Conversations with Rachel Linder

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

Hi Rachel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you, I’m exited to share a little about my story with you! I am a small business owner, wife, mom, and a fine art photographer. Art has been a big part of my life ever since I can remember. Growing up, I was always drawing or painting and I enjoyed the illustrations in books more than I liked reading. When I turned 16, my parents gave me a camera, and this was my introduction to a new form of art, photography.

For years, I dabbled in photography, but during my college years, I began to expand my knowledge of the field. I took multiple photography education courses and workshops. I was also able to shadow different established photographers while they worked, thus learning more about the business and public relations aspects of photography while still increasing my knowledge and skill behind the camera.

From these experiences, I was able to gain valuable insights and grow my skills and techniques. After saving for a while, I bought my first professional camera, used, from a friend. My first wedding was actually for my little sister. She and my family loved the results of that first shoot, and I was hooked for life!

Now, several years later, since that first wedding, I am traveling throughout the state of Georgia and beyond, passionately pursuing photography as a fine art wedding photographer.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Photography seemed to come naturally to me, I suppose because in my mind it is just another type of art where color, shapes, and light are captured through the lens rather than created or reproduced on a canvas. However, growing a business is never easy, and there have been many challenges along the way, both big and small.

With each new season, I have learned something new that has helped me grow and shape my business into what it is today. I was very fortunate to discover the professional photography community early on through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram which have helped me to build relationships with other artists in real life.

Some of those folks have even become lifelong friends. There have been many times that I have leaned on others’ expertise which has helped me navigate both business and artistic challenges. I’m so thankful for their constant support, feedback, and generous encouragement.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in natural light photography, meaning I always want to capture my subjects in the best lighting. I find that using natural light provides a dreamier look to my images and I strive to provide timeless, romantic images to my couples that will be proudly passed down from one generation to the next.

I find that using natural light provides a dreamier look to my images and I strive to provide timeless, romantic images to my couples that will be proudly passed down from one generation to the next.

It makes me so happy when I receive feedback from my clients expressing how great they felt in front of the camera, and that they feel their images capture their relationships and big moments authentically.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Aside from the wonderful photography community and all the resources we share with each other through social media, there are several other resources that I have found to be super helpful in building my business including those like the Katelyn James educational courses.

Her Lighting and Location course helped me learn how to find the best available light and avoid poor lighting situations so that my couples glow. The posing course taught me how to help couples become comfortable in front of the camera so that my photos can truly reflect their personalities.

I think that many people who are interested in photography do not realize all the little details that go into this art form. Not only is it knowing how to properly use your camera, but it’s also understanding light and composition.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning photography to invest in educational courses, participate in workshops hosted by professional photographers within the field, and reach out to the photography community around you!

Pricing:

• Weddings begin at $3,000
• Engagement Sessions begin at $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rachellinderphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachellinderphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelLinderPhotos/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/rachellinderphotos/

Image Credits
Rachel Linder Photography