Today we’d like to introduce you to Salina Fugate.
Hi Salina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Salina Renee and I am a traveling photographer, creative storyteller, and Army Reserve Vocalist currently based in AL, but servicing the entire south-east. My journey into the wedding and creative industry began long before I ever picked up a professional camera. I have a background in theatre and performing arts. I have always been drawn to emotion, atmosphere, and the way meaningful moments can make people feel. From acting and music to visual storytelling, creativity has always been the center of my life.
Alongside my creative career, I serve in the United States Army Reserve as a vocalist. This experience has drastically affected my creative career by teaching me discipline, adaptability, leadership, and importance of connection through art. Balancing military life with entrepreneurship has shaped the way I approach my work. From October 2024-December 2025, I spent my time along the other soldiers in my unit, deployed. 14 months is a long time to be away from home, but was also an opportunity for me to learn and restructure my business upon my return. In April 2025, I bought a historical home in Gadsden, AL without ever seeing it in person. Right before I deployed, I started planning weddings in addition to the photography services I already offered. I knew deeply this was something I wanted to continue and decided to fully rebrand as Sincerely, Salina Studios. Moving to a state that I knew only from my college years at University of North Alabama in Florence, I went full force into the wedding world.
In December, when I returned from my deployment, I knew marketing and connections were the best way to spread the name of my new business, so I quickly got to work attending as many events as I could and surviving off of the savings I had from the deployment. I also wanted to find creative ways to get into the planning and design industry, so I strategically scouted the venues and wedding professionals I wanted to work with, local to me. In the past, I have hosted smaller scale styled shoots and thought it could be a great opportunity to invest further into my business and host some grand content days.
I jumped fully in with a commitment to host a styled shoot at Stone Haven on October 6, 2025 featuring 4 distinct themes, a networking hour along with a catered meal, and 3 model couples, a solo bride, and a violinist. Before this lavish event occurs, I decided I needed to do some trial styled shoots. I started looking on Google Maps for venues that I noticed didn’t have large followings that may be interested in allowing me to host content days with them to help spread the word about their businesses. Soon, I had venues approaching me asking me to host one of my uniquely tailored designs at their venue! I have hosted a stunning styled shoot with Dodson Farm in Starkville, MS showcasing all of their beautiful new renovations. I am hosting my next one in less than a month at The Glass House Venue on June 17th with a gorgeous Wuthering Heights x Bridgerton dual theme, 2 model couples, a solo bride, and a violinist. My 3rd shoot this year will be at Above the Clouds in Roanoke, AL featuring trained live horses and a bright summer floral theme. I have been working tirelessly connecting with incredibly talented vendors to help bring these days to fruition. I love working with both newer and experienced businesses to showcase the beautiful work they create and help spread their name as well.
Word of mouth and genuine connection mean so much to me. At the end of the day, I want to work with people who are passionate and love what they do. Styled Shoots/ Content Days have been such a joy to host, that I am hoping this becomes a feature of Sincerely, Salina Studios in the near future. Some venues I would adore working with consist of Swan House in Atlanta, GA, Sterling Castle in Shelby, AL, Stanley House Mansion in Marrietta, GA, Tate House in Tate, GA, Chateau de Kaminskiy (once renovations are completed) in Shoal Creek, AL, and many more!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any new venture, it is terrifying. Terrifying to leave your business for 14 months and return home to effectively no job because you’re in a new market and rebranded, so you don’t even have name recognition to rely on. I work easily, 60 hours a week finding new leads, social media branding, traveling with the Army Reserve (the band works much more than just one weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer). Finding time to unwind is difficult. Especially since all of the hard work up front isn’t necessarily covering expenses. It takes money to make money is definitely a true statement and this work is not for the faint of heart. It is risky, and that is scary. My income is not steady and you have to be prepared invest in yourself. I don’t come from wealth, I was raised by a single mother who was disabled. Everything I have put into my business has been through extremely hard work and sacrifice. But, it is all worth it because I absolutely ADORE what I do. The looks on my brides faces when they get their pictures, or their vision for their wedding day has come to life, makes every single bit worth it. Being someone that people trust and rely on is so fulfilling for me and I have truly found my calling.
We’ve been impressed with Sincerely, Salina Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
You asked if I was a business or creative and it was very difficult for me to chose which question to answer. Because, while I am a business, I am also a creative. I think that is part of what sets me apart. Not only do I focus on my career and all of the paperwork behind my business, I also find unique ways to tell stories that leave a lasting impression upon people. I pride myself on being someone you WANT to work with. What began as a photography business, has grown into a full creative wedding and event brand, focused on crafting immersive, emotional experiences that feel deeply personal and visually unforgettable.
I am especially known for hosting highly curated styled shoots across the south-east, where photographers, vendors, and creatives come together to create elevated editorial content in inspiring locations. From fairytale inspired concepts to moody cinematic designs, each event is intentionally crafted to feel immersive and transportive. Hosting these shoots has become one of the things I am most proud of because they not only push creative boundaries, but also foster genuine community and collaboration within the wedding industry.
Brand wise, I am most proud of building something that feels authentic and emotionally driven and unique. My work is rooted in intentional storytelling, meaningful connection, and creating imagery and experiences that make you feel. Whether I am documenting a wedding day, designing a concept, or collaborating with vendors, my goal is always to create something that feels honest and memorable.
I want readers to know that Sincerely, Salina Studios is more than a photography business. It is a creative experience centered around emotion, atmosphere, and connection. I am passionate about helping couples and brands feel seen, inspired, and celebrated through imagery and design that tells a story uniquely their own.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am definitely a risk taker. Where to even begin?
Risk 1: Move to a completely new city and state where I not only have never seen the home I am buying, but also, know no one in the area!
Risk 2: Buy a house I have never seen in person while deployed- a historical home at that?! (We are definitely working on renovations at the moment.)
Risk 3: Completely rebrand and start my business from ground zero upon my return from a deployment.
Risk 4: Invest into hosting a lavish styled shoot with minimal experience and no local connections.
Risk 5-100 more that I can’t even begin to name.
I am 100% the type of person that when I put my mind to something, I accomplish my goals. I have some words I live by: “fake it ‘til you make it” and “put yourself in places you’re not supposed to be, until you belong there (aka get comfortable being uncomfortable).” I have to admit, I am relentless, I will do everything I set out to do, and I will make it an experience. Don’t get me wrong, things get very chaotic very quickly, but honestly, I thrive in those situations. That’s why wedding days are so fun! Anyone who has been to one, knows there are tons of moving pieces, and then there is me, the girl who is grinning ear-to-ear the entire way through!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sincerelysalinastudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelysalinastudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sincerelysalinastudios
Image Credits
Salina Renee
Sincerely, Salina Studios
