We were lucky to catch up with Rika G recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rika, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Detroit Roots: Fueling Tenacity Through Challenges
Growing up in the heart of Detroit, I was immersed in a community that epitomized resilience. Detroit, a city known for its industrious spirit, has faced its share of challenges, yet it thrives with an unconquerable resilience that shapes the character of its residents. The resilience of Detroiter’s has instilled in me a belief that challenges are not roadblocks but rather opportunities to grow, elevate, innovate and inspire.
The diverse and gritty landscapes of Detroit have seeped into my photography, shaping my visual storytelling with an authenticity that mirrors the strength of where I grew up and the elegance of where I dreamed to be. The ability to find beauty in the midst of rough conditions is a skill I’ve honed through my lens, reflecting the resilient spirit that originates from my hometown.
In the heart of Motown, I discovered my love for capturing moments as a wedding photographer. Detroit weddings, much like the city itself, were a blend of highs and lows, but in every shot, I found resilience. It’s like finding a hidden gem in the chaos – that ability to turn challenges into beautiful memories is something I discovered through finding my passion.
Jacksonville Influence: Embracing Change and Expansion
My IT contract as a Technical Consultant was ending and my photography business was taking off. I found myself with this undeniable desire to capture love moments in new areas. Before deciding to relocate, I reached out to my Mother to discuss my thoughts and she thankfully gave me her blessing to move to Jacksonville, Florida. Spoiler alert: it’s been anything but a beautiful walk at the beach, but I promised myself something—I’d turn Lavish Touch Photos into a name that echoes locally and worldwide.
The sunny vibes of Florida didn’t make me soft; they made me adaptable. Transitioning to Jacksonville, FL, brought a new chapter in my life. The sunny shores and entrepreneurial energy of Jacksonville have provided a fertile ground for my wedding, event and lifestyle photography. Jacksonville’s spirit of growth and change has encouraged me to embrace challenges as catalysts for growth rather than setbacks.
In the business realm, resilience often translates to adaptability, and my journey from Detroit to Jacksonville has been a testament to this. I can give you specifics of my journey but that’ll take a book to write, lol (coming soon). The association of the two cities has fueled my ability to pivot, innovate, and remain steadfast in the face of uncertainty.
Lady Boss Enthusiast: Nurturing Resilience in Others
As a lady boss enthusiast, my passion extends beyond personal resilience. I find inspiration in empowering other women to embrace their strength, creativity, passion and resilience. Through my creative business coaching, I aim to be a guiding force for fellow creative entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges, tap into their inner badass and uncover their own wellsprings of their story.
In essence, my resilience is a portrait crafted from the vibrant hues of Detroit’s determination and Jacksonville’s adaptability. It is a resilience that not only propels me forward but also serves as a beacon for others navigating the same challenging paths of being your authentic self, creativity, passion and entrepreneurship.
In every photograph I capture, every coaching session I lead, and every endeavor I undertake, the resilient spirit of both Detroit and Jacksonville resonates, reminding me that strength is not merely found in overcoming obstacles but in using them as stepping stones toward a brighter, more impactful future.
So, when people ask me where I get my resilience from, I don’t just point to experiences; I share stories! (I swear I need to create a Podcast, lol). Stories of Detroit grit, healing childhood trauma, Jacksonville sunsets, shedding imposture syndrome and the crazy, unpredictable beauty of wedding photography, entrepreneurship, being a caregiver plus life in general. It’s not a trait; it’s a journey, and I’m just excited to keep adding new chapters to my Bold Journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m thrilled to share with you what I do and why it’s so special to me. I’m deeply passionate about wedding photography, which is more than just a job or a hobby; it’s my true calling. At its core, wedding photography is about capturing the essence of love and celebration. It’s more than just taking pictures; it’s about preserving precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Whether it’s the exchange of vows, the laughter of family and friends, or the quiet moments shared between the couples, my work as a wedding photographer is dedicated to honoring the love, emotions and turning them into timeless memories.
What excites me the most about wedding photography is learning about how my couples met and being able to showcase their love through my lens. Whether it’s capturing candid moments of laughter and joy or orchestrating stunning portraits that showcase the beauty of the surroundings, every moment is an opportunity to create memories that will be treasured for generations to come. I strive to document the love, connection, and authenticity of each couple in a way that is both genuine and heartfelt, leaving them with a collection of images that truly reflect the essence of their relationship.
