Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Brucks.
Hi Staci, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I worked in the medical field for almost five years as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehab. I have both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in exercise science, and for a long time I never viewed myself as a creative person or artist at all. In November of 2019, shortly after buying my first camera, I made the decision to step away from the medical field and pursue photography full time. I had no formal photography education or background in the industry. I learned everything from YouTube, trial and error, and simply being willing to work hard and keep showing up.
Not long after that, COVID hit, which was an incredibly scary and uncertain time for everyone. What’s wild to look back on is that both my husband and I had started our own businesses around the same time, meaning we suddenly had no guaranteed income coming in. During that season, I was contacted by a few couples whose photographers were no longer shooting weddings due to COVID restrictions, and they asked if I would step in and photograph their weddings instead. I took that as an opportunity and a huge steppingstone. I knew I would do everything safely and respectfully, and those weddings unexpectedly launched me into the wedding industry very quickly.
I was also fortunate to have incredible people around me who gave me opportunities to second shoot weddings, which taught me so much about the pace, responsibility, and heart behind wedding photography. Through those experiences, I realized I had found a passion I never knew existed in me. I genuinely love serving people, building relationships, and helping others feel seen, confident, and beautiful through photographs and memories they’ll hold onto for a lifetime.
I’m a very driven and motivated person, and while entrepreneurship comes with so much uncertainty, I’ve learned not to live in fear of the unknown. I truly believe that if you continue working hard and improving even one percent every single day, opportunities will come the way they’re meant to. Relationships and people are the most important part of this industry to me. I always say: take care of the people who take care of you.
I’m endlessly grateful for this career, the doors it has opened, and the life it has allowed me to build. I genuinely love what I do and feel incredibly honored that people trust me to capture some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest obstacle for me has been learning that not every opportunity is going to work out the way you hoped and that’s okay. Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of uncertainty, rejection, and moments where things don’t go according to plan. I’ve had to learn that for every “no,” there is usually a “yes” waiting somewhere else. Not every client inquiry, partnership, or opportunity is meant for you, and sometimes the best thing you can do is trust the process and keep moving forward.
There have definitely been moments that felt discouraging, especially in the beginning when I was building everything from the ground up with no background in the photography industry. Financial uncertainty, comparison, burnout, and the pressure of running a business can all be very real challenges. But I’ve learned that success often comes from being willing to adapt, pivot, and continue showing up even when things feel uncertain.
I truly believe that things work out the way they’re supposed to, even if you can’t fully see it in the moment. Some of the biggest growth in my career has come from unexpected situations, challenges, and opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Those experiences taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of staying grounded, working hard, and trusting the bigger picture.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a destination wedding photographer and creative based in Kansas, specializing in weddings, editorials, and storytelling imagery that feels timeless, emotional, and elevated while still remaining genuine and true to the people in front of my camera. My work focuses heavily on human connection, movement, light, and capturing moments in a way that allows people to truly feel something when they look back at their photos years later.
Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph weddings and creative projects across the country and internationally, work with brands like Nikon, speak at photography conferences and workshops, and build an online community through both education and content creation. While photography is obviously a huge part of what I do, I also deeply care about the client experience and creating an environment where people feel comfortable, confident, and fully themselves.
I think one thing that sets me apart is that I genuinely care about people first. Relationships and trust mean everything to me. I want my clients to feel taken care of from the moment they inquire all the way through gallery delivery. I’m also very driven when it comes to growth and consistency. Since entering the industry with no formal photography background, I’ve built my business through hard work, persistence, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve.
What I’m most proud of is building a career that not only allows me to be creative every day, but also gives me the opportunity to serve people during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. I never expected photography to completely change the direction of my life, but I’m incredibly grateful for the people, experiences, and opportunities it has brought me.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to anyone just starting out is to stop comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. I know how hard it can be to look at people who have been in the industry much longer and wonder how they became so talented, successful, or confident in what they do. But the truth is, everyone has their own journey, timeline, and path and your path is going to look different from anyone else’s, and that’s okay.
I think it’s important to learn from others and stay inspired, but don’t lose yourself trying to become a copy of someone else. Take inspiration, education, and experiences and apply them in a way that feels authentic to you and your work. Be open-minded, willing to adapt, and willing to shift as you grow. Some of the best things in business and creativity happen when you allow yourself to evolve instead of forcing yourself into one box.
I would also tell creatives to give themselves a lot more grace and patience. Finding your style, your voice, your confidence, and even your niche does not always happen quickly. Sometimes it takes years of experimenting, learning, failing, and growing to really understand who you are as an artist and what makes your work unique. That doesn’t mean you’re behind, it means you’re growing.
Most importantly, keep showing up. Consistency, kindness, relationships, and the willingness to continue learning will take you further than trying to chase perfection ever will.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stacibrucksphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacibrucksphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BUHUMz9pV/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stacibrucksphoto
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stacibrucksphoto
