Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Watts.
Hi Rachael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My passion for photography started in grade school. I bought my first DSLR in 2013, attended some photography workshops, and practiced relentlessly. After experiencing great loss within our family, what once started as a creative outlet for me turned into my reason for what I do… my ‘why.’
I grew up the only horse lover in my family. My grandpa had a horse when I was little, but back then it was more common for families to have horses; they weren’t as much of a luxury that they are today. I can recall him leading me around the pond on his mare, Mitzy, bareback. Once I was older, thinking back to those memories, I realized that I didn’t have any photos at all of that quality time I shared with my grandpa, who passed in 2008. It’s not something that can be recreated, and I gained a whole new perspective on photographs and how much they can mean to someone.
A few short years later, I once again realized how important and priceless quality photographs are when we unexpectedly lost my mom in 2012. The only photos I had of she and I together were either from a disposable camera or a cell phone picture, and those that I did have were few. It weighed heavily on my heart for years that I wasn’t able to visually see and show others the amazing bond that I had with my mom. That wasn’t something I wanted anyone else to ever feel if I could help prevent it.
My goal for every session is to, of course, document a moment in time but also capture authentic emotion and create beautiful artwork.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the biggest obstacle all photographers face is fear of judgment and fear of failure. Not just when they’re starting out; this happens all the time. We question whether or not people will like our work or whether or not it will resonate with them. But one thing that I try to tell others is that photography, as an art, is subjective. What speaks volumes to one person may not even elicit a response to someone else. When you grasp that concept in your mind that art is subjective, you tend to stop worrying about what other people think. You start creating for you and what you want, not what you think everyone else wants. Once you do that, when you photograph or draw or paint for your creative and emotional fulfillment and not for the response of others, you gain a whole new perspective.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait photographer specializing in pet & equine photography. Apart from my client work, I also have an online art gallery I am preparing to launch later this month. In the gallery are pictures I have taken from various places in the United States, including the Grand Canyon & Yellowstone National Park, that will be available for purchase in multiple sizes & mediums.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Facebook groups are one of the best places to find mentors, coaches, or like-minded individuals willing to offer advice. Workshops or styled shoots are great networking and portfolio-building opportunities. If you are a member of a photographic organization such as PPA (Professional Photographers of America), be sure to check out their available resources as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachaelwattsphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rwattsphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rwattsphoto
- Other: https://store.rachaelwattsphotography.com
Image Credits
Rachael Watts Photography
