Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rave McCarthy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rave, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
As I looked at the choice of questions that were offered for this interview, I struggled a bit to pick one because in reality; almost all of the questions play a part in one another.
I believe my work ethic, my resilience, my generosity, my confidence and my self esteem are and were all connected with my mental health and are where they are because of the struggles I have had in my past. So how did I persevere through my mental health to pursue my photography dream I am chasing after today?
At the age of 18 years old I had just graduated high school and lost my mother, and we were extremely close. Before I had lost her I had found out she had bipolar depressive disorder and that she struggled. I tried to get tested when I was younger but the doctor at the time didn’t diagnose me. After she had passed, I fell into a deep depression and for years I had lacked the confidence and self esteem to chase after my dreams. However, I did fulfill one for myself and for my mother by traveling to Europe, and it was then that I finally felt a bit alive since she had passed. I wanted to remember those moments so I had taken as many photos as I could, and when my mother had passed….I had realized we didn’t have many photos together…I’ve always wanted to be a travel blogger/photographer, but due to mental illness and trauma I never chased after those dreams. Finally one year I decided to take matters into my hands and finally ask for help and I got it. There are still a lot of days that I struggle with depression, or with confidence/self esteem due to my depression and anxiety….But life is too short to miss out on, so I push myself to do what I love every day, and a lot of times photography has actually improved my mood significantly and it brings me great joy to be able to provide people with breath-taking images. I really did discover that I wanted people to feel beautiful, and I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives like my mom did. So I push through the depression and push myself so I can accomplish those dreams that I put off for too long. However I have also learned that it is okay to ask for help and support.
Remember, you’re never too old to chase after a dream, but don’t keep putting it off…you don’t have forever.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Rave and I am a 31 year old photographer residing in Fox Valley, Wisconsin. Born and raised in central Wisconsin. I’m a photographer who specializes in boudoir, couples, fantasy, and events/comedy.
As a newer entrant to the world of photography, I bring an infectious energy and an unwavering dedication to my craft. Driven by a passion for creativity and a relentless work ethic, I approach each project with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence.
Born with a natural talent for capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of a camera, I find joy in every click and frame. My journey as a photographer is marked by a love for meeting new people and forging meaningful connections. I thrive on the interactions with my clients, infusing each session with laughter, fun, and a sense of camaraderie. I aspire to provide images to my clients that bring happy, joy, self-confidence.
A true artist at heart, I find inspiration in bringing ideas to life and exploring the endless possibilities of visual storytelling. Whether it’s a creative concept shoot or a candid moment captured on the streets, I approach photography as a medium for self-expression and exploration.
I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. An avid traveler and lover of nature, I find fulfillment in experiencing the wonders of the world firsthand and immortalizing them through my lens. From the majestic peaks of mountain ranges to the serene beauty of secluded beaches, I find beauty in every corner of the globe.
In Neverending Waypoint Photography, clients find not just a photographer, but a partner in their journey to capture life’s most precious moments. With my unique blend of creativity, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm, Neverending Waypoint Photography is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of photography.
I truly aspire to become a full-time travel blogger and photographer and every year I try to travel more and more. So please check out my page to see if I ever come to your area.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Dedication/Perseverance, communication, practice.
I’m only two years in my photography journey but I’ve come a very long way in such a short amount of time and that’s due to dedicating almost every single waking moment outside of my full time job doing photography so I can further my skill. Communication is important in order to deal with clients, but also to be able to ask for help in any way, shape, or form. Practice and working at your craft as much as possible will pay off in the end, and you can’t be afraid to invest in your craft.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I love working with people all over the world, especially those who have a love for fantasy and sci-fi. If you like to cosplay, or have an amazing concept, please reach out to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neverendingwaypointphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: neverending.waypoint
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverendingWaypoint
Image Credits
Models: Christel Vanover-Coenen, Emm Covert, John Freitag, Angie Hudson, Racquel Michelle, Tania Marquez, Jesse & Cecelia, Abigail Flade, Caitlin Amato
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
