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

Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

They raised me to be disciplined and realize the truth, “you’re going to have to do what you don’t like to do”. This has carried me through many challenges and obstacles in my life. I’m grateful, during college, they encouraged me to really think about the money I was spending on education and perhaps to even go a different route. Looking back, they were very wise and the amount of school debt I incurred definitely hindered me from reaching my full potential after college. No one guarantees you a job out of college and debt is the balloon of pressure that keeps you from doing things you want to do. They always encouraged me to pay off debt and so that’s exactly what I did. I went without A LOT for a year and set a goal that I’d be debt free in 1 year. No trips, no coffees, no fun, no friends. Work. I just worked — 6 days a week, sometimes 2 jobs until I reached my goal of being debt free. My goal — to set myself up for life. A car. A laptop. Debt free. I can’t thank my parents enough, that even when I didn’t like it, they gave me wisdom and told me to be debt free. That has carried me to this day in my business. No debt. Debt free is the best thing for my life and I’m sure for anyone!

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

I’m Rachel, wife to the best man, stay at home mama to my two littles, my whole world. Relationship with Jesus and family are core and center to who I am. I’m a Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer, based in the midwest — southern Minnesota to be exact, where farmland meets prairie. I love horses (i’m a true equine/cowgirl) and the wilderness(outdoors)! I love to be outside in God’s creation and enjoy sunrises and sunsets to the nth degree!

My story starts 5+ years ago (maybe a little before that actually) — I picked up a camera as soon as I was able to in my teens. Photoshoots with friends is what I did. I printed all my film every time, eager to see my photos (which was way less instant than today). My freshman year of college, I went to be studio art major, to be a photographer. Previously, in high school I took friends senior photos and family photos. At the time, photography was very much studio based and I was not about sitting in one place, inside all day, every day.

Fast forward, I graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science and Equine Management in hopes to be in the equine industry. I’ve ridden many disciplines, including hunt seat, saddle seat and western. I worked as a lesson instructor, barn manager, trainer and much more. The NHRA (National Reining Horse Association) Derby and Futurity were also big moments in my career as an equine. Needless to say, God had other plans for me. I had a horrible (a few actually) horse accidents and had to quit my job at the time and move home.

That’s when I decided to pay off my school debt and get myself set up for future. Fast forward again to 2016, I met my husband. We married in 2017. I was super unhappy at the job I was at and he asked me what I wanted to do. I said photography! He bought me my first professional camera that Christmas and if it weren’t for him taking a risk on me, I don’t believe I’d be here today telling you my story.

I just started taking photos — practicing on everything and everyone. Then, started second shooting for wedding photographers alongside building my own skills and portfolio. Now having built my business, I offer Wedding and Lifestyle Photography and do travel as well! What sets me apart as a photographer is almost every aspect of my business. In a world where everything provides instant gratification, I value personal connection and building relationships. I have the mindset to serve over everything else. Yes, do I want you to have beautiful photos, but I want things to happen naturally, to capture my couples and families as they are, their own unique selves. I do not automate my email responses or communication. I am a firm believer in being timely, consistent and making my clients feel immediately comfortable. I am very proud of what I offer in every aspect of my business — I want others to know that you are seen. You are beautiful. And you will see that in your photos. When you get in front of my camera, it will feel comfortable, natural and fun!

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

To be able to stay at home with my kids as well start an equine business catered to empowering young women.

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

Truly, genuinely caring about people — vendors and clients. People know when you’re fake and when you have a heart for others, it’s felt instantaneously and that will carry you throughout your business and your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rachelleighphoto.co
• Instagram: @rachel.leigh.photo

Image Credits
Rachel Leigh Photo