From Photographer to Industry Leader

An avid outdoorsman and product photographer, Ryan Heck launched Trekker Heck Photography in 2022, specializing in product photography for major outdoor brands. What began as freelance project work has grown into a sustainable, globally connected creative business – built and rooted in Creswell, Oregon.

From Freelancer to Industry Leader

With guidance from RAIN, Ryan has successfully transitioned into the User-Generated Content (UGC) space, evolving from project-based collaborations to securing his first retainer client with Maui Jim Sunglasses. Along the way, he has established himself as a trusted content creator for major outdoor brands, expanded his professional visibility through speaking and teaching opportunities, and is now launching an international content creation and photography workshop in Iceland. These milestones mark a clear shift from freelance work to a growth-oriented, sustainable business model.

Ryan first connected with RAIN through local networking meetups and deepened that relationship by teaching an online UGC workshop with RAIN in 2024 – an experience that helped establish his authority in the space.

Since then, RAIN has supported Ryan through one-on-one strategic sessions with experienced Entrepreneurship Navigators, access to networking and speaking opportunities, pitch support, and resource navigation. RAIN has also introduced Ryan to partners within the Cascades West Innovation Hub, opening doors to innovation-focused collaborations and growth opportunities. Throughout the process, RAIN has served as a consistent sounding board as Ryan navigated client negotiations, pricing decisions, outsourcing strategies, and long-term vision planning.

Impact Beyond the Studio

Ryan’s growth strengthens the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Creswell and South Lane County, demonstrating that rural-based creatives can build high-impact businesses with national and international reach. By outsourcing video editing and planning educational workshops, he is contributing to job creation and skill-sharing that extends well beyond his immediate community.

His upcoming workshops and conference presence help position Lane County as a place where innovation, creativity, and outdoor industry talent thrive. Together, these efforts are helping Ryan expand his impact, reach new markets, and continue building a creative business that is rooted in rural Oregon but connected to the world.

Join Rural CREATOR

Ryan’s story is one example of what becomes possible when creative entrepreneurs have access to the right support. RAIN’s Rural CREATOR program offers free dedicated business coaching, resource navigation, connections to capital, and peer support through expert Entrepreneurship Navigators. Services are available in both English and Spanish, delivered by Navigators who have launched and scaled their own creative sector businesses in design, fine art, and creative marketing.

Rural CREATOR is made possible through the generous support of the Roundhouse Foundation and others who believe in the power of creative entrepreneurship to transform communities.

The next Rural CREATOR cohort begins Thursday, May 7th. The application deadline is May 1st. Go to: tinyurl.com/4npmjkb8