Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Wakefield.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up in a small town in Nebraska and my mom being an artist, I was submerged into the art world at a young age. After graduating high school, I decided that nothing else grabbed my attention quite like photography did. At first, everything was on the table, but within two years, I found myself running a full-time wedding photography business.
Quickly I realized wedding photography isn’t for the weak. Details, full-day storyline and emotion were all needing to be orchestrated beautifully for the images to speak for themselves. Wedding after wedding trained not only my eye but how I approach the day, as well as how to create space for my clients. Wedding photography made me a better photographer.
The last five years, I was regularly flying out to Los Angeles to shoot weddings. After a lot of prayer and late night talks with my husband Clay, moving my business across the country from the modest Midwest to Los Angeles felt like the right move. About one month beforehand, I received a DM on Instagram from the brand Carly Jean Los Angeles, asking if I’d be interested in shooting lifestyle work for them. To me, this was just the start of stepping foot on a new playground!
Within four weeks of that direct message, I was launched into the world of lifestyle commercial work. Eighteen months into being a Los Angeles photographer, I’ve loved working with Carly Jeans Los Angeles and with other brands too including Ancient Nutrition, Coronado Leather Co, author/speaker Christine Caine and other local entrepreneurs!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would definitely say my main struggle in the first few years was a clear vision for who my ideal client was. Having an ideal client in mind changes your brand, goals, how you communicate who you are on social media, and how you secure a booking with them. For me, I learned from Seth Godin’s book “Purple Cow” on how to stand out, know who my ideal client is and have them come running!
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer for brands, creators and people in love.
Creating a vibe is my jam. Taking the viewer into the feeling of the image is always the goal. From the high emotion of a bride and groom on their wedding day or to a feel-good lifestyle vibe.
Lifestyle shoots to wedding days, my clients share the calling in their heart to be spontaneous, easy going but most of all, free-spirited.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’d say the direct message I received from Carly Jean Los Angeles was pretty divine. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: rachelwakefieldblog.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @rachelwakefield
- Other: Pinterest: wakefieldrachel
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