When I first picked up a camera back in 2019, I had not idea that the Rachael today would own her own photography business. Not because I didn't think I could do it, but simply because I was not educated enough in this field to consider it a viable career option. Hopefully, my story will not only inspire you but shed a light on unconviential career paths.

My love for entrepernueralsjip started growing far sooner than my interest in photography. It was in my middle school years when I discovered my love for problem solving in turn for profit. At the young age, I knew I was limited for resources so I tried ever avenue I could. I sold lemonade, cookie, skateboard materials, and when I turned a bit older started leaning away from products and more torwards services baby sitting, car wash, dog sitting etc... 

To forewarn, part of my entrepreneurial journey involves my own personal journey with mental health. It was in my first year of college when I discovered my love for photography. I had just moved to a new rural town, and had a hard time adjusting to my new environment. I was more introverted than I would have like to have been and took me awhile to break out of my shell. 

Not having much of a community and being overwhelmed with juggling work, school, and softball - I turned to photography. I found out quickly that isolating in my free time on only created bigger problems in the long run so in my free time I found myself exploring the world of still photos. I was fascinated by this art and began to run all throughout campus taking photos of anything I could. It was in this year I discovered portrait photography and new world of working with human subjects. I fell in love. 

Fast forward through my second year, I had upgraded my gear and began to feel more confident in my skills and in the work I was creating. Photography gave me a joy I hadn't had in a long time. It provided an outlet to create and have something that was "mine." Half way through year two the world complete shut down - my depression came back and let's just say the end of my semester was a huge struggle. Mentally. Physically. Educationally. And I let go of all of my hobbies.

I lost myself

At this point, I had been taking clients and had a business website active - I thought I was living the dream, GIRL BOSS ENERGY. However, with the lack of motivation for life I wanted nothing more than to sell my gear and give up. For being a beginner, I was very critical of myself. I genuinely thought I would never be good enough - HOW CRAZY!!

My late father-in-law gave me the push I needed during this time to keep going and really hone in on my craft. While I was still battling with the depression that was exastaerbated by isolation from the pandemic, I figured the least I could do was dive into YouTube education. And man oh man, did I go down a deep deep rabbit hole. It became my new obsession. Benging YouTube photography content. 

some of my favorites:

Peter McKinnon + North Borders + Hayden Pedersen

I learned so much valuable information literally from YouTube University. I am self taught and in ways I was ashamed of that fact but I look back and have no clue why. We literally have all the information we need to be successful at the tips of our fingers - use it! 

That summer I reached out to what felt like two hundred wedding photographers in my area basically begging someone to allow me to shadow them. I recieved three "yes" rsponcese and I was overjoyed. Those three weddings I did in 2020 changed my life. I fell in love with capturing the beauty of a couples wedding day and the mentors I had were nothing shy of the kindest and most supportive women I know.

It's crazy to look back and see how all of that lead to where I am today. I started marketing my business in 2021 and booked my first wedding May 6, 2022. I stepped away from my 9-5 to pursue my business in June of 2023 and it has been nothing shy of rewarding. God has blessed me abundantly and I owe my talent to Him.

Today - I am building a thriving five-figure business and I have been able to use this gift God has given to me bless so many individuals. 

I am very eager to see where the next few years takes me from behind the lens.