We recently had the chance to connect with Rachel Graff and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I just gave birth to my second baby boy in early October, so being a mom and navigating this new family dynamic is bringing me a lot of joy. My older son is so sweet to our newborn, and it’s been so sweet to see!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in the south metro of the Twin Cities. I primarily shoot weddings and engagement sessions as well as high school senior photos. I pride myself on delivering beautiful, timeless images to my clients along with excellent customer service, making everyone feel confident and comfortable in front of my camera.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I lost my sister tragically and unexpectedly in 2021, right after another family wedding. The photos from that wedding day are the last we have of her and it was the last time we were together. It completely changed the way I see the world and my job as a wedding photographer. Any day can be your last, and any image I capture can become a cherished heirloom for my clients. This has lead me to approach my work with less perfectionism and more emotion.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My perfectionism has held me back a lot in life. I never want to do or try something unless I think I’ll excel at it, and sometimes this holds me back from even trying. While perfectionism can also be a motivator, I think it’s held me back from learning or being confident in what I can do before I actually get to an elite level.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think in the wedding industry there is a common thought that your wedding day is about the couple and what they want to do. However, I think this is a bit of a misconception. The best weddings I’ve attended and photographed are the ones where the couples also focus on the guests having a great experience. If guests are well-taken care of, the energy and vibe of the day is better and therefore, everyone is happier and more care-free. Making sure your guests are well-fed, have transportation or parking, and have clear instructions is one of the best things you can do for your wedding day.
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?
I hope people remember my drive, passion and care for my family. I have always had an intrinsic drive to be great at whatever I pursue, and my business is a prime example of that. I never thought I’d be a professional photographer, but once I started, I just couldn’t stop. My business is my passion and I hope people remember how I pursued my dreams with no prior experience. I also balance that with being a mom and remaining extremely close to my family. The work/life balance is never perfect, but I hope I can be remembered for trying my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rachelgraffphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachgraff
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/rachelgraffphoto
Image Credits
Rachel Graff Photography
