Meet Dana
With over 25 years behind the lens and 11 years running her own studio, Dana Reinke has transformed her love of photography into a thriving portrait business. Based in Washington, Dana specializes in senior portraits, headshots, and family sessions—bringing creativity, confidence, and a polished studio experience to every shoot. Her journey from graphic designer to full-time photographer is a testament to passion, persistence, and the power of intentional branding.
Dana Reinke didn’t start her career behind the camera. With a background in graphic design, she initially picked up a camera to capture images for a website she was building. That single photoshoot was a pivotal moment—she realized how much she enjoyed connecting with people, not just pixels. This discovery sparked her photography journey.
Dana recalls calling every photographer in the phone book (yes, back when those were a thing!) to ask if she could assist them. Through this hands-on mentorship, she spent about a decade learning the ropes before taking on clients of her own—eventually leading to a busy career as a wedding photographer.
Image © Creative Catch Studio
Making the Shift from Weddings to Portrait Photography
After years in the wedding industry, Dana took time off to raise her children. When she returned to photography, she shifted her focus to portraits—a move driven by her desire to regain work-life balance while continuing to do what she loved.
Today, Dana specializes in high school senior portraits, headshots, holiday sessions (including Santa photos), family sessions, and even photo booths. Her studio-based business allows her to work on her own terms while delivering elevated portrait experiences to her clients.
Image © Creative Catch Studio
Building a Brick-and-Mortar Studio: How Creative Catch Studio Began
Like many photographers, Dana started out shooting in small, make-shift setups at home. But she quickly outgrew that. “I kept exploding a closet in my office every time I did a shoot,” she joked.
Instead of continuing to improvise, Dana made a bold decision—she used the money she’d saved to open a brick-and-mortar studio, committing to a three-year plan to see where it would take her. Alongside that move came a rebrand. Originally known as Dana Reinke Photo, she evolved her business identity into Creative Catch Studio—a name that reflects her personality and polished style.
Branding With Intention: From DIY to High-End
Thanks to her background in design, Dana brought a professional edge to her branding from the start. She created her own logo, developed consistent style guides, and updated her brand over time to maintain a modern, high-end look. “You have to stick with something and just refresh it when needed,” she advises.
Her evolution from Dana Reinke Photo to Creative Catch Studio wasn’t just cosmetic—it was also a business decision, allowing her to move beyond a personal brand and build something that could grow and scale.
Image © Creative Catch Studio
Learning the Studio Side: From Speedlights to Studio Lighting
While Dana was comfortable with natural light and speedlights, transitioning into a full studio setup presented a new challenge. But in true entrepreneurial fashion, she embraced the learning curve. One of her first studio shoots earned her a merit at ShutterFest’s image competition—a sign that she was on the right path.
Dana now thrives in her studio environment, constantly refining her craft and sharing her knowledge with others. Whether she’s shooting professional headshots or creative senior portraits, she brings the same energy, curiosity, and joy to every session.
Image © Creative Catch Studio
Final Thoughts: From Passion to Profession
Dana Reinke’s journey is proof that creative instincts, when paired with business savvy and a heart for people, can lead to a fulfilling and successful career in photography. From weddings to portraits, closets to commercial studio space, she’s built something truly special with Creative Catch Studio.
Whether you’re a photographer just starting out or a seasoned pro considering a studio shift, Dana’s story is a powerful reminder that with courage, curiosity, and consistency, anything is possible.
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