Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Stone.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My mom bought me my very first camera when I graduated from high school. I didn’t use it much until I moved to Idaho for a school where I met my now, ex-husband.
I was going to school full-time, and working part-time. By now, my ex-husband was abusive… and if I sit down to really think about why I picked up that camera my mom had given me years prior, I really do believe it is because I was trying to find a way out.
I started charging $50 a session… didn’t matter what kind of shoot it was, how long it took me, or how many photos I would edit and send back $50.
I saved my money, mustered up the courage to finally divorce him, moved to Utah, and started over. Thankfully, the relationships I made in Idaho, helped me to slowly build some of my clientele in Utah so I don’t feel like I completely started from scratch.
I still do photography for many reasons.
A few being; I feel so proud of who I am as a person and businesswoman now vs. three years ago.
I have met so many of my very best friends through photography, I love getting to be outside and explore the world I live in and especially appreciate the little reminders of happy, gentle love when I get to take couples out and watch how they interact with each other and photograph them!
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?
Moving to Utah and having to build a clientele here has been hard. Especially because Utah is saturated with so many talented photographers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am considered a Wedding and Lifestyle photographer. I love to photograph couples because posing comes easier and more naturally to me. However, individuals, families, and weddings are just as fun because they challenge me!
Something that may separate me from other photographers is the time I put in before we even have the photo session. I am saving poses on Pinterest, sending outfit inspo, creating song playlists based on the client’s favorite music (this helps them feel comfortable in front of the camera), etc.
I want my clients to be excited they get to go out and take photos. I want them to feel the most comfortable and like they have a friend in me! This helps me to get more natural-looking photos in the end anyway. Win-win!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very social. I was louder, loved to be around people, and loved to be out doing something fun every weekend. I loved running, volleyball, school, worshiping, etc.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $1,200
- Couples, Families (up to 7), and individuals start at $200
Contact Info:
- Email: rachstone19@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rachelstonephotos
Image Credits:
Rachel Stone @rachelstonephotos
