We recently had the chance to connect with Rachel Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I would say self-confidence — the underlying insecurity that I would almost feel sure every man and woman struggles with. It’s something that isn’t talked about often, but I know because it’s definitely true as I’ve known for myself how hard it can be in the culture we live in. The illusion of success, beauty or perfection (thanks to marketing and social media and the influx of imagery). My heart for those I love closest to me and for all other people is to see the beauty and what’s special about the uniqueness we each hold and that we were created just as we should be with whatever personality, socioeconomic status, family, friends, character. That makes us special and we should hold onto the rootedness and our foundation of who we are and of where we’re at to fuel us into greater confidence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! I’m Rachel Johnson, owner and photographer of Rachel Leigh Photo. I am a Wedding + Portrait Photographer now for 7 years. Digital and Film.I am a wife to the best husband and mama to my sweet littles. I’m passionate about crafting a vision for my couples that is unique to them — from pre-wedding to post-wedding, my processes and approach to not only photography but my client experience, is not automated but authentic and personal. I want my clients to be relaxed and present on their special day. My heart is to serve them seamlessly and document their day, just as it was. Trust and integrity are two important pieces to the foundation of my business and my approach to photography.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Lies and lack of boundaries in their own lives. Too often times, people fear honesty because it’s more uncomfortable than telling a lie. Often, people lack introspection into their own lives to recognize that they need a boundary in place to protect their well-being and this causes people to distance or not communicate because they don’t know how to speak up confidently and kindly.
What restores them? Reconciliation (forgiveness and listening to their side) and time spent together, a genuine heart to hear talk — but both sides have to be willing and open to listen and receive.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Humility. To always remember that no one is above anyone else — suffering is unique in the sense that it causes you to realize how much you are no better than anyone else. Everyone has struggles behind closed doors. No one — even those that appear successful have it all. Suffering is crucial to growth. Heart change is crucial to physical and emotional change, that produces humility. Humility will serve you in all things in your life going forward — relationships, circumstances, choices, work, life. I’m so grateful to have learned this lesson earlier in life than I perceive most people do, it truly is a superpower when it comes to navigating all things.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That the ‘best’ wedding vendors are actually the best — in terms of being the ‘best photographer’ or ‘best planner’. They’re typically not — unless the publication is tried and true in experience within the wedding industry for top-tier weddings. The lie being wedding vendors that have a podcast or have a beautiful website or are picked three times winner for an awards are almost always not the best wedding vendors.
In my own opinion, the best photographer or planner — to be the best, has to have experience, solid systems in place, true care for their clients and can be adaptable and flexible within every part of their clients experience. The mindset to serve and put their clients at the forefront alongside being skilled, true artisan of their craft (whether it be photography, planning et .) and have stable workflows and processes that are tried at true. Consistency in all areas so every time their clients rave about how amazing their work is or how they loved every part of working with them. The experience seamless and authentic.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Love. Love for my and from my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelleighphoto.co
- Instagram: @rachel.leigh.photo
- Youtube: @rachel_leigh_photo
Image Credits
Rachel Leigh Photo
