1M+ Audience, Big Brand Collabs, & Building a Business Beyond Sessions with Preston Luke
Small town to big stage. In this episode, we sit down with Preston Luke to unpack how he went from photographing seniors in his hometown to building a creative empire with over 1M+ followers across Instagram and TikTok.
Preston shares how he navigated the shift from photographer to creator, creative director, and educator—partnering with powerhouse brands like Nikon, Adobe, Best Buy, and SanDisk. He’s candid about the highs and lows of fast growth, from confidence battles and burnout to the discipline and systems that kept him moving forward.
If you’ve ever wondered how to scale beyond photo sessions and build a creative business that lasts, this episode is a roadmap.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Pivoting from photographer to creator without losing your artistry
The posting system and editing workflows that fueled viral growth
How to pitch, land, and deliver for brand partnerships
Building scalable offers: presets, workshops, and a studio
The senior model team strategy that expanded into 30+ school districts
Confidence vs. imposter syndrome and why showing up as the brand matters
Health, discipline, and knowing when to take a break
Meet Preston Luke
Preston Luke is a photographer, content creator, and creative director who has transformed his passion for visuals into a multi-faceted career. He opened Slate Studios in 2024 and runs workshops like Club Content, designed to help photographers expand their portfolios, create intentional content, and work with brands.
Website: prestonluke.com
Instagram: @iamprestonluke
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This episode is packed with actionable insights on building a business beyond the camera. Whether you’re looking to land brand partnerships, grow your online presence, or scale into education and studios, Preston’s story will spark ideas for your own creative path.