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1.) When did you get started in the wedding business and how did you go about doing that?
I had been a photographer since 2007 and really broke into the wedding industry around 2010. Honestly - word of mouth really helped me get my brand out there. Social media + happy brides = exposure!
2.) What is the best way to find the ideal photographer and what should someone look for?
I genuinely think it's best to read reviews from brides and ask your friends and family who they used. When it comes to what to look for - beyond talent, you need to find someone whose style of shooting you prefer and whose personality you enjoy! Photographers are with you essentially all day. You’ve got to pick someone you like to talk to, that doesn't make you uncomfortable, and that’s willing to jump in and feels confident to run your day.
3.) How would you describe your approach to weddings?
I think I’m a pretty good mix of professional and personable. My primary concern is giving you the best wedding photos that I can and allowing you and your friends and family to enjoy the process. my staff and I are fun - we're probably going to dance with your friends at the reception!, I like to build a relationship with my clients so that when I show up at the wedding, I’m not just 'that photographer we hired last year' but 'Rachel, our friend'. I do my best to make sure your day goes smoothly, working with and alongside your other vendors to execute your day flawlessly. Minus the dance moves. They’re probably going to be terrible. :)
4.) What inspires you in your work?
Emotion. There is so much emotion in a photograph. A lot of times, that might only be evident to the person in the photo or maybe someone close to subjects. But there is a level of emotion in a photo that comes from me. It’s how I see the moment, how I want the moment to be captured. I think every photo is meant to stir emotion - whether that's joy, sorrow, excitement, pain. And anytime I get an email or a letter from a client about the way a certain photo spoke to them - I am inspired more and more to continue telling stories through my photographs.
5.) What do you find the most rewarding about your job?
^ Playing that role. I realized a few years ago that 'just another day at work' for me is the one of the best days of someone else's life. After the pressure of that realization subsides :), it really creates a joy that keeps me going and keeps me wanting to show up at work. It’s a great thing to enjoy your job because of the joy it brings to someone else!
6.) What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about you or your business?
ha! Probably that I’m a quasi-decent businessperson, a terrible salesperson, and a great photographer. Genuinely. I’m not looking to get good numbers. I’m really looking to connect with the right couples and enjoy building a relationship with them.
7.) What do you think sets you apart from other photographers?
There are so many fantastic photographers in our area and I know at some point, potential clients can't see much difference between quality of work or price point or style. And at that moment, I think that my personality sets me apart. I’m quirky. Most artists are. :) but more thanthat, I’m laid back, I’m friendly, I’m pretty funny if I do say so myself :), and I’m determined to have a great time with you.
8.) Share with readers an example of your work
9.) What do you love about weddings?
Everything! It’s seriously so much fun for us! I love wedding parties and parents and watching Grandma Betty dance for the first time in about 40 years. :) I love first looks and I love quiet moments between the bride and groom. Really - I love it all. :)
10.) What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning a wedding?
Try to enjoy it. It can be stressful, it can be expensive, and it can be emotionally draining. So make sure you take a step back and just ENJOY the process a little bit!
12.) What do you do when you are not working?
Watch baseball. No really. That’s about it. :)
13.) Who is your favorite artist or band?
Michael Jackson and Billy Joel. Be still, my heart.
14.) What is the best song of all time?
“Yellow” by Coldplay
15.) What is your website URL?
www.rachelspearsphotography.com and check us out at www.facebook.com/rachelspearsphotography
1.) When did you get started in the wedding business and how did you go about doing that?
I had been a photographer since 2007 and really broke into the wedding industry around 2010. Honestly - word of mouth really helped me get my brand out there. Social media + happy brides = exposure!
2.) What is the best way to find the ideal photographer and what should someone look for?
I genuinely think it's best to read reviews from brides and ask your friends and family who they used. When it comes to what to look for - beyond talent, you need to find someone whose style of shooting you prefer and whose personality you enjoy! Photographers are with you essentially all day. You’ve got to pick someone you like to talk to, that doesn't make you uncomfortable, and that’s willing to jump in and feels confident to run your day.
3.) How would you describe your approach to weddings?
I think I’m a pretty good mix of professional and personable. My primary concern is giving you the best wedding photos that I can and allowing you and your friends and family to enjoy the process. my staff and I are fun - we're probably going to dance with your friends at the reception!, I like to build a relationship with my clients so that when I show up at the wedding, I’m not just 'that photographer we hired last year' but 'Rachel, our friend'. I do my best to make sure your day goes smoothly, working with and alongside your other vendors to execute your day flawlessly. Minus the dance moves. They’re probably going to be terrible. :)
4.) What inspires you in your work?
Emotion. There is so much emotion in a photograph. A lot of times, that might only be evident to the person in the photo or maybe someone close to subjects. But there is a level of emotion in a photo that comes from me. It’s how I see the moment, how I want the moment to be captured. I think every photo is meant to stir emotion - whether that's joy, sorrow, excitement, pain. And anytime I get an email or a letter from a client about the way a certain photo spoke to them - I am inspired more and more to continue telling stories through my photographs.
5.) What do you find the most rewarding about your job?
^ Playing that role. I realized a few years ago that 'just another day at work' for me is the one of the best days of someone else's life. After the pressure of that realization subsides :), it really creates a joy that keeps me going and keeps me wanting to show up at work. It’s a great thing to enjoy your job because of the joy it brings to someone else!
6.) What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about you or your business?
ha! Probably that I’m a quasi-decent businessperson, a terrible salesperson, and a great photographer. Genuinely. I’m not looking to get good numbers. I’m really looking to connect with the right couples and enjoy building a relationship with them.
7.) What do you think sets you apart from other photographers?
There are so many fantastic photographers in our area and I know at some point, potential clients can't see much difference between quality of work or price point or style. And at that moment, I think that my personality sets me apart. I’m quirky. Most artists are. :) but more thanthat, I’m laid back, I’m friendly, I’m pretty funny if I do say so myself :), and I’m determined to have a great time with you.
8.) Share with readers an example of your work
9.) What do you love about weddings?
Everything! It’s seriously so much fun for us! I love wedding parties and parents and watching Grandma Betty dance for the first time in about 40 years. :) I love first looks and I love quiet moments between the bride and groom. Really - I love it all. :)
10.) What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning a wedding?
Try to enjoy it. It can be stressful, it can be expensive, and it can be emotionally draining. So make sure you take a step back and just ENJOY the process a little bit!
12.) What do you do when you are not working?
Watch baseball. No really. That’s about it. :)
13.) Who is your favorite artist or band?
Michael Jackson and Billy Joel. Be still, my heart.
14.) What is the best song of all time?
“Yellow” by Coldplay
15.) What is your website URL?
www.rachelspearsphotography.com and check us out at www.facebook.com/rachelspearsphotography