Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Ross.
Raquel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Back in the early 2000s when MySpace was in full swing, I remember receiving my first digital camera. It was a Sony CyberShot, it was remarkably average, and little did I know, it would become the start of an obsession. I grew up in a creative family, surrounded by musicians, filmmakers, writers, orators, chefs–art was truly the norm. I don’t think any of us ever saw it that way, or really thought ourselves to be artistic, but that was the environment. When I first got a camera, it wasn’t because I craved an outlet or was trying to become the next Ansel Adams. It was simply because I wanted to supply the world with a rockin’ MySpace. What I would later find, was that photography could be another way to express what it is like to live in this world. And I could make it a voice all my own.
Slowly the interest grew. I’ve never been one for instructions, so trial and error would open up a world of excitement. When I graduated high school, I threw all my graduation money towards the purchase of an intro level Canon SLR. Looking back, I’m not sure how my parents felt about that, but they encouraged my passion anyway. Through college I would start taking on clients and hobby shooting whenever I had time. I realized a deeper love in photography–portraiture. Humans presented an unexpected element to deal with now, but also one that required true attention and study to appropriately capture. Eventually I would take this passion with me in a year living abroad in Madrid, Spain, where I would lead portrait photography meet-up groups for people of all skill levels.
Today I am just eager to keep learning. There are so many things I know I don’t know. It’s been so exciting to watch my style become more and more precise as I’ve started understanding how to articulate it with a visual language. I love the craft, I love what photography allows me to express, and more importantly, I love showing people how uniquely beautiful they are. It’s all worthwhile.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been times where I’ve become discouraged with my work. Or felt like I was helplessly stuck in a rut. The more I talk to others, the more common I realize these frustrations are. I remember talking with my brother and showing him the pictures a friend photographer took and feeling so helpless. “Why can’t I do that?” My brother calmly replied, “So what’s the big deal? Just go figure it out.”
Years later, while I was working at an ad agency, I found I had so little time for anything, much less photography. I put my camera on the shelf for probably a good year. One day, a new friend invited me to a creative photography event. I was scared because that meant that maybe all the other photographers were going to know what they were talking about. Maybe all these photographers read the instructions I tend to skip over. But saying “yes” to that event kicked me back into being okay to say, “I don’t know how to do what they’re doing now, but maybe I can ask them. Maybe I can study. One day, I will.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Raquel Ross Photography – what should we know?
Raquel Ross Photography is the official name of the freelancing business that I started in college. It’s been a balance, having this business, because as a hobbyist, I never want my creative outlet to feel like work. I love how it’s grown. I’m proud of small things like knowing the right things to say to clients to make them comfortable or figuring out how to manage payments. Those may seem small, but they’ve been milestones and have made me feel empowered. I like to think that what sets me apart from others is that Raquel Ross Photography also exists with a mission of making every single person who crosses in front of the camera feel confident and beautiful. I know how hard it is to be on the other end of the camera–that’s why I take the pictures! But it’s so rewarding when a shy, unsure client beams after they’ve seen themselves in a new light.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I could never have done this on my own. There are so many people who have encouraged me along the way and have given so much of their energy and time. I am so thankful to clients who took a chance with me, friends who let me pose them every time the light was just right, photography meetup organizers who helped to reignite my passion, and all of my @reuneretratos members who trusted me to lead them in photography growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raquelrossphotography.com
- Email: raquel.e.ross@gmail.com
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