On capturing a historical experience as a photographer
With Alicia Rinka, Photographer
Truthfully, I had not fully grasped the emotional load that a photographer takes on during a wedding until I took time with Alicia Rinka, a talented artist and the owner of Alicia Rinka Photography. Alicia is a Midwesterner at heart, and has had a really diverse career sitting on nearly every end of the camera. And in this special episode of End of the Night, Alicia pulls back the curtain on her process, her purpose as a mentor and Afro-Latina in the wedding industry, and the legacy she’s building as a mother for her daughter.
“Beyond art itself, you know, you’re creating history. For people who don’t understand history, or don’t see that they’re living proof of history. I became enamored with having people walk into my life and knowing them for just a glimpse. But knowing that I gave them something that could be held on for years and years.”
Alicia offers us a moment inside her mind of how she sees her role as an artist. She’s honest, genuine and leaves me awestruck as she paints an imaginative picture inside my mind of the moments she’s witnessed at these celebrations. Alicia admits, “every time I have my second shooter with me, I’m like, okay, you get those standard images, let me go do something that is not normal to everyone else.”
Alicia isn’t afraid to be the person who other women of color in the industry can go to, learn from and partner with. Alicia has found a deep sense of purpose through her educational program, Confidence in Color, and shares a bit more about her perspective on being a woman of color in a traditionally underrepresented market. “You can empower yourself, you can make beautiful, amazing art. Just find your tribe, find the people that will amplify you and share that same dream and hope.”
So whether you’re a fellow industry colleague, someone getting married or a creative just dipping your toe into this big world of weddings, you won’t want to miss this conversation with Alicia Rinka. She left me with a sense of hopefulness and perspective that I’m sure you’ll share. You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Follow Alicia and her work on Instagram at @aliciarinka. Find out how you can get involved with Confidence in Color at www.aliciarinka.com.
To enroll in a Confidence in Color course, click here and use Promo Code “CASSY30” for special rates!
