Exploring Life & Business with Rishelle Barber of Rosey Shell Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rishelle Barber.

Hi Rishelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My background is in Graphic Design – I graduated from NC State University in 1996. I was married the same year and started a family in 2001. I left my job to stay home with my two boys. My creative need was always there and eventually led to the obsession of getting good photos of my boys… playing sports or on vacation, etc. When they were too annoyed with my frequent picture-taking ideas, I turned to my dog.

She was happy to be my model so long as I held a tennis ball and promised to throw it for her. This naturally turned into wanting to get photos of other people and I started a business in 2015. I laugh at the way I jumped into a “business” without really knowing what all a business entailed. But I always told myself that it was the journey that I enjoyed the most and I wasn’t setting out to conquer the business world or be the best over everyone else… I simply wanted to get better and better for myself. I enjoy the challenge of capturing the right moment in the right light …and I love being in the middle of big events, like wedding days! Meeting new people and seeing all the special touches brings me joy.

In the middle of this journey, we had a surprise baby kinda late in life. It threw us for a loop, but we have loved every minute with our newest little redhead. So far, he doesn’t protest my photo-taking (much) and I’ve had a great time taking full advantage of all the fun photo opportunities with him. Having a baby again means prioritizing things a little more and I’ve had to adjust my business too. Currently, I am focusing on weddings, engagement, and bridal sessions and still love meeting all the couples and their families… and helping to share their stories through photos.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
ooh, struggles are real… let’s see learning to run a business the legal way, with taxes and such, lol.
learning the art of directing people after mastering the camera settings. that’s a bit of psychology, right? Learning to balance work hours and be present in my home and with my family. Big one! still struggling with this one.

I had to step away from a few couples, I was committed to when I learned I was pregnant… that was super hard!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rosey Shell Photography?
My photo business focuses on weddings and couples and includes engagement sessions and bridal sessions. I have always photographed families and seniors until recently and hope to come back to those types of sessions in the future. My goal is to capture genuine moments and mix them up with pretty poses and fun directions.

I’m not sure I know what I’m known for… but my hope is that it would be for glowy light and a great experience. I always strive to make the people I am photographing feel good and have fun during their sessions and on their wedding day. I am there to serve them as best as I possibly can and make them feel special.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Friendliness for sure! But also, confidence and creativity… maybe a little “go-with-flow” disposition!

Pricing:

• Weddings $3000
• Individual sessions $300

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: roseyshell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosey.shell_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseyshell