Ever since I was a kid I was fascinated with the family video camera, documenting not only vacations but every day life. The role seemed to fit me well and I really enjoyed it. I made mini-films as early as 4th grade, and up to end of in junior high. Then, I came upon my first digital camera in 8th grade. I brought my camera to school almost every day from then on.

What is your favorite thing about being a photographer?

First and foremost, I really love the fact that my job is to be creative. I get to create beautiful imagery and then bless people with it. Second, I constantly get to meet new people, and spend one-on-one time with them or their family. I get a small insight on what their life is like, their relationship with their family, and what brings them joy.

I strongly believe that we were created in God’s image. So, it only makes sense that we are like our Creator in the fact that we also desire to create beauty! That’s what I try and do with my photography. I want it to reflect a greater beauty.

What kind of camera do you use for photographing?

I shoot with a Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera. But just as photography is all about the light, the camera is all about the lens. I’ve chosen to invest in 4 different lenses that I use in different circumstances (wide angle, zoom lens..etc).
I also love to use old film cameras for creative projects, like a Hasselblad I am borrowing and have fallen in love with.

Any tips or advice on getting the most out of what you do as a Photographer?

Fun question! I would definitely say getting an internship with an established photographer put me light years ahead. I was working under a very talented business woman and photographer, Krista Lee, who has a studio downtown Nashville. For a semester I worked for free, assisted at photo shoots, did office work, answered calls and emails, booked sessions, ran errands, learned how to edit photos and use my camera and studio equipment. The outcome of that was that Krista Lee Photography hired me as one of her associate photographers, where she forwards clients to me and I have access to use her studio. It’s a really great set-up.

Staying organized is so important in running my own business. That and not letting it take over my life. Giving myself “business hours” so I can focus on editing photos, returning e-mails and calls, setting up consultations and sessions, blogging, etc can be done during 10-5 for example, so I’m not consumed by it and can get more done! I would also say balancing out the business side with the creative side. Have your own creative side project to keep photography fun and fresh. That’s why I’ve absolutely loved classes like history of photography and darkroom classes.

So, all of that to say, learning from other established photographers, staying organized and inspired are all very important aspects to being successful as a photographer.

What are your future plans in the field of photography?

I plan for my business, Rachel Williamson Photography, to continue to grow over the years and become more than I can imagine right now! I would love to travel more for weddings and sessions, while at the same time raising the awareness of my business locally. I would love to see my work on display in coffee shops, on album covers, in yearbooks, in magazines, in PRINT! It’s so rewarding to see your work in print after you spend so long behind a computer. I want to continue to offer my clients a professional experience and a professional product that they are thrilled with and want to share with others.

Rachel Williamson Photography | Nashville TN