Can you share a little about your background and what led you to start your business?

I actually started photography by accident. My cousin asked me to take her maternity photos on my phone, and I figured, “Why not?” I ended up falling in love with the whole process setting up the scene, creating a mood, and telling a story through the lens.

Before photography, I ran an online clothing boutique. I wasn’t super into fashion, but I loved photographing the products and posing the models. Looking back, the creative eye was always there…I just didn’t realize it yet. Photography simply brought it to life.

What inspired you to get into this industry?

I honestly didn’t even know people did photography as a full-time job. The more I looked into it, the more I thought, “If they can do it, maybe I can too.” It opened my eyes to a whole new world, and that’s when I really started to take it seriously.

What was the moment you realized, “This is what I’m meant to do”?

Don’t think there was a specific moment, but I realized there’s so much ugliness and hatred in the world. And if I could show even one person that beauty still exists in the chaos we call life, then it would all be worth it. More than anything, I love capturing glimpses of God’s beautiful creation.

My faith is really important to me, so I’m very intentional with everything I do, how I shoot, how I interact with people, and the stories I choose to tell.

What were you struggling with before reaching out to the Manifest Team?

Honestly…everything! I knew exactly what I wanted my website to look like, but I just had no idea how to actually bring that vision to life. I could see it perfectly in my head I just didn’t know the steps to make it real.

How did your old website (or lack of one) hold you back?

I think when people went on my website, they were probably confused because everything was all over the place. It didn’t tell a story, and it didn’t guide them the way it was supposed to.

before working with manifest team

after working with manifest team

What emotions came up during the transformation process?

Honestly, I was scared. I didn’t want to get my website done, spend all that money, and then end up with something that wasn’t what I wanted. I wasn’t sure if it would be a waste of my time and my hard-earned money, and that definitely made me nervous.

What do you feel your website communicates about you now?

It communicates that I have my life together lol but more importantly, it communicates the heart behind what I do. It shows the purpose, the intention, and the why behind my work.

What has been your proudest moment in business?

Not giving up. There are so many challenges that come with running a business, but moments like helping a bride plan her wedding from beginning to end, or documenting a milestone for a single mom, make everything worth it. The pure joy on their faces when they see their photos reminds me why I do this.

What’s one obstacle you overcame that shaped you into the entrepreneur you are today?

Learning that I don’t have to do everything by myself has been huge no one person can. When you’re new to running a business, you’re wearing all the hats and doing everything yourself. And if you’re as controlling as I am, it’s hard to hand over that responsibility to someone else. But learning to trust people to do what they’re good at, so I can focus on what I’m good at, has really helped my business grow.

Like hiring you to build my website instead of trying to DIY it myself that alone taught me the power of letting go and letting experts do their thing.

What is a breakthrough moment in your business that you’re most proud of?

Learning not to compare my beginning to someone middle

What positive changes have you noticed in your business since launching your new website?  

I feel more confident when I send someone my website link or when I receive a compliment about my work. It’s a validation that what I’m putting out into the world is being seen and appreciated.

Explore her new website: 
rhodesblakephotography.com

Follow her on:
www.instagram.com/rhodesblakephotography/