Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Shepherd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
If you would have asked me three years ago or even six months ago if I would go back in time to start Loft Six Collective sooner, I would have said ‘yes’ in a heartbeat. Recently, I think that’s something I am learning to let go of as I am settling into my groove. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason and that your life path will change based on the choices you make. Perhaps I say I wish I could go back, then I wouldn’t be exactly the person I am today doing the things that I am doing. If I started then, I don’t think I would have had tough enough skin to be honest. I wasn’t ready and that’s what is helping me accept that it’s okay to let those “what if” thoughts go. I started when it felt right and I haven’t looked back since. Sure, I would have more experience with this, maybe my skills would be more sharp in a certain area, but I have so much time in my future to continue my pursuit.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
One of my earliest memories, I am setting up my stuffies in the living room on our maroon sofa with the recliner in the corner and the wood panel shelves and I’m taking photos on a camera or posing with them. As a teen, I was exposed to a professional camera through an adult in my life and got to practice from time to time which kept that fire lit. My point and shoot digital camera came with me everywhere growing up having to document everything possible.
I was able to put together a little portfolio for myself and submitted an application for a photography program to complete my junior and senior year at a nearby trade school.
My acceptance letter came through and the butterflies started. I had an incredible instructor, Troy Baker, who pushed me in ways I did not fully appreciate at the time. He had his hands full with our class as he was the only male in a room of all high school girls – anyone in their right mind would be intimidated. Every single one of us brought our own flare to the room.
We learned the basics of how a camera takes a photo by making our own cameras out of oatmeal cans, the ins and outs of a dark room, to working out of our own infinity wall. There would be soft sounds of folk music playing as we worked and those are some of the best high school memories.
With my graduation and party concluded, I took every penny gifted to me to invest in my first ‘big girl’ camera, a Canon 7D.
Throughout the last ten years, I had taken photos for friends as they had asked here and there, but never took myself seriously. It was never anything consistent and when I say here and there I am talking once or twice a year. My best friend, Autumn, kept me encouraged and would model for me. Any other time I was using my camera, it was personal exploration.
After seeing others beginning their own businesses and wondering what I was waiting for I heard someone say, ‘I would rather be scared and doing what I love than not doing what I love at all.’ I absolutely needed to take the leap after that.
Loft Six Collective was born and being able to say that is something I am most proud of. There were times that I did not think I would be able to say that, and once it settled that it’s really mine, I was able to take it and run.
I love documenting milestones in life from maternity to graduation to remembering a loved one that has passed. Have you taken the next step with your partner? Are you welcoming a new puppy in your life? Did your divorce get finalized? I’ll be there every step of the way to help honor you.
One of the most important things to me when it comes to my clients is being able to see the connections and magic in each session. I see beauty in everyone and I love being able to show the way I see others.
There are tons of creatives out there to choose from and everyone has their own style when it comes to the way that they edit, to their photographic eye, to the way they make you feel during and after your time with them.
Every single second of that matters to me and I hope the people I interact with feel that.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I love interacting with my clients, seeing what their ideas are for trends, and what they want to see from me moving forward. Instagram is where I am most active.
One of my favorite things I have started is my ‘Close Friends’ list on Instagram. I have all my past clients in my Close Friends list so if I make a post, it can go directly to them and I can get their feedback.
Posting different themes, mood boards, or inspo with a poll and then I can see what is trending best for them. I’ll even ask what days will work best for mini sessions.
It helps me see how I can best plan and service my clients and what they are looking for. I’m getting direct results and engagement from my audience, furthering that connection.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to make those connections with others. It’s a pinch me moment for me every time I’m able to spend my time in my craft knowing I’m only getting better or learning something new. I love being able to bond in the time I share with others exploring a new part of the world. It is special to me when clients want to collaborate for to make their moment special
I especially treasure the time when my angel chihuahuas, Cooper and Penelope, are with me while I edit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loftsixcollective.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @LoftSixCollective
- Other: TikTok: @LoftSixCollective
Image Credits
Loft Six Collective Branding Photos: Chasing Vieaus
All other Photos: Loft Six Collective