Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Sankey
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I picked up a camera in 2010 without a clear idea of where it would take me—I just knew I loved capturing people and telling stories! Over time, I refined my photography and people skills, leading teams in high-fashion and editorial projects while also developing my own creative vision.
One of my favorite passion projects was Modern Day Disney—a creative deep dive into nostalgia, where I reimagined Disney characters in a modern world. I wanted to give a nod to the stories that shaped me as a child and caused me to wonder and be creative! These portrait series performed so well on social media. While that project put me on the map online, my professional journey was evolving in its own direction. Bethel Music brought me onto their creative team; working with them was an incredible experience, traveling on tour, capturing raw, powerful moments, and shooting album covers for artists like Cory Asbury and Steffany Gretzinger are some of my most cherished memories and proudest work.
As my freelance career expanded, I took on roles ranging from content creator to creative director, working with different companies while continuing to shoot weddings and portraits on the side. I secretly love weddings—but I’m intentional about the clients I take on because I want to ensure I capture their day in a way that feels truly reflective of them!
Today, I run a thriving business, working across multiple creative avenues—portraits, branding shoots, album artwork, weddings, and editorial passion projects. Whether it’s a high-concept fashion shoot or an intimate wedding, I approach every project with a storytelling mindset, capturing moments that feel honest, artistic, and deeply personal.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life is a perfectly smooth road—and honestly, that’s the point. If everything came easy, none of us would grow. As a creative, one of my biggest struggles has been dealing with comparison. At times, it’s been gut-wrenching. There’s a fine line between using comparison as a tool for growth and letting it chip away at your sense of identity. When it pushes you to refine your craft, it can be a powerful motivator. But when it starts to make you question your worth, it can be paralyzing. I’ve had to learn how to silence the noise, trust my own creative journey, and remind myself that my voice—my perspective—is valuable, no matter how crowded the space may seem.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I specialize in portrait photography and creative branding. I don’t just take photos—I tell stories. Whether I’m working with an individual or a brand, I come alive when I get to craft a visual narrative that captures who they truly are or what story they want to tell visually.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Blackout album artwork for Steffany Gretzinger. To this day, those images feel timeless to me—they hold a depth and honesty that go beyond just a cover; they tell a meaningful story.
What sets me apart is people’s experience in front of my camera. Time and time again, I hear the same sentiment: “I’ve never felt more seen.” To me, that’s the highest compliment. My goal isn’t just to take a beautiful photo—it’s to reflect back something real, something that makes people pause and say, “Wow, that’s me.” Those moments are what make this work so meaningful and why I do what I do.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books: I’m a huge fan of dystopian novels—honestly, I’m a bit of a nerd about it. There’s something about those worlds, their tension, and the wild imaginations behind them that fuels my creativity and inspires me to think differently.
Podcasts: I’m always tuning into the Nick Bare Podcast. It’s primarily about running, but the mindset he shares around physical and mental growth resonates deeply with me, even beyond the world of fitness. He’s become a personal hero, and his motivational insights apply to so many areas of life—not just running.
But when I’m craving true inspiration, I often turn to something a little more offbeat: watching a movie, scrolling through Pinterest, or gathering my friends to just bounce creative ideas around. There’s something about a good conversation or visual stimulation that sparks the best ideas for me!
Pricing:
- Portait Sessions start at $400
- Creative Branding start at $1,200
- Weddings start at $5,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucassankey.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/lucassankey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucas.sankey.photography/
Image Credits
I took all of the photos. 🙂
