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

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My ultimate purpose in life, whether it’s through my photography or anything else I do, is to make an impact in people’s lives. That can look differently for everyone. For example, I had a photography client recently that said every year when she was younger, their family would do family photos because it meant so much to their parents, especially their dad. About a year and a half ago, she lost her father. The family photos I did for that family were the first family photos they had done without their dad — but they did it for him. They knew he would want them to do it and that he was looking down on them — so happy. It made my heart explode. Little things like that — that make an impact on other people’s lives whether they’re intentional or not — that’s the story behind my mission in life.

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

Hi! I’m Rachel, and I’m a photographer located in the beautiful scenic 30A, Florida.

I got into professional photography in 2018, but expressing my creative side has always been a huge part of who I am. It started when I was young. I was an actress, dancer, model, and musician. I wrote and recorded songs for about 8 years before I began a new passion: photography. This passion has followed me for the last few years as something I do for fun, but also because of the joy it brings me to see how happy people become when they have these precious documented memories for life. Professional photography is a luxury, but a luxury that I completely believe is worth it. The memories you create, the most precious moments in life being captured — that’s what makes it magical.

My photography style would be considered “candid”, as I strive on creating the most real and authentic content. Those moments, the ones where a bride sees her wedding gallery and gasps, and perhaps even begins to cry out of pure joy and love — those are the things that make me the most proud.

If I had to share one thing about myself and my business to anyone reading this that isn’t familiar with me or my work, I’d say that the main thing I want you to know is that I want you to feel free to dig deep into your most whacky, crazy, raw, wild, and fun self to create memories. That’s what I’m here for: to create memories and capture life’s greatest moments.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the impact my creations have on others. The real, raw moments. The joy, laughter, sadness, and everything in between. The authentic emotions that are captured is so rewarding — especially when you’re making a difference in other people’s lives.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something I believe non-creatives may struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is how is what I do sustainable? Shouldn’t I have a back-up plan? There’s no way this will last forever like a typical 9-5 career, right? The truth is, no, it probably won’t. But that’s the thing: I don’t view my creative business as a life-long career, I see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to be myself and get in touch with who I truly am as an artist. To express my individuality. I actually have a 9-5 job outside of photography as a Senior Digital Marketing Specialist at a marketing agency. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be fortunate enough to do photography as my full-time job, but I’m honestly okay with that. It makes life more interesting, and keeps it fun. I truly believe each and every person has a creative side. If they say they don’t, they just haven’t figured out what it is yet. Once they do, their lives will be changed forever!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rachelnovakrust.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelnovakrust.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelnovakmedia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelnovakrust
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Rachel Novak Rust Photography