Daily Inspiration: Meet Rachel Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Johnson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was a teenager, my dad was working as a professional documentary maker. My high school job was working for him–helping with gear and lighting, video editing, etc. At the time, my dad would often comment that I had a good creative eye. As I moved through high school & college, I took several photography and photojournalism classes as electives. I enjoyed them, but ultimately decided to get my BS in Human Services.

When I got married, my dad told my husband I was good at photography and encouraged him to get me a camera. We were poor college students, and really couldn’t afford a big camera. But my husband surprised me with one anyway. I decided I needed to earn enough money with the camera to pay for it, and then I could just have it to enjoy.

Little did I know that that little $600 camera would lead to one of the best things in my life. Photography has taught me how to see beauty in the ordinary, and brought so many blessings into my life and the lives of my family.

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 consider myself a decade of overnight success. Ha! It’s been a slow steady road to grow my business and grow in my own skills. I’m pretty patient and haven’t rushed myself. But sometimes I see my peers growing so much quicker, and feel like I’m doing it wrong. However, I’m a big believer in taking your own journey at the pace that’s right for you.

I also think it’s important to be able to view successes & areas where I need to grow as two completely different things. I really try not to look at my successes and let that lead right into where I need to improve. Savor the good moments. Growing a business is too hard to not take the time to be proud of yourself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a portrait photographer & photography educator. I work with over 100 clients a year, and teach online and in-person photography classes as well. I really love sharing what I’ve learned and have tried to cultivate a community online that’s focused on lifting up others in their creative journey.

I have flown all over the United States shooting weddings and portraits, but I think the thing I’m most proud of is the way I’ve documented my children. Last year I did a personal project where I took a photo of at least one of them every single day of 2021, and the memories we created are priceless.

I think my photography style is what sets me apart from all the other photographers here in Utah. I shoot 100% with vintage, Nikkor lenses and manually focus every single shot. I edit everything by hand, and don’t use any presets or filters. My style is true & accurate colors, but maybe a bit more magical than real life. The literary term “magical realism” feels like a really good way to describe my work.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I think my biggest cheerleaders have always been my dad and my husband. My dad got me into photography so many years ago, he helped me understand basically everything. He’s always been a critical eye when I need it, but also always so proud and impressed with what I’m doing.

And I could never do this without my husband. Early on, he literally read the entire photography handbook so that he could help me understand it. He’s always managed bedtime so that I can work at night and still be with the kids during the day. He helps me pick out the next camera or lens I need, helps me when my website’s having issues, and willing to go on random drives into the middle of nowhere when the light is good so I can location scout. It would literally be impossible to do what I do without him.

I’m so grateful for my 5 kids, for their patience in front of the camera and when I have to work.

I’ve had so many other mentors & supporters over the years, as well. Family and friends who have let me take their photos from the very beginning. The 2021 Build Retreat coaches and attendees who have become some of my best cheerleaders. Other photographers in the industry who have share, supported and lifted me up. I’m grateful for them all.

Pricing:

• Portrait Sessions: $425
• Online live workshops: $35
• Intro to Photography 2 week Course: $200
• Mentoring: $200 an hour

Contact Info:

• Email: luminosityphotography1@gmail.com
• Website: www.luminosityphotos.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/luminosityphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luminosityphotographyutah/

Image Credits
Rachel Johnson