award winning photographer
About Priyanca
award winning photographer in New York City
Portrait photographer Priyanca Rao is internationally acclaimed and known for creative portrait photography. Priyanca was named ‘Best photographer in NYC’ by Photographer USA Magazine. Her ability to composite photos using beautiful light and magical moments is what won her many awards as a portrait photographer. She is the Top Fearless wedding photographers in NYC, USA and worldwide, as well as a Wed Award and Weddison Award winner.
When I was ten, my family went on a picnic to a waterfall. After lunch, everyone fell asleep, but I could not resist exploring. I began climbing the waterfall alone, the rush of water beside me. Halfway up, my mom woke, and my dad came to guide me, just as I reached the top. That moment stayed with me. It taught me that courage grows when someone believes in you, and that empowerment begins with trust.
That lesson shapes everything I do today. As a branding and empowerment photographer, I help women founders, leaders, and visionaries step into their power and share their stories with confidence. I sculpt with light to reveal presence, strength, and truth, creating images that feel both artistic and deeply human.
Alongside personal branding, I create legacy family portraits that honor connection, history, and becoming. These sessions are about more than photographs. They are about artistry, memory, and creating something that will live on your walls and within your family story. This work fuels my soul.
My greatest joy is watching someone walk into my studio uncertain and leave feeling seen, confident, and proud of the story they carry. Over the years, clients have chosen to travel from across the country to work with me, trusting me to help them create meaningful legacy family portraits and powerful branding images that reflect who they truly are.
I live in Westchester with my family and our dog. I work from two studio locations, one in New York City and one in Westchester, and serve clients throughout the tri state area including New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut. I also travel nationally and worldwide for creative projects.
New York Photographer
Photos that empower and inspire
Priyanca is based out of New York City and Westchester and available to travel for projects.
Priyanca Rao received formal training in fashion design at the London College of Fashion and has been working in the photography and fashion design industry since 2003. Priyanca was named top #50 photographers in the world by Fearless photographers in 2023 and top #4 in the USA.
When she is not photographing portraits, you can find her on the streets of New York City, photographing people and traveling to remove places finding female stories. She is also a photography mentor and educator who is passionate about helping other photographers refine their art.
She has been featured in Street Photography Magazine, Maharani weddings, The Knot, Wedding Sutra, Brides UK, Sabyasachi Bride, Party Slate, South Asian Bride Magazine, Huff Post and Mandala Wedding Magazine.
Priyanca Rao is a published photographer and her documentary work was featured in Photoville in June 2023.
Hang with Priyanca in real time: Follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok to see her daily updates.
Meet the team
Justin our Associate Photographer and Yasmin our Studio Manger.
what to expect
Working with Priyanca
Let’s connect
We’ll chat on the phone before the booking process. We will meet you in person before your photoshoot and have a heart to heart, so we can form a strong connection.
Editorial Style
Our editorial empowerment style captures a visual story that blends your personality with your unique style, resulting in refined, magazine-style photos that turn heads. Hair and makeup are included with every shoot, delivered by our talented team who can handle any skin tone or hair type, ensuring an elevated, polished editorial look.
Your brand story
We focus on your story. Our custom sessions include a one hour design consultation that helps us build a story around you, understand your style, design your wardrobe for your shoot and conceptualize your brand in powerful visuals.
Studio closet
Our studio features a beautifully curated closet, available exclusively for custom sessions. With the latest styles in a range of colors, you can select pieces that match your brand palette and personal style, ensuring you show up looking polished, modern, and confident.
Powerful transformation
Our transformations begin by connecting with your story and understanding your vision. Through personalized styling, expert direction, and luxury photography, we create a space where you feel confident and empowered. The result is a collection of images that not only elevate your brand but also capture your authentic power and personality.
Custom wall art
The wall art we create from your photos becomes a daily anchor, a reminder of your power, confidence, and story. Seeing yourself reflected in these images inspires you to step into your highest self every day. It’s more than art—it’s a celebration of who you are and the legacy you are building. See wall art here.
When I viewed my photos, I was completely captivated. Every image reflected my essence and professional presence in such a confident and authentic way. I also received beautiful leather-printed wall art of my family and my kids, who joined at the end of the shoot, along with a stunning candid portrait of myself.
Adrienne, Westchester NY
FAQ
How would you describe your photography style?
Our editorial style delivers magazine-quality photos with beautiful, professional lighting—whether in-studio or on location. Every shoot is designed to tell the story of your brand, blending your personality, style, and vision into images that are as polished as they are powerful.
How long have you been in business? What is the history?
Priyanca received formal training in fashion design at the London College of Fashion and began her career in the fashion industry before discovering her true passion for photography. In 2013, she transitioned to full-time professional photography and founded Priyanca Rao Photography, LLC. Explore our portfolio to see luxury branding, headshots, portraits, and family photography across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Long Island, the West Coast, and beyond.
What distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?
What sets my work apart is the combination of storytelling, empowerment, and luxury editorial style. I don’t just take photos—I create transformative experiences that help women see themselves at their most confident, authentic, and powerful. That is why every session incudes hair and makeup artistry. We use beautiful lighting, thoughtful styling, and guided posing to capture not just how my clients look, but who they truly are. From branding sessions to portraits, my images elevate personal and professional presence, leaving a lasting impression that goes far beyond the frame.
We have heard share that they have made 10x from their investment with us from marketing after their work through powerful photography, and building deeper connection with their audience.
What type of equipment do you use?
We use all Pro Fujifilm with prime lenses along with back up cameras. Our Pro lenses are very sharp and give a nice shallow depth of field that make your pictures look dreamy. We also carry professional lighting for indoor photography during the ceremony and reception. Priyanca is also a Magmod Ambassador for pro lighting modifiers.
Do you share all the raw files?
No, because we can do better than raw images! When you book us, you are paying for our professional set of eyes that is trained to only pick the best of the best. You will also have an in-person photo selection to be able to pick all your photos for retouching from your portrait session.
Capture your story
New York City Photographer,Scarsdale Photographer, Chappaqua Photographer & Westchester Photographer