Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Feinberg.
Rachel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started doing photography in 2013 during a school trip to South Africa. I figured that I should have a nice camera for this trip of a lifetime and that if I was going to have a nice camera, then I should know how to use it. I taught myself the basics and a few weeks later realized how much I loved photographing the natural environment and wildlife I saw on my trip. I kept taking photos when I returned to college and developed an even greater appreciation for my surroundings through my lens. Photography became my meditation, my state of flow that got me out of my head and focused my awareness on the world around me. It drove me to explore new places I never would have gone to, and discover details I never would have noticed. I started sharing my photographs online and much to my surprise, people began to ask for prints. I had never thought of my photography as more than a hobby, but since moving back to Atlanta I’ve been able to sell some of my work and show it in several local exhibitions, even the airport. Still, I consider photography to be more of a passion than a business and I get plenty of satisfaction from capturing the scenes I see and sharing them with others.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Usually when trying something new, it starts out difficult and gets easier with time and practice. But in my case, it started out easy and got harder over the years. When I started doing photography, I took a lot of photos on my college campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, which was like a private tropical paradise. I could walk around with my camera at sunrise or at midnight taking pictures of all the wondrous flora, fauna, and scenery the bay had to offer, without ever worrying about feeling judged or unsafe. But after moving back to Atlanta, I’ve felt less inspired and less free to roam around taking pictures at any time or place. While I still get enjoyment out of my photography, it’s difficult to feel motivated and encouraged when success and worth is often measured in likes and comments. It’s especially hard when you share work that you’re really proud of and feel like it’s not being seen. In fact, it’s been several months since I’ve even shared any pictures. But sometimes you have to be reminded of what you love doing and why. So I encourage myself, and would encourage others to not put so much value in social media and to not doubt what you’re capable of. You can’t place your value in anyone’s hands but your own.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shutterberg Photography – what should we know?
I primarily take photos of nature and wildlife, but since moving back to Atlanta I’ve started to take interest in the urban environment and people’s places within it. In particular, I’ve been focusing a lot on the juxtaposition and coexistence of manmade and natural environments. Regardless of the subjects of my photo, I always strive to capture a scene exactly how I see it. And I think a lot of my composition is driven by my OCD. While it can certainly get in the way in my day-to-day life, I can use photography to channel it. When I’m looking through my lens or editing photos, I’m able to pick up on the shapes and patterns that emerge in an image, the geometry within and among objects, and the balanced relationships between them and their surroundings. I think this ability is what made photography come to me so naturally, and what makes my photos unique. I hope that my images can help make people see the world a little differently and become more aware of the beauty in natural environments, even in the middle of a city. If I can help people notice and appreciate nature, maybe they’ll care a little more about preserving it.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think one of the barriers we don’t often consider is the barrier that women pose to themselves. There’s often an air of competition between us and seeing other women who seem more successful and capable can really be a blow to our confidence. It makes it hard to keep trying when you feel so far behind everyone else. But I think it’s important to connect and build community rather than competition, to lift each other up and encourage each other. How can we expect to be respected in an industry when we have such a hard time showing compassion to each other and to ourselves? Ultimately, I think women have the power to come together and create the accepting environments that we want to work in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shutterberg.com
- Email: rrfeinberg@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shutter.berg
Image Credit:
Shutterberg Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
