Coastline Photographer. Golden Hour Chaser. Coffee Lover & Explorer.

At Rayco Collective, we love highlighting the people behind the art — those whose creativity inspires us and sparks our own. Jess Rankin is one of those people. A photographer rooted in Northern California, she has a way of capturing landscapes, moments, and stories that make you pause… and dream about your next adventure.

Quick Takes: Who Jess Is

Sunrise or sunset? Both — she chases the light wherever it falls.
Desert dust or alpine air? Equally in love with both.
Campfire coffee or diner breakfast? Campfire coffee, always.
Solo or squad? Solo trips — but friends along the way are always welcome.
Go-to road trip snack? Coffee and Red Bull… but every adventure ends with an In-N-Out stop.

These little snapshots give a taste of her adventurous spirit, but the story of her creativity runs deeper.

A Lifelong Creative

Jess’ love for photography began early. She picked up a 35mm camera when she was just eight years old, and by the end of high school, she knew photography could be more than a hobby. Art school followed, shaping her path and giving her the foundation to turn her passion into a career.

Over the years, she’s learned the delicate balance between inspiration and discipline. Her strongest work comes from stories and places that spark her imagination, but years behind the camera have also taught her to follow a rhythm — a checklist — to fully tell the story she wants to share.

Inspiration Along the Coast

Recently, Jess has been drawn to the coast. Northern California’s Highway 1, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs fuel her creativity. Travel and road trips don’t just give her new landscapes — they give her new ways to see the world and to translate that vision into photographs that feel intentional, authentic, and alive.

Nature as a Muse

Whether it’s the desert, the redwoods, the Sierras, or the coast, nature plays a central role in Jess’ work. Each landscape teaches something different, and she brings that same mindfulness to her client shoots. Her goal isn’t just a beautiful photograph — it’s an experience that feels real, thoughtful, and true to the people she’s capturing.

And now, she’s returning to her roots with film photography, blending the timeless feel of 35mm with her modern vision — proof that the past and present can coexist beautifully in the work she creates.

What She Hopes You Feel

For Jess, photography is more than an image. It’s a story, a moment, a chapter you can hold onto. She wants clients to feel supported and intentional every step of the way. By building trust and connection before a shoot, she creates spaces where creativity flows naturally — and the result is work that resonates long after the camera clicks.

That’s what we’re about at Rayco, too.

Clothing made for the in-between moments.
For the road trips.
For the coastlines.
For the chapters you’ll want to remember.

What She’s Wearing

For this Rayco Collective feature, Jess styled a couple of her favorite Rayco pieces — the Get Lost Hoodie and the By My Side Crewneck.

Both are the kind of staples made for early mornings, long drives down Highway 1, and chasing golden hour along the coast. Easy layers you throw on without thinking — and end up living in.

The Get Lost Hoodie carries that quiet reminder to wander a little further, take the scenic route, and lean into the adventure. The By My Side Crewneck is a reminder that some bonds outlast everything — that the ones who walk beside us through every season are the ones that matter most. It’s nostalgic, a little wild, and deeply rooted in that love-for-your-dog, love-for-the-journey kind of life.

Both pieces feel right at home layered into Jess’ world — coastlines, coffee stops, solo drives, and the steady companionship that fuels creativity.

Follow Jess

Follow Jess for more of her adventures and stunning photography —
🌐 jessrankin.com
📸 @jessrankin