Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Johnson.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started when I was young — a love for preserving time in the form of a photo. You’d ask anyone and I was always the one that was taking photos — film at the time. I printed them always and felt strongly that photos should be taken.
Many years later, I started college and had intended to be a photographer. At the time, photography had been more studio based and not near as much natural light. I decided half way through my freshman year of college that photography wasn’t for me.
I couldn’t see myself sitting in a studio, artificial light, being in front of a computer all day — or so it seemed it would be. So I set out on another course — pursuing horses. I ended up majoring in Animal Science – Equine Management.
Fast forward, many years later, life has rerouted me from the equine industry into many others. I joke and say I’m a jack of all trades — as I’ve held a job in so many different industries. Needless to say, all preparing me to be a business owner.
I met my husband in 2016 and married him in 2017. I was working another job I didn’t love and had always felt I could be a better small business owner than those I’d worked for (many times) — so that Christmas my husband bought me my first price camera. From that moment on, I had someone who really believed in me and supported me unlike I had, I felt, my whole life.
Four years later, a wife, mama of two and photographer, I made it to the other side and started a business that’s continued to bloom and grow more fragrant.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There will always be struggles in life, of this I’m certain. The main challenge of starting was becoming a new first time mom at the same time I started my business. I would not recommend it. To put all the work into a business and be a stay at home mom is two huge life transitions in one and honestly, sometimes I’m not sure how I managed or continued on.
Other challenges — social media and the saturated market of photographers. It was challenging to really focus in or even know what my style was, what I enjoyed, my brand (as everyone says) — none of this seemed clear most of the time until the last year or two.
The last I would say is struggling to learn so much — and with no guidance. I self taught myself everything I know and practice makes perfect as they say… but I would so recommend others on this path to find a mentor and invest in condensed knowledge where you could save so much headache in the end!
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 am a professional Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer, specializing in weddings and couples! I am most proud of the quality of service and artistry I provide for my clients and really thrive in making others feel comfortable in front of the camera.
I go the extra mile. I really want to capture the vision the couple has, but more than that their love they share — raw, authentic emotion.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To always trust myself. As long as I persevere, I will make it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelleighphoto.co
- Instagram: @rachel.leigh.photo
