Meet Kristin Rachelle | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Rachelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I bought my first DSLR when my middle child was born, and from the moment I began taking photos, I was hooked. I ate, slept, and breathed photography. As my skills grew, I began to realize that this wasn’t just a hobby anymore, it was a calling. With a degree in Business and a passion that lit me up, it felt only natural to turn my love for photography into a professional path. Today, I get to blend creativity with entrepreneurship, doing what I love every single day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business grew out of a deep love for capturing real, meaningful moments. What started with a DSLR and a desire to photograph my own kids turned into a full-time career that I’m incredibly proud of. I work with families who want more than just posed photos; they want connection, emotion, and memories that feel genuine.

What sets me apart is the experience I create. I’m outgoing, friendly, intuitive, and focused on making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. I really want my clients to enjoy the process, not just the final images.

It definitely wasn’t easy getting here. I had to learn how to run a business while also growing as an artist. There were a lot of long days, mistakes, and self-doubt along the way, but those challenges pushed me to keep growing. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to move through fear and make changes, even when it feels scary, because those are often the shifts that lead to the best outcomes.

At the end of the day, I want my work to evoke feelings full of love, laughter, and meaning. That’s what drives me, and that’s what I hope people see in every photo I take.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is such an amazing place to live, and if my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want to show them everything. We’d definitely spend some time hanging out at the beach; sunset is my absolute favorite time of day there. It’s just calm, peaceful, and the perfect way to relax. After that, we’d grab some delicious Mexican food and a margarita at one of my favorite local spots by the water.

Mornings would start with my Pilates or workout routine (yes, they’d have to join me!), followed by coffee at one of my local spots where we can sit outside. I’d take them on walks through some of the beautiful areas around town.

Nightlife for me is all about great happy hours, good conversation, and maybe catching a Padres game; either on TV or, if we’re feeling up for it, in person downtown. If we do go to the game, we’d make a night of it and venture around the Gaslamp area afterward.

I feel like no trip would be complete without a day in Coronado. I’d take them to stroll around the Hotel Del, check out the amazing views of the downtown, and hit up Coronado Brewing Company (one of my faves!).

It would be the perfect mix of beachy, delicious, and laid-back, just like life here in Southern California!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It doesn’t exist anymore, but I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to a group of women from an old online community. I “met” them on a forum for moms who were selling their kids’ clothes on eBay. I vividly remember a few of them posting the most beautiful photos of their babies taken with a DSLR, and I instantly thought, I want to take pictures like that. That moment changed everything. Seventeen years later, I’m running an incredible photography business and feel so lucky to meet and work with the most amazing families.

Website: https://www.kristinrachellephotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinrachellephotography

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kristinrachelle

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