Meet Rachel Watkinson | Portrait & Intimate Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Watkinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This is a question that I think we all ask ourselves at one point or another when it comes to our businesses, as well as in response to many challenges that we come across in our personal lives. When it comes to my photography business, it has been a long journey to figure out where I wanted to go with it, and to discover what I feel most passionate about. I have definitely made pivots in my business to adjust the focus of my photography services and I have been blessed to have found success.

However there were times where I had wondered if I had made the right decision with the direction I was taking. Even though it was challenging at times, I knew that I did not want to give up because I was loving what I was doing from a creativity and human-connection perspective. Even though some of the business aspects were difficult to learn and refine in the earlier days, I knew that if I gave up, I would never know where I could be in the years to come. I am passionate about what I do and I can truly imagine myself enjoying it for the long-term, so I focus on the journey, my future self, and how much more amazing things can be experienced and earned down the road if I keep pursuing my passion and improving. Challenges have always helped to motivate me, and when I set goals and accomplish them, I feel even more strength within myself.

Alright, let’s move onto what motivated you to pursue photography as a profession.
I think the decision to go into the arts was a combination of wanting to pursue what excited me, but also, following the path as it presented itself to me. I have always been interested in the arts and taking on creative endeavors. It wasn’t until I went to the Pratt Institute pre-college program that I decided I wanted to explore photography in more detail. Everything about the process of capturing images and being in the darkroom to develop the film and print the images I took was exciting and wondrous to me. By participating in that program, I was able to confidently decide to attend Pratt Institute and earn my BFA with my major in Photography.

By the time I had graduated, an interesting challenge was that the use of digital cameras was just transitioning to main stream use and film was becoming a lost art. At this point in my business I still utilize both mediums, but do prefer the use of film when I am able to use it as it has its own unique and artistic characteristics. My business has mostly had challenges that have come from within myself, always striving to be better and to be successful. When I started my business, I thought success would be measured by booking as many wedding clients as I could. But, I realized during the early part of this journey that I love (and preferred) photographing and documenting intimate weddings, families, couple’s portraits and newborns. The variety and closer connections with the clients excited me! Taking on these smaller weddings and non-wedding projects enabled me to explore all sorts of photography sessions with so many different and wonderful people.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really do believe that you can walk around New York City and just get lost in your exploration. All of the neighborhoods have their own vibe and I would love to show my friends each one if I could. It would be fabulous to pop into any boutique restaurant or bar in any neighborhood for a bite and drink. People watching is also really interesting in NYC. I feel like there is always something strange and hypnotizing going on at one point or another. There are amazing museums and even tours that show you the history of the city which I really love. After all the years I’ve been here, I feel I have barely touched the surface of what the city has to offer, but can’t wait to continue to explore it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will give a big shout out to all of the other photographers and other creative business owners in my area! A lot of people I met initially were through a group called Tuesday’s Together, so thanks to that community I was able to meet and connect with so many different people and from there, even more amazing people. Everyone is very supportive of one another and there to help lift each other up. There are more than a handful of ladies, that are amazing photographers, that I have come to call friends. They are always there to help, even if it’s just to be a sounding board, and they have been an amazing support system for me.

Website: https://www.rachelwatkinson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewphotos/