The real stuff.
In 2024 I made the big shift to focus solely on elopements and adventure couple sessions. As a Deaf photographer, I’ve always been deeply aware of how powerful silence can be. I started to see that my approach created this peaceful space for couples to slow down, breathe, and actually be present with each other. That’s when it all clicked. This was the work I was meant to do.
In 2025 I took the leap and left my 9 to 5 to go full-time with my photography business. Since then, I’ve been pouring my heart into creating experiences that are intentional, flexible, and rooted in nature. I’ve photographed elopements across Italy, Washington, Alaska, and Minnesota and I’m just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey so meaningful. In the early days, I really struggled with imposter syndrome, especially stepping into a space that often felt loud and competitive, while I’ve always moved through the world a bit differently as a Deaf creative.
The truth is, the world wasn’t designed for me. This industry, like most, is built for hearing people, so there have been many obstacles I’ve had to face just to be seen and heard in my own way. From communication barriers to feeling left out of opportunities or overlooked, it’s taken a lot of resilience to keep going.
Balancing my 9 to 5 job, being a parent, and growing a photography business at the same time was another huge challenge. There were a lot of late nights, sacrifices, and moments of doubt. But even through the hard parts, I kept coming back to why I wanted to do this—to create space for couples to slow down, embrace nature, and feel fully seen.
Letting go of financial stability to pursue this full time in 2025 was scary. But that leap has brought so much growth, freedom, and the chance to truly do work that matters to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an elopement and adventure couple photographer specializing in creating calm, meaningful experiences for couples who want something different from the traditional wedding route. I focus on documenting real moments. Messy hair, wind in your dress, muddy boots, quiet vows in the forest. I believe the most beautiful moments are the ones that aren’t posed or rushed.
What sets my work apart is the way I bring peace and presence into the day. As a Deaf photographer, I naturally create a space where everything slows down. There’s less pressure to perform and more space to simply be. That quietness allows couples to tune in to the sounds of nature, to each other, and to the emotions of the moment. I guide my couples with movement and visual cues, and that flow makes the experience more relaxed and grounded.
I’m most proud of how I’ve embraced my identity and built a business around it rather than hiding it. I’m proud of the way I hold space for people. My goal is always to help couples feel safe, seen, and fully themselves, whether we’re standing on a coast in Washington, deep in the wilderness of Alaska, or walking through the woods in Minnesota.
Every elopement I photograph is about more than just pretty photos. It’s about the feeling. The freedom. The intention behind it all. That’s what I pour into everything I do.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that surprises a lot of people is that even though I photograph emotional, intimate moments for a living, I’m actually a pretty private and introverted person. I thrive in quiet settings and tend to be more of an observer than someone who’s always front and center. I think that’s why I connect so deeply with elopements—there’s no pressure to perform, just space to breathe and be present. That energy really mirrors how I approach life and work.
People are also often surprised at how much planning and behind-the-scenes support I provide. I’m not just showing up with a camera. I help with location scouting, timelines, permits, vendor suggestions, and backup plans. I really care about creating an experience that’s stress-free and aligned with who my couples are. Most people think photography is all about the final photos, but for me, it’s just as much about how the day feels.
And a fun one—I’m a huge Twilight fan. So yes, I’m always down for a foggy, moody forest shoot and a little PNW magic.
Pricing:
- Local (WA, AK, and MN) price starting at $4,000
- Across the states price starting at $5,000
- Beyond boarders (over the sea) price starting at $8,800
- Intimate Wedding price starting at $5,000
- Adventure couple price starting at $850
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paytonrademacherphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonrademacherphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payradphotography/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonrademacherphoto
