Featured Photographer: Rachel Nielsen Photography

We are so excited to have Rachel Nielsen as our featured photographer this week! She is just as amazing as her photos are! 🙂

Rachel Nielsen of Rachel Nielsen Photography

Hi, I’m Rachel. I am a modern wedding photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. I love my supportive hubby, chasing our very energetic 5 little ones and staying up late to read every night. You can usually (okay, always) bribe me with hot tamales, a Diet Coke and a great movie. I have an on-going love affair with Photoshop (which started in early 2007) and almost love it as much as I love taking photos. Almost. I also teach online Lightroom, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements tutorials called Digital Darkroom Secrets.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer? I have always loved taking photos, but never had the desire to be a photographer until I started taking some workshops + classes on how to actually use a camera in manual mode. Once I started that, I was hooked.

When and how did you start out in photography? January 2010 is when photography started becoming a passion. I didn’t officially open my business until later that year though. I wanted to learn and absorb everything I could find about photography before charging clients.

How would you describe your style? My style is ever evolving but I am working towards my work being modern, emotive, and fresh.

What’s in your gear bag? I shoot with a Canon 5d Mark III and various Canon L lenses.

One lens you can’t live without? The Canon 70-200 IS 2.8 II L is amazing and a must have for weddings!

How did know when the right time to start charging was? After shooting everyday in manual for almost a year, it felt right. I had studied and worked hard to be super comfortable with my camera and lighting.

How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now? I started out charging $100 for a session and currently charge $450 for a session.
How did you market yourself when you started out? I told everyone I knew about my new business! I have a really hard time doing that (still), but I have found that many doors open when you just speak up. No one knows if you don’t tell them.
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of…
·Newborn photographer: Heidi Hope

·Wedding photographer: Jasmine Star

·Lifestyle photographer: Summer Murdock

·Most inspiration person: Tara Whitney

Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? I am self-taught. Understanding light was a key turning point in my photography. Seeing the light everywhere I go is always more important than the location.

What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business? One of the hardest things to overcome is putting myself out there. Like I mentioned before, it has been amazing to me at what doors open when you talk to others about what you do when the subject comes up.

Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out? Shoot something every single day and in every kind of light. When you are not afraid of any lighting condition and know what you can do with it, it is very powerful.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be? If photography wasn’t an option, I would probably be a graphic designer full time. What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far? Hmm, my best lesson learned so far would probably be to stop seeing other photographers as competitors-which is hard sometimes! Some of my very best friends are other photographers and I can’t imagine going through the ups and downs of a photography business without them. Growing together is amazing.
What are your thoughts on flash?  Learn to embrace the flash if needed. Flash can be beautiful when used correctly. I consider it a part of learning how light works and it can make such a difference when it is needed. As a wedding photographer, there are definitely times when it is needed.