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

Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In early 2019 I had three children (three girls), and was pregnant with baby number 4 (surprisingly, a boy). I felt a huge desire to find a way to be creative, learn something new, and push myself beyond being “just” a stay-at-home mother. I also wanted to contribute financially. And a great way to be creative and make money is through photography! (My husband was the one to suggest that!) Photography was something that I was always fond of. Growing up, my mom took an absurd amount of pictures, creating albums upon albums of memories and moments. I loved looking through those albums, and now my children love looking at them, as well as through their own photo books.
So, I immediately knew it was the answer I was looking for.
It was a perfect route that would allow me to, first and foremost, be home with my kids, as well as be my own boss, be creative, and contribute financially.

What should our readers know about your business?
Photography by Rachel Olsen began in 2019 while we were living in Montana. I started from scratch, with absolutely no experience operating a “nice camera.” I enrolled in an online shooting and editing course, learned some basics, bought a camera, and then practiced on anyone who would willingly stand in front of my camera! The next two years were filled with free sessions, mistakes, education, model calls, eventually paid sessions, more mistakes, more education, and endless learning and growing. (It’s ongoing, really.)
Through all the mistakes I kept going because I could still see progress and I knew the potential was there. I wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I knew I was headed in the right direction.
I had to learn to ask for help- those moments were (and are) truly humbling. Through some amazing online photography communities I was able to ask for help, receive feedback, advise, and encouragement.
Then, in 2021 we moved to Florida, and business exploded! I was able to really stretch and grow because of the endless opportunities that come with living in a metropolis.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned along this journey is that there is a photographer for everyone. There is a style for everyone. There is a personality for everyone. There is a price point for everyone. In a saturated market, there is a place for every photographer.
So, if anyone is searching for a light & airy, simple & clean photographer, I’m your gal.
Chill and laid back? You bet, just bring donuts.
Pretty affordable and won’t break the bank? Absolutely!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have yet to explore the majority of Florida, so this will mostly be based on what I’ve explored as a photographer (mainly in Palm Beach County)! I would first take them to the beach, of course! Any will do, but one of my faves is South Inlet Park.
Of course, Worth Avenue Clock Tower in Palm Beach (and that entire area) is a must, as it is so iconic and beautiful.
We’d also head up to Jupiter and go to DuBois Park and Juno Beach.
A must is any of the nature preserves. They are great places to see wildlife and wetlands.
If we wanted to get a little adventurous, we’d head west 2 hours and go shelling around Marco Island.
The Delray Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning is always a fun time in the cooler months!
Lastly, we’d probably spend a good amount of time just swimming in and laying by the pool in the backyard. Life is good.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t have developed a love for photography if it wasn’t for my mother who was known as “the picture taker” by all who knew her. Thanks to her, I have albums and albums full of memories that would have otherwise been forgotten. My husband definitely deserves a shoutout, as he was the one to suggest I dive head first into the world of photography. He supports me 110%, encourages me when I doubt myself, and keeps the chaos at home under control when I’m at sessions.
Lastly, a huge shoutout to Amy & Jordan Demos. If it wasn’t for their online courses, I wouldn’t know how to operate a camera, pose and encourage clients, or run a business!

Website: www.photographybyrachelolsen.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/photography_by_rachelolsen

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