Meet Brian Rash-Zeigler | Owner of RZ Photography & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Rash-Zeigler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
First off, thank you for your time and interview today. I am very thankful and appreciative for this opportunity, truly.

Starting one’s own business is a lot of things. It’s freeing, scary, difficult, time consuming, fun, educational, etc. The best thing about it is, it’s your own. For many years I have worked for other peoples’ vision, goals, and revenue at a fraction of what they were making as the owner(s) of those businesses. I also had to follow their rules, plans, and strategies with little to no input. Don’t get me wrong, having a job to provide for my necessities, all while not having the headache of running the business wasn’t the worst thing. Matter of fact, I currently have a day job to help support the income needs. What led me to start my own photography business was the idea of shaping an art form I grew up practicing and loving into a source of income for myself and family. I wanted to enjoy how I made my living. It was a big decision I am glad I made and I am still learning and developing every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I pride myself for capturing organic emotion and scenes while telling the story with photos / videos. My fortes are Event Photography, content creation, and still-life / landscapes. I rely on events and content creation for income, while still-life and landscapes for artistic release. It’s very therapeutic for me to be behind the camera. Of course there are many challenges with this process. One of the main issues is obtaining new clients and creating return clients. Since people do not always need photography, getting repeat business has gaps, while getting new clients is challenging within a saturated market. I have to stay on my toes regarding marketing strategies and networking to improve on this front. The biggest lesson I have learned is to be patient, consistent, and continue learning. Those three things will help me improve my processes as long as I stick with them. I am excited to see how my business is growing with the help of my business planner Ana Varsic with Vanka Business Development. She has been helping me shape my vision into a reality piece by piece. It really helps with my motivation and direction. Having to think of everything all of the time, it is easy to be distracted and unfocused on what needs to be done immediately. She keeps me on pace for sure. When people think of RZ Photography, I want them to think of quality, professionalism, and reliability. I am here to help clients with their success in whatever they do. I am excited to see what 2022 brings and beyond.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a thick question due to all of the options San Diego provides year round. When I have visitors in town, I have to take them to La Jolla Cove, Ocean Beach, Torrey Pines Park, Balboa Park, and of course the Gas Lamp district. We have to hit some of my favorite vegetarian spots like Plumeria and Civico 1845, and also grab some burritos from some of my favorite spots. A visit to the Zoo is a must, especially visitors with children. Being a golfer, I would have to set up a Tee Time at one of our many beautiful courses. The trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Coronado beach for a day in the sand followed by a sunset with drinks at the Hotel Del.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is a huge question, because there was a lot of support for me on this journey. First off, my parents for having me and letting me run around with their video camera as a young kid making my crazy videos of randomness. They also got me my first hand-held digital camera in 2000. My sisters for always having confidence in my abilities growing up and even today. My High School, Cape May County Technical High School in New Jersey for offering the photography / video class that I had 3 periods a day for three years. I learned the fundamentals of film photography, videography, and also introduced me to the origins of digital editing. That put me in the position to run with that knowledge and begin my self-learning voyage that led me to where I am today. I would also give shout outs to all the bands I have worked with over the years capturing their “press” photos and live performances. Some of the more recent ones were Just In Case, Punch Card, Avenue Army, The Rough, and a lot more. And all the clients I have shot events for, personal portraits, etc.. They offer me the opportunity to make this business a reality! I do not have any “favorite” photographers that come to mind. I just appreciate anyone who continues to provide the world with awesome content in the photo and video mediums.

Website: www.rz-photography.com

Instagram: @rzphotosofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69104605

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rzphotosofficial

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rz-photography-la-mesa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7wAaVrksbCP6yl8DBHlWRA