Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Maroney
Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been an undercover creative – it was never a real talent in art or dance or music, but creative writing I kept to myself, years and years of knitting intricate pieces, even a hand-dyed yarn business. I always loved to take photos, but didn’t have a desire to level-up the quality of my photos until my husband and I got our first dog. I can’t believe that getting a new setup to take photos of that dachshund has turned into a decade-old business that brings me so much joy. It has been really special to me to be able to have my photography business in the pockets of time that aren’t dedicated to my accounting career. Photography is the easiest way for me to show people the beauty I see in them, their families, their seasons, and it’s such a gift to get to memorialize that. I am so inspired by the people I meet, the stories I capture, the beauty I get to honor.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Truthfully, it has been a smooth road. From the very first few families who trusted me enough to come to my first ever mini sessions at the park in direct sunlight, I’ve captured images that matter to people. The work has been on my end – working on improving my craft, challenging myself with each session, learning how to earn the trust and relaxation of grumpy kids and spouses – but the clients have always been there for me. Even the shoots that have really stretched me, delivered photos that I know are cherished. Can’t ask for much more than that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve niched down this last year to focus on the things that really align best with my life, and I’m loving focusing on maternity (especially boudoir maternity), newborn, and family. I’m known and highly referred by clients for capturing pregnancy beautifully, beyond a sometimes uncomfortable pregnant woman’s expectations. I capture so many families children year after year, and so many of them since pregnancy or birth. I don’t need perfectly behaved, obedient children to capture the best parts of them at this age.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Spend a ton of time finding work you like, and then learn what sets that work apart. Is it a lens that’s going to help you achieve that look? Do you need to learn to shoot medium format film? What about your editing process? I have spent so much time learning and evolving every part of my process – and I am so thrilled with how effortless it all feels now, but I never forget that it definitely was not effortless getting here. The confidence comes with time, after delivering a certain number of shoots that you and your clients adore and are proud of, but you can start the learning on day 1.
Pricing:
- Hour-long sessions starting at $485
- Rolls of film as add-ons for additional fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelmaroneyphotography.com
- Instagram: @rachelmaroneyphotography
