Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Schneider.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Back in high school, I wanted to take photography classes. I enrolled in the class for one week before dropping the class because I couldn’t afford a camera to use for the class. It didn’t bother me much at the time because I was involved in many performing arts groups at school. I ended up going to college to study theatre. I was involved in musicals, plays, and short films throughout college and learned a lot about the creative arts. I really couldn’t imagine a life without the arts.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, I ended up teaching theatre. However, once the pandemic hit, there were very few performance opportunities. I was also at a point where I just wasn’t loving it anymore. I needed something to feel inner growth and passion again. I also knew I wanted something I could do while living the lifestyle I want to live. So, I revisited my interest in photography.
A few years prior, my husband and brother gifted me a camera to record taped auditions, so I thought maybe I could use it to start learning photography. I also had a lot of time on my hands to learn something new! So, I enrolled in a few photography courses and got to learn the foundations of photography. I then started my own photography business, Rachel Schneider Studios, and have been photographing seniors, families, and portraits for the past year.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Of course, there have been struggles, but it’s different this time around. Being an actress or performer can sometimes be so defeating and exciting at others. I was often feeling frustrated with myself a lot of the time. I also felt the need to meet the expectations of everyone who thought I’d be a big star someday. Now that I have chased a career in photography, I have different kinds of frustrations that motivate me.
Photography is very new to me, however, I try my best to learn what I can and keep practicing. I tell myself that I won’t give up on this. I am also very happy that I have an amazing support system in my husband and family. They are proud of this jump that I have made. It’s something that I have been learning and achieving on my own, without the expectations of people in the outside world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a portrait photographer in the Northeast Ohio region. Most of my work has been with seniors and families, but I have also done some brand and editorial work as well. I recently photographed an editorial photo shoot for a local business person’s feature in Swagger Magazine. I felt so lucky to have been asked to photograph that feature as it fell right on the first anniversary of starting my business. I love to photograph retro and vintage-styled photoshoots as they tie into my theatrical side and all things fun!
My goal with my business is to tell my client’s stories and promote their success. I try not to compare myself to others in the business, because there are so many talented individuals. I keep my eyes on my paper and run my race. If anything, I hope to encourage everyone (and myself at times) to go after their dreams, do what they feel passionate about, and flow with the changes. What you are doing now, may or may not be what you’re doing five years from now, and that is OKAY.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My faith and family keep me grounded, but when it comes to the business, I love listening to The Photographer’s Podcast by Horizon Found. Horizon Found is a learning community for photographers founded by Nicole Hill. I took Nicole’s photography class to learn photography and essentially ended up with a weekly positivity boost.
She is one of the most positive and encouraging individuals, and I love chatting with her. She is my best photography mentor, and I am thankful for all that she and her husband have taught me, As well as all the students of her photography community. It was life-changing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelschneiderstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelschneiderstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchneiderStudios/
