Dear Internet, I have been neglecting you. I didn’t mean to, but amidst the workshop prep chaos, mentoring, photo sessions and life in general, it has simply happened. I am sorry. I have so, so much to be blogging about, which is so exciting- but it’s also torturing me that I haven’t shared it with all of you yet. But it’s coming, I promise. This week I will be back on track and bringing lots of eye candy your way. :)
I am so excited about this week’s Be Inspired interview! I just had a conversation with my hubby about the girl we are featuring this week and told him that I really want to meet her because I think we would be great friends. :) We both share a love for Hollywood Starlets of the 50’s- such as Marilyn & Audrey, as well as our knack for quoting movies, and of course, our passion for photography. Yes, yes, I have no doubts that she and I would would be dear friends. I hope you enjoy this week’s Be Inspired interview with Rachel Catlett from Columbia Falls, Montana.
My name is Rachel Catlett and I am here for the party. Nah, just kidding. I own Rachel Lynn Photography, and it’s my baby.
What are 3 things we should know about you?
A.) I’m a quirky movie buff. I only need to see a movie once to be able to quote it constantly.
2.) I love a good piece of furniture and old architecture.
D.) I’m a follower of Christ. This is all for Him :)
And the A, 2, D is from Home Alone if anyone caught on to that ;)
Define your style in 5 words:
Fun, bright, eclectic, romantic, and nostalgic.
What is your specialty?
Weddings and Lifestyle Portraits. I love LOVE, and Seniors, they’re so fun, and I feel that because I’m only a couple years older than them it’s like hanging out with my cousins! FUN!
What inspires your work?
What doesn’t inspire me?! I’m always looking for it. I’m constantly day dreaming so I think that helps. Old movies, pinterest.com (so amazing!), and whoever is in front of my camera. Inspiration will just hit while we’re out shooting and the whole session could take on a whole new feel, I love it!
Where is your dream location to do a shoot or wedding?
TUSCANY! Ohhh man. Before photography I was studying Art History and went to Florence on an art history trip. The country side made me swoon and I would love to go back someday and photograph a wedding there.
Divulge one of your dreams for your business:
I’ve always loved helping people. Every one has been so helpful to me in this dream of mine, I’d love to return the favor and maybe have my own workshop!! I still have a long way to come but I’m a big dreamer!! Oh, and to own a “studio”…not for taking pictures in, but a place to work and meet people. It would be really cool in there…I’m picturing it now….
What do you love most about being a photographer?
Oooo how do I narrow it down?! I love that it’s my job to create!! I wake up in the morning (ok, almost noon), and I’m excited about my work. I’m willing to loose everything I have to see this happen…now that’s love. I love hanging out with Senior girls and making them see how GORGEOUS they all are. I hated my senior portraits and want every one to have a portrait they’ll be proud of! I have amazing clients who become my friends, what’s not to love about being a photographer! I work in my pajamas!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
HA! If you had asked me that 5 years ago, I NEVER would have thought I’d be here today…so it’s kind of hard to see where I’ll be in 5 years. I can’t imagine leaving Montana again (even though Winter seems to last longer and longer every year). Hopefully rockin the wedding photo bizz here, and traveling for weddings! Right now I’m taking it day to day (not that I don’t have plans for the future) but we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. I know God has my future in His hands, I just have to continue to pursue after Him and everything will fall into place the way it should :)
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be & why?
Hmmmm, Ellen. She’s hilarious and I think our personalities would mesh well together :) Who knows, maybe she’d “sponsor” me or something amazing like that! And Paul McCartney, I’d love to give him a hug!
As a fellow Showiteer, tell us what you love about Showit:
EVERYTHING! My Showit site will be launching soon! I love being able to change things instantly and exactly how I want them. I really am free to be me in my business now, how cool is that?! Number one best thing about Showit is the community. My fellow Showiteers are my “co-workers” and we talk all day long, every day. Everyone is so willing to help each other out and see each other reach their potential. They are such a blessing and have really have changed my whole outlook on photography!
What advice do you have for new photographers?
ASK QUESTIONS!! Photographers are the coolest people ever (at least the Showit Photographers) are they’re there to answer questions. I never realized how HUGE this business is, and as much I love the taking the pictures part, there’s the whole business side of it that’s a lot to learn. So ask away! Also, turn your dial on your camera over to Manual, and READ your manual. It acutally helped me a lot in the beginning. Study other photographer’s work and pick out what it is you like about it. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. You’ll never stop getting better :) Last but not least: Have faith in yourself and someday your rainbow will come shining through. -Cinderella :)
Rachel, thank you so much for such an amazing interview! You are very inspiring and can I just say, absolutely adorable in the two pics above! :)
Be sure follow Rachel:
Website: http://rachellynnphotography.com/
Blog: http://rachellynnphotographyblog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.lynn.photo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachel_bobachel
