Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachael Langley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rachael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

The best decision I have made as a Photographer is to invest in my own education. Once I left my teaching career behind to pursue photography full time, I knew I wasn’t where I wanted to be as a photographer yet. All I knew is how much I loved it and that it would allow me to be home with my son more. I started to scroll through social media and compare myself to other photographers. I just kept thinking, “Why don’t my pictures look like that?” Then I chose to change my thought process to, “What do I need to do to get where they’re at?”

This is when I found myself scrolling endlessly on my favorite photographer’s social media page and website only to find out that she offers mentoring to other photographers. So here I was at 2am spending more than I ever thought I would spend on an online mentorship. After one week, I realized what I spent was a steal. The amount of knowledge I gained in that one week compared to years was mind-blowing.

The best part? People noticed the difference in my work! I was booking more than ever before and I still am. I now continue to take mentorships without hesitation. It’s so amazing to learn from those who inspire you.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Rachael Langley and I own Rachael Victoria Photography. I have a passion for lifestyle photography; therefore, I get to capture those authentic, storytelling moments between you and your loved ones.

Once I had my son in 2019, I realized just how quick every stage of life goes by. My baby was growing up too fast and I couldn’t slow time down. As a result, I no longer found myself inspired by those perfectly posed and smiling at the camera shots. Instead, I wanted to capture real moments that make you feel something when you look back at them. What makes a photo important to me is the memory that it holds- the way a mother holds her baby’s tiny feet, a little girl running into her dad’s arms, a brother’s laughter when his sister just said something hilarious, I could go on and on about these little moments that are actually the most important ones. Do you realize there will be a last night that you rock your baby to sleep? A last time that your child will want you to pick him or her up? Life doesn’t wait for you to soak it all in before it passes you by. We forget things. These photos are the most important artwork you will own.

Did you hear what I said there? Artwork! I have spent years making sure my images are something you’d want to blow up all over your house, instead of put away in a box.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been by consistently showing my face and rambling on social media. I like to feel comfortable around the people I choose to work with and I know my clients feel the same. Just because somebody likes my work, doesn’t mean they’re going to hire me. When you officially book a photo session, you know your spouse may not be super excited for photos, your kids will be kids, or the baby might even cry. I CAN RELATE! I let my followers and clients know that I too am constantly cleaning up messes my two year old makes, sitting in a parking lot somewhere so my baby can nap, and my house always looks like a tornado just came through.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think being trustworthy and there for my clients has helped me to build my reputation within my market. My clients know that I am going to provide them with high quality, artistically edited images and I will deliver them within the time promised. Not only that, but I am a part of the process as much as they want me to be. I have a phone conversation with all new clients to let them know that I am here to help with styling, location, etc. By the time the session comes around, we are not strangers! I’ve read over their questionnaire, chatted on the phone with them, and kept in contact via text messages every step of the way. All of this is what they’re going out to tell their friends and family. They might even mention that for my full sessions, I bring a beer for dad and treats for the kids.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rachaelvictoriaphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachaelvictoriaphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachaelvictoriaphotography