Why Rachel Joan Photography?
Hi! I'm so glad you found me! My studio is designed to be your home away from home! You will be greeted with a warm smile and welcoming attitude. You can make yourself at home with a cup of coffee, Netflix, or a much needed and well deserved nap! Centrally located in Brandon, FL with easy access to I-75 and I-4 make it a quick drive no matter what part of Tampa you are coming from. Don't be worried about bringing your little ones either, as a mom of two toddlers I COMPLETELY understand that their patience is thin. There are toys and snacks for them to enjoy and keep them busy. After each session all areas are properly sanitized and cleaned so you can always know that cleanliness is super important! There is a private restroom that you can use to change, touch up makeup, etc.
Now for a little about me, I was born and raised in Florida and never left. I have my Bachelors degree in Criminology and a Masters degree in Women's and Gender Studies. I left my previous career as a Victim Advocate at a major university, where I met my amazing spouse, to be a stay at home mom. It has been the most rewarding, but hardest job I have ever had by far. I have always had a love for babies and spent 5 years as the lead teacher in the infant room during college. With that experience and my passion for photography, I am able to combine two things I love. Snuggling babies, and making beautiful art. I am now in a place in life where I really want to expand my passion and hope to share it with others. To me there is nothing better than capturing those moments in time that you will never get back. I love to really highlight the true essence of families and create life-long memories you can look back on.
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Rachel's path to being a full time photographer has led her to , as they reflect on their transition from a career rooted in criminology and victim advocacy to becoming a successful business owner. With a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and a Master's degree in Women's and Gender Studies, User's early professional life saw them serving as the assistant director at the USF Center for Victim Advocacy. From the outset, their passion for helping and empowering others, particularly women, was evident.
However, the path to empowerment took an unexpected turn with User's foray into photography. Contrary to common perceptions, they discovered the profound empowerment that photography can bring, especially in the realm of capturing the essence of motherhood. This revelation led to a deep understanding of the emotional impact of their work, such as witnessing a pregnant mother embrace her beauty or a new mother finding solace and joy in their portraits amidst the challenges of recovery.
Through their photography, User has guided numerous clients through complex journeys like surrogacy, adoption, IVF, and the joys of welcoming rainbow babies. Their mission goes beyond mere photographs; they strive to create artwork that encapsulates the entire spectrum of motherhood – the dedication, tears, highs, and lows. As a mother themselves, with children aged 4 and 6, User's connection to their clients' experiences is profound, stemming from their own journey through postpartum depression.
In essence, User's professional narrative embodies a fusion of their academic background in advocacy and their newfound passion for photography, culminating in a uniquely empowering approach to capturing and celebrating the beauty of motherhood.