We recently connected with Raechel Weidner and have shared our conversation below.

Raechel, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

As a photographer there are SO many different ways to start your business. I really began chasing my dreams of being a photographer when I was 15, which is quite young if I think about it now. If I could start over today, here are some of the changes I would make that would get me to where I am today, a little sooner and likely with a few less bumps in the road. I do want to start of by saying, I’m extremely grateful for where I am. This, “once upon a dream” has now become my everyday and that’s incredible. I acknowledge that I could have gotten here sooner if I’d educated myself by investing time in learning instead of trying to figure it out myself. There are so many free resources that prepare you for being a photographer and running small business. Resources that teach you how to use your camera gear properly and to its full extent. If I would have spent more time getting to know my gear and my business it subsequently would have gotten me to where I am today, a lot sooner and saved me a lot of money.
To anyone dreaming of starting a business, I say, “go for it, and go for it 100%”. Soak up all of the free resources you can find, invest in the people around you, and trust the process. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from following your heart.

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, my name is Raechel and I’m the owner of Raechel Marie Photography (or also known as Raechel Marie Photo on IG). I consider myself lucky for always knowing what I wanted to be when I grow up, from the age of six I’ve been fascinated with photography and was always known as, “the girl with the camera”. When I was 16 I moved from Germany (my home) to the US where I felt I could accomplish anything if I just set my mind to it. I wanted to create beautiful photographs for anyone, which is where my slogan, “Photography for you and yours” comes from. Creating not for myself, but for you, your family, your friends, for everyone. Today, 10 years later I’m a wedding, lifestyle, and branding photographer who specialized in creating an experience that’s right for you and leaves you saying, “I loved having my photos taken.” I aim to create an atmosphere that’s exciting, happy, and encouraging.
I am most proud of the community of people I’ve gotten to work with, to come from a small town in Germany, to traveling around the US and running my business. It’s wonderful to look back on where I started and the impact I’ve been able to have on the people around me (and vise versa). I wouldn’t be here today living out my dream if it wasn’t for this community. I can’t wait to watch it grow, and have you become a part of it.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In 2019, I took Raechel Marie Photography from part time to full time. I did this in exactly the way everyone tells you not to do it. It took me six years to get my bachelors degree in Advertising from Western Michigan University. I worked full time, faced many personal hurdles, and always felt like I was chasing the next goal, not really enjoying the journey at all. I worked in retail for 6 years, created my own photography community, and went to school full time. In 2015 I photographed my first wedding and by 2019 taking photos was all I wanted to do.

During my fall semester of my senior year at WMU in 2019, I moved away from Kalamazoo and closer to the Lakeshore, got engaged to my now husband, worked part time as an admin for a group of Realtors, and commuted 10 hours a week to and from school. I did this for 5 months, essentially working to pay for gas. That same year, my photography business started gaining momentum, I booked more weddings than ever before, and finally felt like my hard work was paying off.

In November of 2019, with zero dollars in the bank, and some credit card debt, I decided to quit my job as an admin, moved in part time with my best friend in Kalamazoo, and declared myself, “a full time photographer.” I felt like I was in a constant race for this moment and finally it was here. I had the incredible support of my partner, my family, and friends, cheering me on, sharing my business with their friends, never doubting me for a moment. That constant and continuous support lead me to where I am today. I never gave up because it never felt like an option, there was always an outpouring of love and support from all corners of my life.

After years of chasing this dream, I just kind of went for it. I didn’t know if I’d be successful but for once in my life I was’t running anymore, I was living.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the pure joy that photography provides. When I get to photograph a wedding day I see all of the little details coming together. I see people who haven’t seen each other in years, hugging. I see the fine details that my couples planned come together perfectly and beautifully. I get to photograph those moments for my clients, moments that they get to relive over and over again, forever. Whether I’m working with a family, a graduating senior, a small business owner, or a bride and groom, I get to capture the happiest parts of their lives. Photography is a reminder of the beauty and love in our lives, and I feel so lucky to be able capture that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raechelmariephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raechelmariephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raechelmariephotography
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/raechelmariephotography/

Image Credits
Raechel Headshot | Amanda Yassay Photography