Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Wasko.
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’m Paige— a small-town girl from Pennsylvania with a deep love for meaningful moments, good conversation, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention—the quiet magic of ordinary days.
As a child, I loved taking pictures on my mom’s cameras, the ones she used to document every holiday and milestone. The signs were all there. But it wasn’t until high school that I really started photographing and realizing how much it meant to me.
I purchased my first camera at 17 simply because I wanted more than just my phone to preserve memories of, and with, my friends. I would take pictures of them whenever we spent time together, whether it was at a coffee shop or hopping into my car to watch the sunset. Those moments meant a lot to me because I had captured the memories we shared—photos I still look back on from time to time. Nostalgic and honest.
I had no idea where being the shutterbug would lead me—how something so simple would grow into a deep passion, a career, and a calling that allows me to document love, life, and everything in between.
I’ve always been drawn to stories—how they unfold, the little moments that compose them, how they feel… and that’s what photography is to me: a way of listening, of seeing, of remembering.
Since 2019, I’ve worked as a freelance photographer, combining documentary-style honesty with an editorial eye. My work lives somewhere between art and intimacy, shaped by my love for music, movement, and the people who make life feel full. I’m self-taught, but my path has been anything but solo. I’ve learned through experience, community, and curiosity—collaborating with clients, creatives, and brands who trust me to capture not just how something looks, but how it feels. Whether it’s a wedding, a brand story, or a fleeting everyday moment, I bring intention and care into everything I create—because the ordinary is never really ordinary, and I believe those are the moments most worth keeping.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that when you’re an artist and begin to monetize and build a career based on your creativity and craft, it almost always comes with challenges.
Of course, those challenges vary in weight, but I truly believe they are all essential to the integrity and faith you have in yourself and your business.
There’s so much you learn—not just about business and working with clients or collaborators, but also about yourself. Sometimes those lessons come the hard way, and other times, they’re easier to understand than they initially seemed.
I also think that being your own manager can be incredibly challenging. Whether you’re navigating a new season of learning or working with others who may not fully understand your process, it requires a constant level of flexibility and grace.
It might sound a bit random, but in full transparency, this is the season I’m currently in—refining my schedule, my organization, time management, and working toward a healthier work-life balance. I’m learning how to create space that allows me to work diligently, but also disconnect from my work and care for myself away from screens and consuming.
We live in such a digital age, with constant stimulation, it’s hard to resist the urge to act on every idea or reminder the moment it enters your mind. My business and client base have grown quite a bit over the last year, so now I’m working to build a system that can support that growth. I’m still figuring it out—but I’m working on it!
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?
I’m a freelance photographer specializing in documentary-style storytelling with an editorial edge. My work focuses primarily on weddings, love stories, and brands—but at the core, I’m passionate about capturing people in a way that feels honest, emotive, and artful. I work with both digital and film formats, blending timeless composition with organic emotion to preserve real, beautiful moments just as they unfold.
What I’m most proud of is the way I continue to learn and navigate this creative journey with grace and an open mind. Building a business rooted in storytelling means constantly evolving, and I’ve leaned into that growth while staying true to my values. I strive to create a safe and relaxed, yet fun, space where people feel seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves—whether it’s on a wedding day, during a branding shoot, or in the quiet in-between moments..
What sets me apart is the intentionality I bring to every part of the process. I’m not just showing up with a camera—I’m showing up with heart, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for connection. I believe in the beauty of everyday moments, and I try to preserve them in a way that feels timeless and personal. My goal is always to create imagery that not only looks beautiful, but feels like home.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love all of the small businesses and the sense of community here in Youngstown. It’s a very special place, and I’ve met so many wonderful people and created countless memories through both my business and personal life. It’s rich in history and serves as a great place for growth for businesses both big and small.
I can speak for the photography community here and various other wedding vendors. It’s so cool how many wonderful vendors are here. I have enjoyed working alongside with several of them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paigewasko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigewaskophoto?igsh=MXNtM2t3cW8xajM2Mw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
