Meet Priyanca Rao | Wedding and portrait photographer

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

Hi Priyanca, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balancing the demands of motherhood with the responsibilities of running a business has been a journey of constant adjustment for me. When I began my wedding photography venture twelve years ago, the arrival of my first child added a new layer of complexity. Juggling travel to different cities for weddings while also tending to the needs of my newborn required careful planning and support.

Fortunately, I was blessed with the assistance of my mother-in-law, who gracefully managed her own work-life balance while caring for her grandchildren. Additionally, I relied on babysitters and family members to help bridge the gap between my professional commitments and maternal duties. Returning from photography assignments, I made the conscious decision to outsource editing tasks to professionals, allowing me to prioritize quality time as the primary caregiver.
Maintaining open communication with my clients was paramount. I candidly discussed my dual roles as a mother and a professional, ensuring mutual understanding and alignment of expectations from the outset. When I learned I was expecting my second child, my immediate focus was on updating contracts with wedding planners and clients to accommodate my impending delivery. With backup plans in place and a supportive team by my side, I was able to perform at my best despite the added workload.

Some of the most fulfilling moments in my career stemmed from these challenges. I pushed myself to exceed expectations, demonstrating unwavering dedication and creativity in my work. As my family has grown and evolved, so too has my business model. I’ve embraced the concept of offering associate photographers for smaller events, allowing me to manage operations remotely and spend more quality time with my loved ones.
Recognizing the importance of self-care, I’ve made it a priority to carve out moments for personal rejuvenation. Whether through solo trips or outings with friends, these experiences serve as vital opportunities to recharge and reignite my creativity. By nurturing my own well-being, I’m better equipped to tackle the demands of both motherhood and entrepreneurship, safeguarding against burnout and ensuring sustained inspiration in my craft.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I initiated a Facebook group that brought together over 2500 international photographers for a daily photo critique program. This platform served as a space for photographers to refine their skills, featuring guest educators and inspirational speakers. This endeavor not only established me as a respected reviewer but also positioned me as an educator and mentor within the photography community.

As my children settled into elementary school and I found myself with more available time, I seized the opportunity to open a portrait studio in New York City. Specializing in personal branding, headshots, and family portraits, this venture provided an additional income stream while offering immense creative satisfaction.

With the launch of the studio came the introduction of in-person sales of luxury wall art and custom-printed products tailored exclusively to our clients. This expansion not only enhanced our offerings but also solidified our reputation for delivering exceptional personalized art.

Through my experiences in business and launching new ventures, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: serving others leads to unexpected blessings. By approaching my work with an open heart and a willingness to give freely, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that have come my way. This belief in the abundance of the universe has guided me to trust that what lies ahead is always greater than anything I could have imagined for myself.

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.
When it comes to showing my best friend the best of NYC, there are a few must-visit spots I’d recommend:

Summit One Vanderbilt: For unparalleled skyline views and immersive experiences.
Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge: Ideal for catching the sunset and enjoying iconic views of the city.
Manhattan Bridge View: Head to the intersection of Washington St and Water St for an epic photo op.
Dumpling Man and Cafe Mogador: These East Village eateries offer delicious bites and cozy vibes.
Blacktap: A must-visit for dessert lovers, indulge in their famous milkshakes.
High Tea at the Plaza Hotel: Treat yourself to a luxurious experience at this iconic hotel.
Speakeasy Bars: Explore the hidden gems in the East Village and Meatpacking District.
Chelsea Market and High Line: Perfect for shopping and strolling amidst beautiful outdoor sculptures and urban spaces.
As a NYC wedding and portrait photographer I frequent these places for photos ops all the time as well as enjoy them on my time off with my own family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One of the most impactful decisions I’ve made for my business was enrolling in marketing education through Thrive Code Academy led by Nidhi Dahiya. Through their program, I gained invaluable strategies that not only transformed my work-life balance but also propelled my career forward in the luxury photography market.

Implementing the techniques I learned enabled me to achieve remarkable success, marked by significant sales growth and the development of exclusive products tailored to high end clientele.

Website: https://priyanca.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priyancaraophotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyancarao

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriyancaRaoPhotography/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@priyancaraophotography

Image Credits
Priyanca Rao, Daria Wheaton