Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Osborn.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always loved photography, but I didn’t start professionally photographing weddings and families until 2012. At that time, I was also working as a high school English and Literature teacher – teaching during the week, and taking on photography commissions on the weekends. It was a busy time. Then, in 2014, a few of the weddings I had photographed were featured by several blogs and websites, and my business flourished to the point where I was, thankfully, able to go full time in 2015. Since then, I take between 20-30 weddings every year in addition to portrait commissions, and I am so grateful and blessed to call this my career.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything truly meaningful in life is ever totally smooth sailing – good things take hard work and commitment. Starting my own business was certainly no different! When I first started, just juggling two careers (teaching and photography) was very difficult. My husband and I were going through infertility treatment, and then a hard pregnancy, during much of this time as well. As my business took off, I experienced another pregnancy with Hyperemsis Gravidarium, and just the physical and mental battle of always bringing your A-game – and a cheerful, upbeat attitude – to clients when you honestly feel terrible is no small thing. I think it taught me a lot about cultivating a spirit of gratefulness and joy even in the midst of times when I didn’t necessarily feel that way. The other benefit of that struggle, though, was that it really developed a sense of trust between my clients and I. They knew I was there for them – no matter if I was sick, or going through a personal struggle, I was on their team, and I was going to give 110 % to their wedding day.
Being a self-employed working mother is also not without its struggles. Every day, I have balance the demands of work and my personal life – and the stress of providing for my daughters as a business owner. If I’m sick or I am going through something, – there is no one else who can step in and help. It all rests on me. Sometimes, that can be very daunting, but it also has taught me to be organized, disciplined, and a good time manager. There is a quote by Jim Elliot that says “wherever you are, be all there.” That’s my mantra at work and at home. I believe in being fully present with the people I am with, and at the moment I am in – whether it is at home with my daughters and husband or photographing someone’s wedding day – I am committed to being fully there with them. I think clients notice this commitment to them, and it matters. People matter, so much.
Rachael Osborn Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My style photographically is bright, colorful, and elegant. I’m very focused on capturing the details that make up the full picture – whether it’s the moment a bride looks at her father as they walk down the aisle, or a child kissing mommy’s cheek between posed moments at a photo session. As a photographer, I think it is my job to capture your moments – but make them even more beautiful. My work celebrates that. I also think my years of teaching really benefit me when it comes to working as a photographer. So many of the skills needed to successfully manage a classroom are the same ones needed for managing a wedding party! I’m incredibly comfortable walking into a client’s home or celebration and being at ease with them, their friends, and family. I work hard to make my clients feel comfortable with me and I take a true interest in their story. I always love chatting with them and hearing what is important to them Annie Leibovitz said “A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people,” and that – to me – is really the essence of being a great photographer. When you really love your clients, and you do your best for them every time, you will set yourself apart in this industry, and people will take notice.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment for me really has nothing to do with any achievements – it’s not being published somewhere great or getting an award. Those things are awesome, and I would be a liar if I said I didn’t love that positive recognition as much as everyone else, but they aren’t what makes my heart beat for this job. The proudest moments come when a bride and groom become my friends, and I get to document their family grows as they add children, and their home’s walls are filled with photos I got to take. Those pictures are their life story – and getting to document that for someone is so profoundly special. I’m really proud of that – that someday, generations from now, there will be great-grandbabies who can see my photos of their family and witness this legacy of love because I captured it for them. That’s pretty cool.
Pricing:
- Wedding photography commissions begin at $3200, and portrait commissions begin at $500.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachaelosborn.com
- Phone: 815-631-1450
- Email: hello@rachaelosborn.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rachaelosbornphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/rachaelosborn
Image Credit:
Rachael Osborn Photography, www.rachaelosborn.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
