We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Baker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My love for photography can be traced back to my early childhood. Originally from St. Louis, as a young girl I remember walking down to the National store down the road to develop countless photos taken on my hot pink L.A. Brites Vivitar.

I am self-taught, having no formal training. Through online articles, tutorials, studying other photography, and simple trial and error, my photography has become what it is today.

I took a one-time three hour photography class many years ago and I was challenged by the teacher when he shared his beliefs on post-processing and said that a truly talented photographer should not need photo editing software and should be able to use the settings in one’s camera to capture the image envisioned. Although I do embrace some post-processing, I took that advice and continue to challenge myself to use minimal or zero post-processing.

I have many dreams of continuing to improve my work with better cameras, lenses, equipment, and experience. The cost and time required is what holds me back at this point in my life. Being a home educator to my four children is my number one priority right now, but one day I may be able to take my passion to the next level.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, I attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and majored in Elementary Education. I married the love of my life, Jesse, in 2006. After a short time teaching, I decided to stay home to raise and home educate our four children.

I have loved photography my whole life. Even as a child, I filled countless photo albums and meticulously labeled each and every photo. I’m the person who takes and sends way too many photos, but I just can’t help it. To me, photography freezes a single moment in your life and allows you to go back to that moment time and time again.

The subjects of my photography are nature and architecture. I love to behold the beauty of God’s glorious creation from behind the lens of a camera and I paint my photos using the natural light He created. Simply put, I take photos of things that are a unique wonder to me personally. At times, I may go months in between taking photos because I’m simply not inspired. My curiosity and creativity have to be at a peak in order for me to want to get out my camera.

In my spare time I enjoy cheese date nights with my husband, hiking, adventures with my family, breathing in mountain air, writing snail mail, curling up with a good book, and basking in the serenity of rainy days.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Within the past eight or nine years, I decided that I wanted to take my photography to the next level and begin trying to sell some of my work.

I began by hanging framed prints in a local coffee shop, hoping patrons would be interested. Unfortunately that plan did not work. Although I felt a bit defeated, I realized that perhaps my tiny business should begin on a much smaller scale. I decided to merge my love of snail mail with photography and make greeting cards featuring my photography. A local farmer’s market store allowed me to sell my cards and although my sales have been tiny, it did boost my confidence. I was enthusiastic to see that there were people interested in my work.

One day, when I have more time to devote to my craft, I hope to have even more success.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to capture what inspires me–what strikes me as a wonder, as something that leaves me breathless and in awe. There is so much beauty in this big, wide world–often in the places we least expect it–and I love being able to share that with others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: photographed.by.rachel.baker