🤍 The People Behind the Camera: Gratitude for the Ones Who Got Me Here
- Rachael Shine
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Photography can feel like a solo journey sometimes — just you, a camera, and whatever light you can find. 📸But the truth is, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who have quietly (and sometimes loudly) supported me every step of the way.
This blog is a love letter to the people behind the scenes — the ones who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
🌷 Barbara — My Mom, My Loudest Advocate
If you’ve ever met my mom, Barbara, you know she is my biggest fan. 🤍
She will:
Tell complete strangers about my photography
Show them my work whether they asked or not
Make sure everyone knows when my photos are featured somewhere
She’s also attended every single state fair and show where my work has been displayed. No matter how big or small the event, she shows up — proud, excited, and always ready to brag.
Having someone who believes in you that deeply, that consistently, is something I’ll never take for granted.
💍 Carson — My Partner in Life and in Growth
Carson, my husband, has been a steady presence throughout my photography journey. 🤍
He:
Encourages me to keep improving my craft
Supports me at photoshoots (even the long, exhausting ones)
Reminds me why I started when things feel overwhelming
His support isn’t loud — it’s grounding. He pushes me to grow while reminding me that I’m already capable. That balance matters more than he probably knows.
📷 Lee — The One Who Started It All
My uncle Lee bought me my first Canon T3 DSLR, and that single act changed everything.
That camera wasn’t just a gift — it was an opportunity. It was permission to explore, to experiment, to fail, and to fall in love with photography in a real way.
Every camera I’ve upgraded to since traces back to that moment. I don’t forget where this started.
🫶 Friends — The Ones Who Held Me Up
Friends are often the unsung heroes of creative growth.
Mine have:
Given honest critiques when I needed them
Talked me up when my confidence was low
Reminded me of my progress when I couldn’t see it myself
They’ve celebrated wins, sat with me through doubts, and helped me keep going when quitting felt easier.
No creative journey survives without people like that.
✨ Why Support Matters More Than Talent
Talent is important — but support is what sustains you.
It’s the people who:
Encourage you when growth feels slow
Show up even when results aren’t flashy
Believe in your work when you’re still figuring it out
That kind of support is what turns a hobby into a career and a dream into something real.
🤍 Final Thoughts
This photography journey may be mine, but it’s built on the love, encouragement, and belief of the people around me.
If you’ve supported me — whether by cheering me on, booking a session, sharing my work, or simply believing in me — thank you. Truly.
I carry all of you with me into every shoot.
📣 Want to Be Part of the Story?
If you’ve been following along and thinking about booking a session or collaborating:
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