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

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I believe it takes a combination of passion, hard work, and perseverance. It’s important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and to stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges. My journey with photography started with a small camera and a big dream, and I worked tirelessly to improve my skills, expand my business, and capture beautiful moments for couples. It wasn’t always easy, but my love for photography and determination kept me going. Through consistent training and clear expectations, I was able to build a strong foundation and achieve success in my field. Remember, success is a journey, and it’s important to stay focused and never give up on your dreams.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there! I’d love to tell you more about myself and my photography business. I’m Rachel Marilyn, a fine art hybrid wedding photographer based in Atlanta, GA. I’ve always had a passion for capturing love and special moments, which led me to pursue a career in photography.

I got into the wedding photography industry by combining my love for art and storytelling with my desire to document the joy and emotions of couples on their special day. I believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be beautifully captured.

In terms of the products and services I provide, I specialize in hybrid photography, which means I use both digital and film cameras to create timeless and artistic images. I offer full-day wedding coverage, engagement sessions, and bridal portraits. My goal is to create a collection of photographs that truly reflect the love and personalities of the couples I work with.

One of the main problems I solve for my clients is capturing their love and special moments in a way that feels authentic and genuine. I strive to create a comfortable and relaxed environment, allowing couples to be themselves and truly enjoy their wedding day. By blending into the background and capturing candid moments, I aim to tell their unique love story through my lens.

What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail, artistic approach, and dedication to providing a personalized experience for each couple. I take the time to understand their vision, preferences, and unique story, ensuring that every photograph reflects their love and personalities.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to capture their most precious moments. It’s an honor to be a part of their wedding day and to create images that they will cherish for a lifetime.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me, it’s that I pour my heart and soul into every photograph I take. I’m truly passionate about what I do, and I’m committed to creating beautiful, timeless, and meaningful images that capture the essence of love.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to please everyone with my photography. In the beginning, I used to feel pressured to conform to certain styles or trends just to satisfy everyone’s expectations. But over time, I realized that it’s more important to stay true to my own artistic vision and capture moments in a way that feels authentic to me and my clients.

The backstory behind this lesson is that I attended a photography workshop where I was exposed to various styles and techniques. While it was a great learning experience, I found myself trying to mimic the work of others instead of embracing my own unique perspective. It wasn’t until I started receiving feedback from clients who loved my authentic approach that I realized the importance of staying true to myself.

Now, I focus on creating images that reflect my clients’ personalities and the emotions of their special day, rather than trying to fit into a specific mold. It’s a lesson that has allowed me to grow as an artist and connect more deeply with the couples I work with.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

For a while, I was heavily focused on shooting concert photography, capturing the energy and excitement of musicians like Journey, Jelly Roll, and various musicians on the Vans Warped Tour. It was an exhilarating experience that took me all over the place, but I soon realized that it was pulling me away from my family and leaving me feeling drained and empty.

Recognizing the toll it was taking on my personal life, I made the decision to pivot and specialize in weddings instead. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The shift to wedding photography brought a renewed sense of inspiration, passion, and fulfillment into my life. Not only did it allow me to capture beautiful moments of love and joy, but it also fit perfectly with my home life.

Now, I feel revived and excited to be part of such intimate and meaningful celebrations. Being able to document the start of a couple’s journey together and witness the raw emotions of a wedding day fills me with a sense of purpose and happiness.

I’m grateful that I made the switch because it not only reinvigorated my career but also allowed me to strike a balance between my professional and personal life. It’s important to find that sweet spot where our passion aligns with our lifestyle, and for me, specializing in weddings was the perfect fit.

Have you ever had to make a significant change in your career or life to find that balance? I’m curious to hear your experiences too! Feel free to reach out to me on instagram and share your experience!

Contact Info:

• Website: Rachelmarilynphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_marilyn_photography?igsh=MXRpeXJwcGg0c2Z2MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555548788996&mibextid=LQQJ4d