We recently connected with Rachel Mruczkewycz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
If you had asked me 7 years ago whether I’d become a wedding and portrait photographer, my answer would have been a firm “no.” I never imagined that one day I’d be a full-time photographer and business owner, leaving a 9-5 job to pursue this passion. At the time, I was comfortable capturing nature and landscapes—subjects that didn’t require posing or direction. Photographing people felt like unfamiliar, intimidating territory, and I had no idea how to make someone feel at ease or look their best in front of the camera.
But then friends started asking me to take their photos, and that’s when I began to gain more interest in learning portrait photography. It was through those small, informal sessions that I started to learn—how to guide people naturally, how to make them feel comfortable, and how to capture moments they loved. I learned how to run a business, connect with clients, and, most importantly, earn their trust and support. Little by little, I grew as an artist and entrepreneur.
The kind words in 5-star reviews, the referrals to friends, the loyal clients who return year after year, and the photos I see hanging proudly in homes—those moments remind me just how far I’ve come. They inspire me to keep growing, knowing I can create images that will be cherished for a lifetime. And that is what has built my confidence throughout the years – comparing myself only to the past version of me, and knowing it can only go up from here!
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?
I’m a full-time wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photographer, and I specialize in capturing authentic, meaningful moments for couples, families, and individuals. What started with photographing landscapes and nature in my early teenage years has turned into a passion for telling people’s stories through timeless, heartfelt images. My work focuses on creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience so that my clients feel comfortable and confident, allowing their true personalities and connections to shine through.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to document some of the most significant milestones in their lives—whether it’s a wedding day, a growing family, or professional portraits that represent who they are. My approach is all about keeping things real and natural, with minimal posing and lots of room for genuine emotion. I love adventuring with my couples for elopements and microweddings, hiking boots ready, to capture those breathtaking outdoor moments that reflect their love and sense of adventure.
Lately, I’ve been so excited about incorporating film photography into my wedding work. The thought of bringing film back to life—especially for modern weddings—has been incredibly inspiring. Film captures light and color in such a beautifully nostalgic and timeless way. It adds a unique layer of artistry and intentionality to the photos, and my couples have fallen in love with the authentic, organic feel that only film can create.
Another service I’ve been focusing on is offering branding photography sessions for small business owners and entrepreneurs. These sessions help my clients tell their stories visually through professional, high-quality images that they can use for marketing, social media, and websites. It’s been incredible to see how impactful these photos are for their small businesses.
I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love, meet so many incredible people along the way, and preserve their most treasured moments in life. Whether it’s photographing a couple on a mountaintop during golden hour, capturing those soft, dreamy film shots on a wedding day, or helping someone elevate their brand with professional portraits, I’m always honored to play a role in these stories.
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?
Resilience – Photography, especially when starting out, isn’t easy. From technical struggles to self-doubt, there were plenty of moments when I wanted to throw in the towel—like after my first wedding in 2018, when I swore I’d never shoot a wedding again. But I kept going, session by session, and learned from every challenge I faced. My advice to others? Embrace mistakes and setbacks as opportunities to grow. The best way to improve is to show up, do the work, and keep moving forward even when it feels hard. There is always a new opportunity around the corner – don’t stop!
Consistency – Consistency in both the quality of my work and how I run my business has been a game-changer. From delivering galleries on time to ensuring every session aligns with my style, consistency builds trust. For those just starting, I’d suggest creating systems and routines to help you stay organized and reliable. The little things—like fast responses to inquiries and delivering on your promises—add up to a strong, trustworthy reputation.
Adaptability – In photography, no two sessions are alike. Whether it’s unpredictable weather, changing light, or managing different personalities, learning to adapt has been crucial to my success. My advice? Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace flexibility. The more you adapt to challenges, the more confident you’ll become in handling anything thrown your way!
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe it’s a balance—you should absolutely lean into your strengths because that’s where your passion and natural ability will shine, but it’s also important to acknowledge and improve the areas where you’re not as strong, especially if they hold you back.
When I first started photography, I was confident in capturing landscapes and nature because that’s what I knew and loved. People, on the other hand, were a completely different story. Posing, guiding clients, and capturing genuine moments felt intimidating and far outside my comfort zone. If I had avoided that weakness entirely, I wouldn’t have the business I do today.
So, I focused on improving that area little by little. I invested in education, studied poses that felt natural, and practiced on friends and family to build confidence. Over time, what once felt like a weakness became one of my greatest strengths—creating a comfortable environment for clients and capturing authentic moments that they cherish.
That being said, leaning into your strengths is what makes you stand out. I know I’m at my best when I’m working with couples who love adventure, photographing outdoor weddings, or helping small businesses tell their stories through branding photography. By focusing on what I excel at and love, I attract clients who trust me to deliver something unique to them.
For anyone starting out, I’d say this: play to your strengths, but don’t be afraid to work on your weaknesses, especially if they’re part of what’s holding you back from growing. Sometimes, the areas that scare you the most can turn into your greatest opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.remphotographyllc.com/
- Instagram: @remphotographyllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remphotographyllc
Image Credits
Me! REM Photography LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
