Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Mummert.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in photography, but never had the opportunity to learn to use my camera. Between college and then a demanding office career, it was always a someday project. In 2012 I married my husband, and we became pregnant a few months later. I have always wanted to be a mom, and it was such an exciting time. But that excitement quickly turned to sorrow when we found out at 22 weeks our baby had a fatal diagnosis. We said goodbye to him on February 9th, 2013.
I took some time off of work to try to get my head straight and overcome my deep depression. At some point, I came across a basic camera course at the local college. I enrolled in the course to try to give myself something positive to look forward to. After a few months, I realized I had talent in this area, and that was the beginning of a whole new career.
Shortly after enrolling in photography, I found out we were pregnant again. Our son was born in 2014, and he became my very first photography subject. I took his newborn photos, posted them on my personal social media, and people immediately started asking me if I was for hire. I started my business shortly after and the rest is history.
Now 12 years later, I am a successful newborn photographer. I have taken many courses in safety, posing, and photography. Originally I had a studio in our home, but as my business grew, I ended up getting a commercial space. I am now the only true newborn photographer in our town with a commercial studio. And while I specialize in newborns, I also photograph families, headshots, and dance photos.
I am very fortunate to have a career that I love, but also one that is flexible around our family schedule. We now have four children and they are very involved in activities and sports. I love being active in everything they do, while still having the ability to grow my business in my own time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business always has bumps along the way. In 2020, I was forced to close my doors for an extended period of time during the pandemic. I was not eligible for assistance or grants, so I had to tough it out and come up with other ways to push the business forward. Adapting to changing economic times, COVID, my own schedule, and family responsibilities has been the biggest road bump. I think I have done a great job overcoming our obstacles to keep the business profitable and moving forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer, but I specialize in newborn work. I work with babies before they are 2 weeks old, photographing them in various positions and sets. My sessions are truly unique to each baby, and families are encouraged to participate in family and sibling photos.
I am known for being the leading newborn photographer in my area. After 12 years, I have quite a following and have no need to advertise. It makes me very proud to know that my business has a good reputation.
My commercial studio and training set me apart. There are many people that attempt newborn photography, but newborns are so different from other subjects. They need to be sleeping and calm, but the photographer also has to have safety knowledge to keep them safe during the session. I am very experienced in this area.
How do you think about happiness?
My family makes me happy. We love to travel together. My work gives me the flexibility to be with them and never miss a moment of their childhood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelmummertphotography.com
- Instagram: @rachelmummertphotography
- Facebook: @rachelmummertphotography
