Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Gilster.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have had love for photography since a very young age. I got my first camera when I was about 9 years old. With it, I documented the very important lives of my stuffed animals and other miscellaneous toys around my home. Then, I grew up a little and kept the passion. When I was a senior in high school, I joined the yearbook staff where I spent days photographing events around the school. Doing this, I fell in love with the fact that my photos would live on for generations and keep telling a story. Being able to create art and evoke emotion is what really got my business started. In 2015, I took my best friends senior portraits. It was my first ever session that someone had actually wanted from me, needless to say, I was so excited. Then, it became a snowball effect. Seniors saw her photos and wanted their pictures done by me. I had a very busy senior year. In August 2015, I moved to Denton and became a Marketing Student at Texas Woman’s University, where I still am attending classes today. While adjusting to college life, I kind of put photography in the back of my mind and focused more on my school work. But college is stressful. College is hard. I needed a creative release. So, I picked my camera back up and put myself completely into the art. Today, I aim myself more towards couples, weddings, and seniors. I am set to graduate from TWU in 2019, where I will continue to hustle and grow my business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe that creativity has two parts. One part you are born with and the other part you learn. Being a photographer is so much more than having a nice camera. It is learning how to run a business, how to use a camera in all situations, how to pose clients, how to use social media, and so much more! Creativity plays a huge role in photography but all that creativity can only be put to use if you know how to correctly use your tools. Another struggle for me is being able to balance my personal life and my photography life. It is so hard sometime to not let it control my whole life. Every time I take a second to relax, I think about how times could be used planning my Instagram, networking, or understanding my camera even further. I continue to push through struggles every day. Obstacles are meant to be overcome.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Rachel Gilster Photography specializes in seniors, weddings, and couples photography. I am based in DFW but am open to travel to capture memories for everyone. I am a firm believer in a community over competition and that when vendors work together amazing things can happen. With my photography, I promise that every single client will end up a great friend of mine. I put my whole heart and soul into every single photo that I take. Every click of my shutter will guarantee emotion and beautiful images. What I am most proud of is being able to deliver images that will last years and generations in a families life.
Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
I have lived in DFW my whole entire life. I love it so much. There is so much to do here and so many people you can meet. There are so many amazing restaurants and shopping malls. As huge as the DFW area is, it has a great sense of community. I really do not have anything bad about our city.
Contact Info:
- Website: rachelgilsterphotography.com
- Phone: 214-773-3485
- Email: rgilsterphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelgilsterphotography/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelgilsterphotography
Image Credit:
Rachel Gilster Photography
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