Community Highlights: Meet Richard Schultz of RKS Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Schultz.

Hi Richard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After more than 30 years in the IT industry, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a long-standing passion—photography. My interest in photography began at a young age, and over the years, I refined my skills through formal training at institutions such as Palomar College, Calumet Photo, The Right Light Studio, and various Meetup groups.
To further elevate my craft and transition from hobbyist to professional, I enrolled in the Photography in Training program at The Right Light Studio in San Diego, California. This unique program emphasized not only the artistic and technical aspects of photography but also the essential business skills required to succeed as a professional. It encouraged students to discover their individual style and define a niche within the competitive photography landscape.
During this period, I actively pursued every opportunity to grow. I enrolled in additional photography courses, built a diverse portfolio by offering discounted sessions to friends and family, and gained practical experience through volunteer work with non-profit organizations. I also participated in photography meetups to stay connected with the community and continuously improve my craft.
On the business front, I took the necessary steps to formalize my venture. I obtained a business license and insurance, created a company name and logo, developed a professional website, and established a presence on key social media platforms. With these foundations in place, I launched my photography business and began actively promoting my work and services.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to building a photography business has been anything but smooth. One of the most significant challenges is the sheer volume of competition. In San Diego County alone, estimates suggest there are close to 1,000 photographers. While that number may fluctuate, it often feels like everyone knows someone who offers professional photography services, which makes client acquisition especially difficult. Standing out in such a crowded market requires a clear differentiation strategy.
That’s one of the reasons I chose to focus on a more corporate-oriented niche within photography—offering a refined, business-focused approach that appeals to a specific clientele and sets me apart from the broader market.
Another ongoing struggle is collecting client reviews. Platforms like Google and Yelp heavily weigh customer feedback in their search rankings, but convincing clients to leave a review can be surprisingly difficult—even when discounts or incentives are offered. Despite delivering high-quality work, many clients simply do not take the time to provide feedback online.
There’s also a wave of unsolicited attention that comes once you establish your online presence or obtain a business license. Expect your phone to ring frequently—but often from salespeople, marketers, or other non-client sources rather than actual prospective customers.
Additionally, one issue I urge all new entrepreneurs to be mindful of is the prevalence of scams. Be wary of clients who only communicate via text or email and avoid any transaction that seems suspicious, especially when money is involved. Whenever possible, meet in person and ensure that any arrangement is clear and verifiable. As part of my own efforts to support the community, I share known scams and fraudulent behavior on my business’s Facebook page. If I can prevent even one person from falling victim, I consider that a success.
The bottom line: do your homework. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in headshots and wedding photography, with a strong emphasis on capturing authentic, people-focused moments. With many years of experience in the corporate world, working with professionals comes naturally to me. That background has also helped shape my approach—I like to say I specialize in people, not just pictures.
While I genuinely enjoy photographing weddings and preserving the special memories of families, I’m especially proud of my volunteer work with charitable organizations. I regularly donate my time and skills to causes close to my heart, such as Doors of Change, which supports homeless youth by providing safe spaces and resources, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I make it a point to photograph each of their events, and while there’s no monetary compensation, the gratitude and impact of my contributions are more than rewarding.
What sets me apart as a photographer is the complete client experience. My attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to quality and fast turnaround times consistently stand out. I typically deliver final images within 24 to 48 hours, with expedited options available upon request. I don’t limit the number of photos I take during a session—my philosophy is simple: “Film is free.”
So when you’ve only got one shot, make it count—with RKS Photography.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
For RKS Photography, the journey to success wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support of several key people. First and foremost, there are the mentors who have guided the way with their knowledge, advice, and experience. People like Britt, who shared their wisdom on everything from technical photography skills to running a successful business, were instrumental in shaping the direction of the company.
Also, the clients the heart of the business deserve a huge shoutout. Their trust, feedback, and the way they’ve helped spread the word about RKS Photography has been vital. Every shoot, every event, and every story shared through their photos has been an essential part of the journey. Without them, there wouldn’t be a business.
Then there’s the supportive family and friends, who have been there from day one, offering encouragement, emotional support, and, of course, those late-night pep talks when things got tough. They’ve believed in the vision even when it seemed like a far-off dream.
Additionally, team members and collaborators deserve recognition. If there’s been any crew behind the scenes whether photographers, assistants, editors, or even marketing experts they’ve played a huge role in executing the vision of the business and making everything run smoothly. Their dedication and hard work have allowed RKS Photography to deliver quality service consistently.
Lastly, a special mention goes to the community other creatives and business owners who’ve shared resources, networking opportunities, and sometimes just a word of advice or a helping hand. That sense of collaboration is a big reason why RKS Photography has been able to thrive.
Everyone mentioned has helped in shaping the success of the business in one way or another, and RKS Photography will always be grateful for their contributions.

Pricing:

• Headshot Photo Session – $250
• One Hour Event Session – $250
• Two Hour Event Session – $500
• Two Hour Wedding Session – $500
• Four Hour Wedding Session – $1,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rksshots.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rksshots/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RKSShots/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rks-photography
• Twitter: https://x.com/Rksshots
• Yelp: https://rksshots.com/
• Other: https://www.showmelocal.com/profile.aspx?bid=22332204