We recently connected with Randi Rheaa and have shared our conversation below.

Randi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Perusing art in college was the biggest risk and investment I could have ever taken as a photographer. It meant stepping into the Uknown, dedicating time, money, resources and energy into a passion that had absolutely no guarantees.

Starting college in the arts, I encountered skepticism from many who questioned the practicality of investing in an art degree. Some believed I could learn everything independently or questioned the financial sense of perusing the path. Despite the doubts, I still chose to follow my passion and invest in formal education to deepened my skills and understanding. This decision wasn’t just about acquiring technical knowledge but also about immersing myself in a community of artist, mentors, and resources that would nurture my creativity and ambition in ways self-study couldn’t replicate.

The experience challenged me to push boundaries, embrace vulnerability and trust in the creative vision and process as an artist. The journey has not only honed my technical skills, but it has deepened my appreciation for the arts, ultimately shaping me into a more confident and defined photographer. Taking a risk inevitably comes with both consequences and rewards. It constantly requires you to step outside of your comfort zone, facing uncertainties, which may not always align with your expectations. However, embracing the risk also opens doors to new opportunities, personal growth and unexpected achievements.

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?

My journey into photography began with a deep passion for capturing beautiful moments. Initially, it was just a hobby, a creative outlet from a young age. After high school, I decided to pursue this passion more seriously, starting with studies in mass communication and photojournalism. However, after my first year, I realized my interests were shifting toward the beauty industry, though photography remained at the core of my ambitions.

This change in direction led me to an art college, where I could fully dedicate myself to honing my craft. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, I sharpened my skills and developed a strong interest in advertising, particularly within the beauty and fashion industries. During this time, I struggled with finding a clear path into the industry as an artist, which motivated me to focus not only on my art but also on building myself as a business owner.

After years of dedication and discipline, I finally launched my career as a photographer. Breaking into the industry was no small feat—it required immense patience, perseverance, and resilience. As a female photographer in a male-dominated field, I encountered numerous challenges, but these experiences ultimately shaped me into the professional I am today. The hard times gave me invaluable perspective, helping me to better understand my clients’ needs and translate their visions into powerful visuals.

I take great pride in the work I create for my clients. In advertising photography, lighting plays a crucial role, and through my knowledge of perspective and technical expertise, I help bring their visions to life. This not only enhances their projects but also supports their business success.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Maintaining client relationships and brand loyalty as a fashion and beauty photographer requires a thoughtful balance of communication, consistency, and creativity. Staying connected with clients is paramount, as it allows me to nurture these relationships by prioritizing personalized communication, acknowledging their achievements, celebrating milestones, and showing genuine interest in their lives. If they are investing in me, I am equally committed to investing in them. Delivering consistent, high-quality work is essential for building and sustaining trust. I value client feedback and actively involve them in the creative process, which not only enhances the final outcome but also fosters long-term loyalty. Throughout all of this, I remain committed to maintaining authenticity while adapting to meet client needs.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a photographer and business owner, resilience is demonstrated through adaptability, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. I stay ahead of industry trends, continuously evolving my techniques and business strategies to remain competitive. When faced with challenges like economic downturns or shifts in client demand, I find innovative ways to pivot and explore new opportunities. Perseverance is key; I overcome setbacks by quickly bouncing back and learning from each experience, always keeping my long-term vision in focus. Consistently delivering high-quality work, even under pressure, reinforces my reliability and professionalism in the eyes of my clients.

Financial stability is another pillar of my resilience, achieved through prudent financial management and diversifying income streams to safeguard against market fluctuations. Building and maintaining strong client relationships is essential, with an emphasis on transparency, honesty, and loyalty, ensuring repeat business and referrals. I am committed to continuous learning, constantly improving my skills and embracing feedback as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, I manage stress effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance, allowing me to sustain my energy and creativity over the long term. By embodying these traits, I position myself to thrive, no matter the challenges I face.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rheaaobscura.com
• Instagram: @rheaaobscura
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rheaaobscura/?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDo1ODQzNjg1OTgyMzE1OTYyXzU4NjY1MDMwODMzNjc1ODU%3D&_rdr
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/randi-rheaa-a705492a9
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RheaaObscura