Photographer Spotlight: Rachel Friedman

Location: Plano, TX

What's in your camera bag & what's your favorite lens? 

I shoot with a Canon 5DMkIV and I have several lenses in my bag - the Canon 35mm1.4, 50mm1.4, 85mm1.8, 100mm2.8, and 70-200mm2.8. For indoor sessions I alternate between my 35 and 50, depending on how much space I have, and outdoors I adore my 85, but I'll shift to my 50 with the wildest of toddlers when I want to be closer to my subject.

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't working?

Is it appropriate to say shopping at Target alone? I just tease. I love spending time with my three kids and my husband, whether we are playing in our backyard, cuddling up for a movie or out exploring parks and patio dining in DFW. I'm an avid reader, alternating between actual books on paper and audio books.

Who inspires you?

Artistically, I have always adored the art of the French Impressionists and the way they depicted light, color, motion and general softness in their subjects. Beyond the scope of history, nothing inspires me more than the amazing moms of new babies that I work with who help me find the beauty in the chaos of motherhood and persevere through the challenges that come their way.

What makes your brand unique?

There are a few things that I believe set me apart as a brand. First, I am such a believer in my role of handling every stressful step for my clients, from wardrobe to location to figuring out how they'll enjoy their images to hanging them on the wall. But of course in the TMA community, this is something that we are all working toward - providing the most excellent client experience. The second thing that I think sets my brand apart is my open and giving heart. My clients see me as their greatest cheerleaders in motherhood, getting to know them on a personal level and supporting them beyond just the photos. And then they are invited to join me along the way giving back to others, through annual fundraisers for causes near and dear to my heart, from childhood cancer research to food insecurity in our local community, domestic violence and more.

What's your favorite aspect of your business?

While I adore the creative side of my business, I really started my business and grew to love it over time because I loved connecting with and supporting moms on their motherhood journey. Getting to capture these snippets of their lives while acting as their greatest cheerleader is such a privilege and a joy.

What business advice would you give to someone overwhelmed with starting out?

There are more than enough clients to go around - dozens if not hundreds of babies are born everyday just in your 50 mile radius alone. If you work hard to build your business, a handful of them each month will connect with you to make the magic happen. That said, my educational content in the membership this month goes beyond this into the nitty gritty of logistics as well, with SO MANY tips and tricks for photographers starting their businesses in a new city or just for the first time.

What's your Starbucks drink?

I am weird and don't drink any caffeine, aside from an occasional soda. When I have to drink something from Starbucks, I order a passion tea lemonade unsweetened.

Where can we find your work?

http://www.rachelfriedmanphotography.com/

http://instagram.com/rachelfriedmanphotography

http://facebook.com/rachelfriedmanphotography