We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Kerbs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
It all started with my love of storytelling, the curiosity and willingness to try new things…and getting laid off. I’ve been an actor/filmmaker for a long time, but during the lockdown times of the pandemic I fell in love with photography. I would go on long walks and take pictures and then I got curious about different techniques and such. So, I bought a camera and started to play. I read up on photography basics, took some classes, and took a ton of pictures. Eventually, I found my style/preferences and started to really hone in on those skills and practice. Once things opened back up I was able to start taking pictures of actual people! I started helping friends with marketing photos for their businesses and I had a blast! I loved that I was doing something creative with a purpose. Everyone was happy with the services and people started suggesting that I should do this professionally. I laughed it off in that “if only” kind of way artists tend to do. This was just another creative hobby I had honed into a skill, there was no way I could do this seriously. Then one lovely day I was laid off from my secure corporate job. I was blindsided, discouraged, and in a panic. But, with a supportive nudge from my partner, some pandemic perspective, and a window of unemployed opportunity…I gave it a go! I decided to start a photography company and committed the next year to doing so. I analyzed what I wanted to do and why, offered too many freebie sessions to build experience and a portfolio, researched like crazy, spent all my hours learning and studying camera settings, lighting techniques, equipment, and editing. Once I had a solid understanding and a bit of confidence in these fundamentals, I started building out my website/socials as well as the overall workflow and processes of my business. Then, it was all about getting my reps in! I started reaching out to people and booking a few shoots here and there and when I wasn’t shooting, I was practicing or editing. And learning lesson after lesson along the way…still learning. Always.
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 Kerbs, the “RK” in RK Photography. I’m an artist/creative person with all of the “slashes”. Actor/writer/producer/director/voiceover artist/photographer. I’m originally from Texas and moved to LA about 10 years ago by way of New York. I’m a theatre nerd at heart and have always been drawn to photography, art, movies, the overall art of storytelling and the many different mediums used to do so. I got into the photography world through acting and filmmaking. As an actor I wanted more control over how I was perceived so I started creating my own content while studying at The Groundlings. I learned very quickly that in order for me to communicate my vision/direction, I needed to understand cinematography. I was fortunate enough to work with some extremely experienced and patient DPs who taught me the ropes. Learning this changed everything. It affected the way I considered others on set. I was able to see effective, intentional storytelling in a new light. So falling in love with photography wasn’t too far-fetched.
RK Photography covers services from actor headshots to marketing campaigns. Creative portraits and headshots with a cinematic edge seem to be my happy place. Whether I’m building a modeling portfolio, doing a family photoshoot, small business branding session, or traditional actor headshots, I’m always focused on the purpose of the shoot and how to authentically capture that intention. I do quite a bit of prep and pre-production on my end so that the sessions can be fun and playful. I’m all about creative collaboration!
I am proud of the amount of individual attention and direction I provide from client to client. I am personally and passionately invested in each shoot and I think that comes through in my communication and collaboration along the way. I also enjoy adding personal touches to my shoots. Hand painted backdrops, a little bit of art direction, stumbling through happy accidents and discovering something really original and fun.
I think some of the problems that I solve for my clients come from a place of simple understanding. Some clients don’t know what they want but have an idea. Some clients don’t know what type of headshots they should get and why. Some clients need shots for a certain reason but are lacking the confidence. Some clients are building a business and don’t know what they should do for marketing. I can relate to all of the things. Luckily, I thrive in a brainstorm. I am a problem solver, producer, the “idea guy” if you will. And I am coming at you with experience and empathy!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I love connecting with and helping people…and the fact that I get to do that while being creative is such a gift! It is so rewarding to work with other artists and create something from an idea/vision/conversation/story/etc. And there is nothing like doing whatever it is that lights you up!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
This company, RK Photography, is my story of resilience. When I lost my job, when I wasn’t auditioning, when I was doubting myself as an artist. This is the time I pushed up against that resistance and gave myself permission to do this thing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rkphotog.com
- Instagram: @_rkphotog
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpt2EsW-_c43T6a8QnBB_tQ
Image Credits
Rachel Kerbs – RK Photography