Life & Work with Rachel Goodhew

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Goodhew. 

Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved being creative, and I enjoyed editing photos long before I picked up a real camera. When I had my first son in December of 2011, of course, I was taking all the pictures I could. They weren’t very good, and I even tried to do my own DIY newborn session. It was such a Pinterest fail! 

In the spring, I got a nicer camera, but I still didn’t know what I was doing. As the year progressed, I knew I wanted to learn how to take better photographs. It wasn’t until my son’s first birthday that we hired a photographer, and I started talking to her. The biggest tip she had for me? Use flash. But I hated flash, so I decided I needed to learn how to use flash in a way that wouldn’t look so harsh. I would say the rest is history, but there was a lot more between then and getting to where I am now. 

Eventually, I expanded away from my own children and started photographing friends and family. The real moment that gave me direction is when an old acquaintance wanted to buy prints after I photographed her baby. I signed up with multiple print labs and received sample prints. I was instantly in love with print, and I have never gone back. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been rough at times – even still. Every time that things start to go really well, something happens. You know, like a COVID shut down. Or the beginning of 2021 when I found out that I was unexpectedly pregnant with baby #3. I was very much not prepared for that – or to have to step back from business for a little bit. But it all works out in the end, and those obstacles are what keeps our story interesting. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a portrait photographer specializing in maternity and newborn photos, or really all things motherhood. What sets me apart from others is my emphasis on print. All of my clients receive fully finished, printed images that they can cherish and look back at for the rest of their lives. 

Print is not dead, and photographs are the first thing you look for when you lose a loved one. Or at least, that’s the first thing I do. My mom is into genealogy and her family tree, and it’s amazing looking back at old photographs that she has. A photograph is one thing that becomes more and more valuable as time passes. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I was raised by my mom who was a single parent. She heavily leaned on her family for support, and as such, I made several wonderful memories with my aunt, who never had children of her own. We would make art, walk to the park, watch scary movies, and write stories together. One thing that will always remind me of my childhood and my time with her will be Big Boy. Every time I would visit her, we would go out to eat at Big Boy, so it holds a special place in my heart. My aunt passed away a few years ago from cancer, but I’m so grateful for the memories I have with her. 

Pricing:

• Sessions start at $400.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goodhewphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodhewphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodhewphotography
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JxnBabiesAndFamilies