SO, YOU WANT TO HEAR A STORY?
Like all good characters, my story had a bit of a convoluted start. I’d always dreamt of being a creative storyteller but there were a few plot twists and turns before I got to where I am today.
Like most aspiring creatives I daydreamed about a life spent telling stories from my terribly unsupportive office chair and cubicle. Crunching numbers in the corporate world meant I had financial security but I was miserable. But I was also too afraid and unsure to do anything to change it…
Until I lost my mom unexpectedly. Her death taught me that every second of this precious life we’re given matters and I didn’t want to waste one more moment of it punching a time clock for someone else’s dream doing work that felt unfulfilling. So I quit. I gave my two-weeks notice, sold almost everything I owned, packed up my Prius, and moved across the country to the desert to start my life over the way I wanted it to look. A life spent living in my purpose with my camera, pen, and creativity as my compass.
By chance or fate, you've landed on my website and I am glad you have. Thanks for looking at what I have to share with the world.
A Little About Me
TODAY, MY PASSION IS TO MAKE BEING THE SUBJECT OF YOUR OWN STORY FEEL COMFORTABLE AND AUTHENTICALLY YOU.
I’m a wedding an elopement photographer who works with couples looking for creative storytelling on their wedding day that is EVERYTHING but traditional. And I’m inspired to create photos that look and feel like your favorite song lyric, that read like poetry, and that overflow with the real, raw, emotions that encapsulate your love story.
I also work with commercial brands and boutique businesses who’re searching for someone who can creatively narrate their purpose in business and showcase their products or services.
I’m a multitasker to the max. Well, maybe more like a do everything-er who never felt like I had to choose one thing in a world that rewards specialization. I prefer to be the kind of gal who has her hand in 20 different buckets at once. Jack of all trades style. The thing is, I have many interests and I love finding ways for them to all blend together cohesively.
MEET ALEXIS
A.K.A Brand Specialist
She’s a sketchbook artist, native Arizonian, ethnic foodie lover, and my go-to gal to ensure that every step of the process for my clients is smooth like butta’. It takes a little bit of pixy dust and magic to transform my full creative vision into fruition but with her help she ensures that all the deliverables match the brand objective no matter what the touch point is!
She loves balancing business strategy with creativity and together we help brands feel like they can truly run the world!
I may be slightly weird. But you're going to love my weird.
I like potatoes. Probably more than like since I’ve never meet a potato that didn’t bring a smile to my face. Mashed, fried, baked or broiled potatoes in any form instantly make me happy. Tell me you’re serving mashed potatoes at your wedding and I'm definitely showing up.
Hire Me To Tell A Story
Brand Photography, Copywriting, Web Design, Commercial & Editorial Shoots & More
Weddings, Engagements, Elopements, Boudoir, & Stylized Shoots
Influencer Marketing: NOW PARTNERING with Lifestyle brands, travel brands, & authentic beauty brands
I'm originally from Minnesota so I have a smidge of an accent. I don't hear it, but people tell me it's there. I pronounce sure as “shore” and end too many sentences with “you betcha”. You’ll get used to it.
The Cranberries and the voice of Dolores O'Riordan is the sound of my teenage years.
I get obsessive about the details. I once drove all over Minneapolis for hours looking for the perfect number balloons for a photoshoot. They had to be the perfect size and they had to be the perfect rustic rose gold color.
I believe in the Oxford comma and exclamation points. (!!!)
I have the WORST sense of direction. I’m not just talking about driving and finding my way around (where would we be without GPS am I right?) but I’m also talking about searching for my Prius in the grocery store parking lot when I can’t find where I parked…and when I turn the wrong way in a parking ramp I’m trying to exit. Every. Single. Time.
I’m both a champagne and an old fashioned kinda girl
TELL ME YOUR STORY AND
LET'S CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER.
Follow my stories on Instagram
@rachelsmak
