We’re looking forward to introducing you to Scott Rinaldi. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Scott , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the cornerstone of my professional philosophy. In this industry, being a person of substance and unwavering integrity is essential to building and sustaining a successful business. No matter how skilled or talented someone may be, if they fail to uphold their commitments, they quickly become seen as a liability. Trust is earned by consistently delivering on promises—on time and as agreed—and without it, long-term success is simply not possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Scott Rinaldi, and my journey into photography began in 2018 in my hometown of Huntington Beach, California, capturing sunsets along the coast. At the time, many of my friends were social media influencers, which presented a unique opportunity. I began offering them high-quality photo sessions at highly competitive rates—an arrangement that provided them with premium content while giving me consistent subjects to develop my craft and grow my visibility through their platforms.
In 2020, I began shooting for OC Fashion Week, where I discovered a deep passion for fashion photography—both on and off the runway. This led to opportunities to shoot at prestigious events like LA and New York Fashion Week, resulting in features in several high-end publications. These experiences played a pivotal role in expanding my professional reach and establishing my presence in the fashion photography space.
Since then, photography has taken me across the globe to destinations including Rome, Barcelona, Nice, Portofino, Mallorca, and Santorini. I’ve been honored to have my work published in over 50 magazines worldwide, with multiple covers among those credits.
Over time, I’ve developed a strong artistic connection to vibrant color, striking contrast, and the movement of fabric—an aesthetic that naturally led to my latest venture: OC Flying Dress. Inspired by the dramatic, flowing-dress imagery made famous in Santorini, this project brings that whimsical style to the diverse landscapes of California. From beaches and deserts to forests and urban backdrops, OC Flying Dress offers clients a unique and visually captivating experience.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without question, my parents are the greatest influences in my life and two of the strongest individuals I have ever known. Both came from modest beginnings—raised in families with limited financial means and shaped by the immigrant experience. Their parents came to the United States in search of a better life, and through perseverance and resilience, they carried that legacy forward
My mother, a Puerto Rican woman who grew up in Brooklyn during the 1950s and 60s, faced challenges that demanded both strength and tenacity and faced significant social and economic adversity. My father, of Italian heritage and the eldest son in his family, was expected to shoulder responsibility from a young age. He later served in the Vietnam War, an experience that profoundly shaped his character. Together, their resilience and determination had a lasting impact on who I am today.
From a young age, they instilled in me an unwavering work ethic. They taught me that whatever you commit to in life, you give it your absolute best—110% effort, or not at all. My mother rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected public defenders in Orange County. My father built a highly successful career in the home loan industry, consistently earning top honors and recognition throughout his profession. For both of them, mediocrity was never an option—excellence was the standard.
Equally important, they also taught me compassion, passion, and self-belief. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams and to have faith in my ability to achieve them. Their support helped me understand that with determination, perseverance, and heart, there are no limits to what one can accomplish.
My parents are, without a doubt, my heroes. Their strength, values, and love have shaped every part of who I am. I would not be half the person I am today without their example and guidance—and I am endlessly grateful for the foundation they gave me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
In my view, both suffering and failure are essential elements of personal and professional growth. While success may feel gratifying, it rarely offers the depth of insight or development that failure does. When we succeed, we often assume that everything was done perfectly—leaving little incentive to evaluate, adapt, or improve.
Failure, on the other hand, is fundamental. It builds resilience, sharpens character, and strengthens the mind. It teaches us how to navigate adversity, how to persevere through difficulty, and most importantly, how to recover. Learning to stand back up after setbacks—to regroup, recalibrate, and move forward—is one of life’s most valuable skills.
One of my favorite quotes, often attributed to Thomas Edison (though frequently paraphrased), illustrates this idea well: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 999 ways that won’t work.” This perspective reframes failure not as defeat, but as discovery.
We often endure hardship and struggle in private for years, only to be recognized publicly for a brief moment. But it is in those quiet, unseen efforts that real progress is made. Without failure and the lessons it brings, success would lack both meaning and substance.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I’m a firm believer in the concept of karma and the idea that the energy we put out into the world inevitably finds its way back to us. Whether you call it karma, universal law, or simply cause and effect, I’ve seen time and again that our actions—good or bad—shape the environments and opportunities around us.
This belief is especially relevant in the creative industry, where relationships, reputation, and trust play a central role in long-term success. While talent and ambition are important, character is what sustains a career. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see individuals step on others to get ahead, viewing success as a zero-sum game. But that’s never been my approach, nor is it something I could ever justify.
In my experience, the people who operate with integrity, generosity, and authenticity may not always rise the fastest, but they build lasting reputations and meaningful connections. Negative energy—whether it’s dishonesty, selfishness, or exploitation—has a way of circling back, often when it’s least expected.
For me, being a good person isn’t just a moral choice—it’s a professional strategy. Kindness, respect, and ethical behavior create a ripple effect that benefits not just others, but also your own journey in the long run. In an industry that can often feel transactional, I choose to lead with values, trusting that what I give will return in kind.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
It’s not so much about the stories people tell about me—what matters more is the legacy left through the work I’ve created. I have a vision that long after I’m gone, the photographs I’ve taken will continue to live on in people’s homes, framed on their walls, woven into the fabric of their lives.
When someone looks at one of my photos, I don’t want them to think of me—I want them to remember that moment. I want them to relive the joy they felt, to smile, to laugh, to tell the stories of that day. My hope is that the image becomes more than a picture—it becomes a portal to a memory, a feeling, a connection.
And when that person is no longer here, perhaps their children or grandchildren will look at that same photo and hear stories about their parents or loved ones. Maybe they’ll laugh, maybe they’ll cry—but the emotion will still be alive. That, to me, is the ultimate purpose of my work: to create something that continues to stir emotion, spark conversation, and preserve human connection—even a hundred years from now.
It’s not about being remembered as a photographer. It’s about knowing that something I created helped someone remember what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scottrinaldiphotography.com
- Instagram: @scottrinaldiphotography
