We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Roxanne Gochinski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Roxanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Roxanne Elizabeth Photography was birthed exponentially from a deep desire to create. From a passion that laid deep within my soul to connect with others creatively. I felt a need to be able to tell my story as well as other’s stories through my lens. I had spent a number of years (matter of factly twelve years), studying my craft of photography along with off camera flash. I was all consumed with drawing out my ideas, along with graphing out how to light each scene to tell a story that I could portray easily to the viewer. I didn’t want to solely produce images to sell, but to also pay homage to my love for art.

At the age of forty two I was ready to take things to the next level and get out of my own head. Which entailed serious connection with myself to be “relaxed in my heart, awake in the brain”. I truly feel this is the way to create without hesitation. Along, with aligning my integrity with my soul. I started to connect fully with others, sharing and engaging. During this process I found I had an array of drawings, dreams, and images that I could cull together as a series of work. I used social media to spread the word about my series, and my need for models. I had felt a true “rebirth” within myself that I felt needed to be shared with others. Rebirth was designed to portray women at their different stages in life. It is an ongoing love story of some of the challenges we face along with a sense of freedom and whimsy. I am truly overwhelmed by the support I received from others, to make it come to life.

Every artist faces challenges part of these challenges are getting in our own way with “imposter syndrome” Breaking through this was an imperative process. I not only wanted to show my personal project, but I needed to confidence to break through anxiety and take my business to another level. I didn’t want to confine myself to one genre. I wanted to give back to others in the form of love, self confidence, and value to other artists. This is why my business is open to fine art portraits, branding business, engagements/partnerships, along with capturing musicians, and other artists.

The key to launching any business is to start. Just start in your community. Once you connect with others your universe will open up to exactly what you need. I had been photographing in my studio barn for years, and am now proud to open to the public in a studio this spring into summer. I can’t wait to see where the future takes this business.

Roxanne , 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?

In essence I started my craft and passion of photography at fifteen. The second I laid my hands on my little Yeshica, it was love at first sight. I couldn’t put her down. LOL. From punk shows, band practices, and photographing skaters in my hometown. It became my outlet from whatever angst I had in my teenage years.

When my two children were born it reignited my passion for photography. I was blessed to have met a wonderful photographer Jennifer who kindly introduced me to off camera flash. I upgraded my little Nikon to a Canon Mark II. I was addicted, and through years of education, experimentation, and well dedication- I continue to grow in this industry. As they say learning is life long and with photography unending.

I love being able to offer my clients a creative experience. I feel that artists and musicians enjoy collaborating. I love being able to get to know each individual, this is the most important process. I feel you cannot truly capture someone without giving them space to be themselves. Making others feel confident, and relaxed sets the tone for each session. Roxanne Elizabeth photography offers set design and wardrobe to take a little stress out of having to decide what to wear. I’ve collected an array of clothing to fit just about anyone and any personality. The feedback that I’ve received from others has been wonderful, almost like playing a part in a show. From my personal projects, to their personal portraits; we keep things fun!

No photographer can do it all on their own, I am able to offer a stylist at additional cost, and a lighting crew to assist. I look forward to being able to offer a make up artist in the future to elevate the experience of each portrait session.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’ve read and heard so many powerful things that pull me through when I need it most. I’ve become a podcast addict in the past two years. It has helped me reframe my thinking, and opened my eyes to my creativity. As previously stated, I believe we cannot create to our full potential unless we are calm in the heart. Finding your true path can unleash your processes to the next level. I have been quite addicted to unblocking myself, and have found the power to do with some of my favorite speakers. I absolutely love listening to Martha Beck’s the Gathering Room Podcast, and Jay Shetty’s On Purpose Podcast. By way of thinking I believe in the mindset of manifestation with the intention of creating the life that you want. I live by the phrase River Faire stated as his mantra “All manner of possibilities exist”. I find this to be a very true statement. When I find something challenging it gives me the gumption to move forward.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I feel that the best source of new clients has not been social media. Social Media has been a fantastic way for me to connect to other artists for possible collaborations. However, the best source of new clients is the very act of networking in your community. Talk to everyone, and anyone, build those bonds; those bonds will allow for internal growth as well. The most important part of meeting new people is to listen. Listen to their stories, ask the questions, get to know your neighbors. This is the most impactful thing you can do for your business and art. I love my community!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roxanneelizabethphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxanneelizabethphotography/