Today we’d like to introduce you to Wade Buckner.
Hi Wade, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Before I got into media, i was majoring in Fitness and Exercise. Coming from high school, i was always on a sports team and working out was all i knew at the time. Thanks to the many peers that I surrounded myself around, I was influenced into changing my major. I attended Florissant Valley Community College and the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where I majored in Mass Communication. What I loved most about the major was the variety of career paths it offered. I had the opportunity to take incredible courses such as Advertising, Acting, Broadcasting, and TV/Radio Production.
When photography became a required course, I was skeptical. I honestly wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it, but I decided to give it a chance. As I gained experience through each project and assignment, my perspective on art began to change. I fell in love with the creativity behind capturing unique scenes, emotions, and expressions through a camera lens.
After completing that course, I immediately enrolled in Photography II and landed my first photography opportunity at Busch Stadium as a Fan Photographer. It was an amazing experience, especially as a lifelong sports fan. That opportunity helped me discover a true passion for photography and confirmed that this was something I wanted to pursue.
After graduating, I continued to sharpen my skills by studying photography techniques, learning from experienced photographers, and connecting with fellow creatives and entrepreneurs. My passion and inspiration continued to grow, motivating me to turn what started as a college course into a full-time career.
Today, as the owner of Higher Art Productions, I strive to create meaningful images that tell stories, capture genuine emotions, and preserve moments that clients can cherish for a lifetime. Photography is more than a profession for me—it is a passion that allows me to connect with people, celebrate life’s milestones, and transform memories into lasting works of art.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first year as a full-time photographer was far from easy. One of the biggest challenges was simply getting people to know who I was and trust my work. I understood that clients were trusting me to capture some of the most important moments of their lives, and that trust had to be earned.
Early on, I noticed that some potential clients were hesitant to book because I didn’t have experience in certain photography niches or themes. Rather than letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I created a Brand Ambassadors team that allowed me to gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of concepts, styles, and creative projects. This not only helped me strengthen my skills as a photographer but also gave me a larger portfolio to showcase my versatility. I have definitely experienced going through some downfalls during my career when it came to delivering art work. I had to learn to build my level of communication with others in order to continue being viewed as the positive person that I am and that i have been successful at.
As I continued investing in my craft and expanding my body of work, I began to see a shift. More people became familiar with my brand, referrals increased, and a larger community started forming around my business. Looking back, those early struggles taught me the importance of persistence, adaptability, and believing in your vision even when others have not yet seen it. Those challenges helped shape Higher Art Productions into what it is today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While working to gain clients’ attention, I leaned on the creativity I developed during my college years. I taught myself how to design logos, flyers, and business cards to help promote my own brand. As my confidence and skills grew, I began offering those same creative services to others, including logo design, business card design, and videography services.
What started as a way to market my own business quickly became another avenue for serving clients. People began to trust my creativity, professionalism, and ability to bring their ideas to life. As a result, requests for my design and videography services continued to grow.
Along the way, I also began studying how to become an effective influencer and content creator across social media platforms. I use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok not only to advertise my business but also to build genuine connections with people. My goal is to create content that makes people laugh, inspires them, and leaves a lasting impression. By combining creativity, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, I have been able to expand my reach, strengthen my brand, and connect with a wider audience than I ever imagined.
Today, Higher Art Productions is more than just a photography business—it’s a creative brand built on storytelling, innovation, and meaningful connections. Whether I’m behind the camera, designing promotional materials, creating videos, or producing social media content, my mission remains the same: to create work that people will love, remember, and share.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest lessons I learned as a business owner was the importance of finding and understanding my target audience. Early on, I realized that great photography alone wasn’t enough—I had to identify who my ideal clients were and learn how to effectively reach them. This helped me focus my marketing efforts and create content that resonated with the people I wanted to serve.
I also spent a great deal of time studying other photographers whose work I admired. I paid close attention to how they composed their images, interacted with clients, edited their photos, and built their brands. Rather than viewing other photographers as competition, I viewed them as opportunities to learn and improve. By observing different styles and techniques, I was able to develop my own creative approach while continuing to refine my craft.
Networking and joining organizations also played a major role in my growth. Being involved with professional groups and connecting with other creatives allowed me to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, build valuable relationships, and gain exposure within the community. These experiences helped me become more confident as both a photographer and a business owner.
Through continuous learning, networking, and dedication to my craft, I have been able to grow Higher Art Productions into a respected brand. Every challenge, lesson, and connection has contributed to my journey and reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality work and exceptional experiences for my clients.
Pricing:
- $175 for Mini Sessions
- $250 for Hour Sessions
- $325 for Family Sessions
- $450 for Business Sessions
- $130/hr. for Weddings
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higherartproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/higher.art.2025?
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@higherartproductions
- TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@handsomesnipper
