Inspiring Conversations with Rocheal Matthews of Rocheal Photography Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocheal Matthews.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Photography has been in my life since the early ’90s, when I picked up my dad’s camera at a 96Rock event and managed to focus on an airplane with his manual lens. From there, I was hooked. Anytime I had access to a semi-professional camera — whether it was my dad’s or someone else’s — I’d try to grab it and always find myself sneaking away to capture nature.

In 2010, my husband, Will, bought me my very first camera. I had no idea what I was doing, but I loved experimenting — mostly with dragonflies, bugs, and occasionally people. He kept encouraging me, upgrading my gear, and challenging me to push myself further. Eventually, I photographed my first wedding (for free!) around 2015 and had an absolute blast.

By 2017, when our son was born, I knew I couldn’t go back to my teaching job and pay someone else to raise him. That was the turning point — I started charging for my work, and things began to take off. Since then, there have been so many milestones: Will leaving his 25-year career to join me and launch our videography arm, and Stephen officially coming on as a lead photographer. Those were huge moments that birthed Rocheal Photography Group and turned my little dream into a true team and business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not at all been a smooth road — and I think that’s the beauty of it. Balancing business and family has always been a challenge. I catch myself putting work and money ahead of what truly matters, and it often takes a wake-up call to bring me back into perspective. I struggle with pride and wanting to control everything — learning to trust God with my business instead of clinging to control is a daily challenge.

But I’m growing so much through it. This business has been like a mirror — constantly showing me where I need to let go, where I need to trust, and how I need to love better. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped me into a better wife, mom, business owner, and most importantly: follower of Christ.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rocheal Photography Group?
Rocheal Photography Group is a wedding photography and videography team based in Atlanta, and we specialize in creating EPIC, FUN, and authentic experiences for our couples. What makes us unique isn’t just the photos or films (though we love creating jaw-dropping work!) — it’s the way we guide our couples through the entire journey. From stress-free planning and custom timelines to gallery reveal parties in our home, we make sure the whole experience is unforgettable.

Albums are a cornerstone of our work. We believe photos and films should make you fall in love all over again — not just live on a hard drive or in your inbox. Our heirloom albums and cinematic films are time machines that help couples relive their story, while one day giving their children the chance to flip through and smile at their parents’ love.

And honestly, what I’m most grateful for is how this business has grown me. Just like a marriage, it’s had ups and downs — but through it all, it’s made me a better person for God, my family, our team, and our couples.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve been blessed with mentors early on — Glen and Becky — who helped lay the foundation for my business. But honestly, my biggest mentor has been God. When I let Him lead, things flow in ways I could never orchestrate on my own. Beyond that, trial and error has been my teacher, and my peers in the wedding industry are the people I lean on when things get tough.

As for networking, I’ve tried everything from bridal shows to formal associations, and they all “work” in some way. But the absolute best thing I’ve learned is this: serve people well, love what you do, and let that love spill over into every interaction. When you focus on genuinely caring for clients, being in love with your craft, and building relationships with other vendors – networking stops feeling like “networking” — it just becomes community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rochealphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rocheal.photography.group
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochealphotographygroup
• Other: https://vimeo.com/rochealphotographygroup

Image Credits
Rocheal Photography Group