Meet Rachael Polack | Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Rachael, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The biggest and yet most rewarding risk in my career was leaving my stable 9-to-5 corporate job. I gave up a steady paycheck and a clear career path to pursue my passion for photography and start my own business. It was a leap into the unknown, full of uncertainty, but I knew I’d regret not trying more than I feared failing.

That decision taught me that risk is often the doorway to growth. Without taking that chance, I wouldn’t be where I am today—doing what I love, running a business that reflects my creativity and values. Taking that risk allowed me to turn a lifelong dream into a reality.

Sometimes, the biggest risks you take lead to the most meaningful rewards. For me, choosing uncertainty over comfort was the catalyst for creating a life and career I’m truly proud of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Running my own photography business has taught me countless lessons, but the most important ones all come back to three core values: authenticity, compassion, and pride.

Authenticity has been essential—not just in my work, but in how I show up for clients and run my business. People connect with real stories and real emotions, and I’ve learned that staying true to myself and my creative voice leads to the most meaningful work. Whether it’s the way I communicate, the images I capture, or the brand I’ve built, this helps me form deeper connections and build lasting trust with the people I work with.

Compassion has taught me the importance of meeting people where they are. Photography is deeply personal—whether it’s a wedding day, a family portrait, or a branding session—and clients often bring vulnerability, nerves, or big emotions to the experience. Being patient, empathetic, and understanding creates a safe space for them to be themselves, and that comfort shows in the final images.

And finally, pride—in my work, in the effort I put in, and in the growth I’ve achieved—keeps me grounded. It reminds me that what I’m building matters and that every small step forward is worth celebrating. Taking pride in both the creative and business sides of my work helps me stay motivated and continue striving for excellence.

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.
If my best friend visited San Diego for a week, I’d take them on a neighborhood tour to experience the city’s unique flavors—from tacos in North Park to brunch in South Park and cocktails in Little Italy. We’d explore the stunning Balboa Park, rollerblade along Mission Bay, and hike down to Black’s Beach for breathtaking ocean views. San Diego’s mix of beautiful scenery, diverse neighborhoods, and laid-back energy makes it the best city (in my biased opinion haha)!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends—especially my grandmother (Nano) and my dad—who have both played a huge role in my journey. My grandmother always encouraged me to explore the arts. She was a gifted artist herself, and her creativity and passion made a lasting impression on me. She nurtured my artistic side from a young age and always made me feel that pursuing a creative path was not only valid but valuable.

My dad has been just as influential, especially when it comes to photography and entrepreneurship. He was the first to encourage my interest in photography and has supported me wholeheartedly ever since. Watching him run his own business while I was growing up inspired me to believe in the possibility of building something for myself. His work ethic, support, and belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my own dream.

Their encouragement and example gave me both the creative spark and the courage to leave my corporate job and follow my passion. I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation they provided and the continued support they’ve shown me throughout this journey.

Website: https://rpcophotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp.co_photo/