Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Paulus.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve loved photography since I was a child. I loved thumbing through my dad’s National Geographic magazines, not for the articles, but for the images. They held countless illustrations of other lives lived in foreign cultures around the world. The vivid colors and gorgeously lit photos are a buttery memory that still warms me up when I think about it. For my late teen years I imagined that perhaps I may one day be a National Geographic Photographer. I knew before I even had taken a real photo class that I wanted a Nikon camera, and I worked hard to earn the money to acquire the gear I have now.
As many discover, my life didn’t take the route I imagined it might, although I still think it would be an incredible thing to travel the world and explore all its fantastical nooks and crannies. Something I’ve learned is that no one will hand me the things I want most, so I’ve have to work hard to get them. I was able to take a singular photo class in college back in 2002, and loved every bit of it. I loved the dark room. I loved the tactile experience of the whole developing process.
I began teaching myself photography through online workshops, tutorials, books and lots of practice. My sister-in-law is also a professional photographer and lent me some gear to test out and practice with. With marriage, having kids and many life adventures my journey hasn’t been a straight line. I finally was able to start a photography business in 2010 when I moved with my spouse and kids to Wisconsin. I built my client base from ground zero. Not knowing anyone I had to find ways to build local relationships and it’s been a difficult but rewarding process. I’ve met so many incredible people and have many clients who’ve returned time after time for life milestone images. I have one client who has five amazing kids and I’ve photographed every single one of these kids as newborns. Being a family and senior portrait photographer is truly a special thing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve begun a photography business a total of three times. This was required due to having to move out of state. I had to save up money for my equipment and pull out loans which I was able to pay off with my photo work without paying interest. Our family went abroad to Scotland while my spouse taught for a semester, and while that was a wonderful experience I wouldn’t give back for the world, my business suffered. I also made the choice to go back to school and finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications. I’ll once again by going back for my Master’s Degree in 2026. All of these things have and will pull me away from my photography business, but I keep a broad view of what my goals are. I work full time in Marketing and would love for one day to be able to do photography full time. I know what I need to do that. I have to work hard to get there, no one is going to hand that to me. Life is definitely and adventure!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize specifically in on-location portraiture of high school seniors and young families. I have many locations I’m willing to travel to in order to tell a story and capture my clients in their element.
In terms of photographing families, I am really good at working with young kids. My photo sessions are longer because it takes time to earn the trust of the kiddos. I respect their space and make sure they feel seen and heard. I’ve found that patience and bringing fun to the shoot is essential. I give parents a lot of guidance prior to the shoot so that when it comes time for the session they are prepared.
I always ask for a Senior’s input on where they want to be photographed. Since it’s their shoot I want them to be as involved in the planning as they want to be. Probably the most interesting location selection a Senior Portrait client of mine made was a cemetery. He chose it to make his mom mad, but she ended up loving the outcome so it was fantastic!
I love doing personal photo projects! I completed a body of work based around autism awareness and during COVID in 2020 I took portraits of high school girls (called River Falls Promenade) at their homes (outside) who were unable to go to their Junior Prom due to it being canceled. I gave them their images so they could at least have beautiful images of themselves in their dresses. https://www.reveriephoto.com/riverfallspromenade
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I don’t give up. I’m a disciplined person. I’m a people person, I’m interested in people and what makes them tick.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reveriephoto.com
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/reveriephotographs
