We were lucky to catch up with Rakhi Raikar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rakhi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Being creative, whether it’s writing or painting, has always been a passion of mine since I can remember. Having the ability to take concepts, ideas and visions that I had in my mind and turn them into a beautiful written poem or abstract work of art came effortlessly for me. I often ask myself, how can I transform these creative skill sets into a profession? By asking this basic question, I discovered my love for photography. I didn’t go to a technical art school and get a degree in Visual photography. I recognized that it was important to have a clear passion for it and an insatiable curiosity on how things work. At first, I became overly focused on what it was going to cost, battled with the never ending comparison to others, and gave into the fear of how I was going to turn this hobby into a professional career. Until one day, I discovered that those that were masters in this craft just started somewhere with what they had available. They looked at what resources were easily attainable and started the learning process from there. For me, I had enough money to purchase an entry level camera ,YouTube was my educational platform, and I was lucky enough to have friends and family who were willing participants. Centered to it all the unwavering determination to make this my everyday life. After 8 plus years, all this holds to still be true.

Rakhi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started in Photography because I wanted to be a fulltime creative without the limitations I felt being in the corporate world. A friend of mine had brought their camera to a sunrise meditation we were doing and when I asked to “play around” to take a few shots, little did I know my life was going to change. Since then, my eyes became open to a new world of creating art and people became my muse.

I work with an amazing studio here in Fort Lauderdale, called Little’s Photography, and for the past 7 years I have been able to further my skills as a photographer and most importantly learn how to guide people to be the best they are in front of my lens. As I work with them as their Head of Photography, I am expanding into my own personal business that is mainly focused on Boudoir and Video.

My Boudoir business is centered on the human desire to feel confident in our bodies and the freedom to experience our greatest potential. I describe what I do as creating an empowering environment where you can fully embrace your authentic self while capturing the sensuality and vulnerability of who you are.

What sets me apart is my commitment to fostering a deep sense of self-love and acceptance. I understand that boudoir photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about unveiling your inner strength and reconnecting with your own essence. Through our carefully curated sessions, I guide you on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression while capturing the raw emotions and natural beauty that lies within each individual to tell their personal story.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or a creative, is how I can make an impact on people’s lives for the better. No accolades or amount of money can compare to the joy and honor I feel when someone tells me, I have never felt the most comfortable in front of a camera as I did with you or a simple Thank you for making me feel beautiful for the first time in my life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My personal goal for my Boudoir Photography and Video Business is to make it for everyone and not just for taking “Sexy Photos for my husband.” I want my clients to celebrate their bodies in all forms, feel the freedom of just being as well as build the confidence within themselves that they can do it all. Inclusivity is centered in this mission which means that no matter what you are looking for or who you identify as, you have a safe space to be seen, honored, loved and respected.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rakhiraikar.com
• Instagram: Iamrakhi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakhi-raikar-4314007a/

Image Credits
Model Credits: Veronica Ademes, Marilyn Santos, Luna Clark, and Julia Whitley. Photo Credits: Rakhi Raikar