Here at Lavish Touch Photos, we’re all about keeping it real. Our brand is like that trusted friend who always knows how to capture your best side and make you feel at ease. Our tagline, ‘Capturing Timeless Moments with a Lavish Touch,’ is our way of saying we’re here to turn your ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
We’re not just about snapping photos; we’re about creating an experience. Every shot we take is infused with the warmth, laughter, and love that make your special day truly unforgettable. We believe in going the extra mile to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the lighting to the composition, so you can relive those moments again and again.
But it’s not just about the pictures – it’s about the people behind them. We’re a team of passionate creatives who pour our hearts into every project we take on. We believe in fostering genuine connections with our clients, getting to know their stories, and bringing their vision to life in a way that feels authentic and personal.
And when it comes to our values, quality is non-negotiable. We believe in delivering nothing but the best, whether it’s in the images we capture or the service we provide. But we also care deeply about the community and doing our to showcase worthy causes. That’s why we’re committed to partnering with non-profits and helping to shed light on causes that might not get much exposure.
At Lavish Touch Photos, our goal is simple: to make you feel seen, heard, and understood. We want to capture the moments that matter most to you and turn them into memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. So if you’re looking for a photographer who’s more like a friend, someone who gets you and knows how to make you look and feel amazing, then look no further. I am here to turn your dreams into reality, one lavish moment at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey as a wedding photographer and creative business coach, I’ve come to realize that certain skills and knowledge have played a pivotal role in shaping my path and helping me thrive in this industry.
Beyond mastering the technical aspects of photography, what truly makes a difference is the ability to connect with your clients on a deeper level. As a wedding photographer, it’s not just about capturing images; it’s about preserving moments of love, joy, and celebration that will be cherished for a lifetime. Developing this organic connection involves listening attentively to your clients, understanding their unique stories and personalities, and infusing your work with genuine emotion and authenticity. It’s about being present in the moment and allowing your passion for storytelling to shine through in every shot.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a wedding photographer is the opportunity to unleash your creativity and bring your artistic vision to life. Whether it’s finding the perfect angle, discovering a new location, playing with light and shadow, or capturing candid moments of raw emotion, each photograph is a canvas for creative expression. To nurture your creative spirit, I encourage you to embrace curiosity, explore new techniques and styles, and never be afraid to push the boundaries of conventional photography. Don’t listen to the negativity of others, let your imagination run wild, and allow yourself the freedom to experiment and make mistakes along the way.
As a creative business coach, I’ve learned that success in this industry requires a delicate balance of empathy and business savvy – more business than talent, actually! It’s about understanding the needs and aspirations of your clients (marketing) while also navigating the practicalities of running a sustainable and profitable business. This means learning how to market yourself effectively, set fair pricing, manage client relationships with care and professionalism, and continuously adapt to the evolving demands of the market. But above all, it’s about approaching every interaction with empathy, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve others.
To those who are just starting out on their journey as wedding photographers or creative entrepreneurs, I offer this advice: Follow your heart, trust your instincts, and never lose sight of why YOU embarked on this path in the first place. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for learning, and remember that every setback is a chance to grow and come back even stronger. Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of your own unique voice and perspective – it’s what sets you apart and makes your work truly special.
By creating heartfelt connections, nurturing your creative spirit, and combining empathy with business savvy, you’ll be well-equipped to not only survive but thrive in the dynamic and rewarding world of wedding photography and creative entrepreneurship. Trust in abilities, what you don’t know learn it, stay true to your passion, and let your light shine bright for the world to see.
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?
Yes, indeed! I am always open to partnering and collaborating with fellow creatives to create lavish experiences for couples on their special day. Collaborations offer a unique opportunity to combine talents, share ideas, and elevate the overall wedding experience to new heights.
I’m particularly interested in collaborating with wedding planners, florists, makeup artists, stylists, videographers, and other photographers who share my passion for storytelling, having organic connections, and attention to detail. Together, we can weave together the perfect tapestry of elements that reflect the couple’s personalities and love story, ensuring that every moment is captured in its most authentic and beautiful form.
If you’re reading this and interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a unique vision for a styled shoot, a creative project in mind, or simply want to explore ways to work together, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
Let’s come together to create a memorable experience that will last a lifetime and make every wedding day or event truly unforgettable!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LavishTouchPhotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishtouchphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LavishTouchPhotos
Image Credits
Personal photo captured by Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits Additional Photos captured by Lavish Touch Photos
