After spending years in the world of corporate finance, Rhea Whitney found herself asking, “Is this it?” It was that question, and the urging of her colleagues, that pushed her to learn more about photography. Later she realized that she could absolutely turn photography into her full time job and that’s exactly what she did.
Now she helps other aspiring photographers go from hobbyist to pro and build businesses that support their lives and their dreams while still participating in her first love.
Rhea initially built her business in Washington D.C., where she’d settled after graduating from Howard University. She later made the leap to move to Texas and is now based in Houston. Through it all she knew that she could make this work as long as she set her mind to it.
As she grew her wedding photography business, she started to hear from other photographers asking her how she’d done it. How had she built her business in two different locations and managed to be equally successful in both.
That’s when she started to understand the need for true mentorship in the photography space. Listen as she shares more about her story and why she’s so passionate about helping others to succeed in their dreams as well.
In This Episode:
[01:05] Welcome to the show, Rhea!
[01:24] Rhea shares her background and what she does now.
[03:29] Listen as Rhea shares that photography isn’t what she started out doing.
[06:18] How she ended up in Houston.
[10:55] Becoming an educator helping photographers grow their businesses.
[12:32] From Hobbyist to Pro launched in 2018 and she is now opening the fourth course.
[15:24] What Hobbyist to Pro is about and how it can help photographers.
[17:44] One actionable tip that you can use to help your business today.
[21:03] What lights her up about the photography industry.
[23:26] Learn about the mindset obstacles she has had to overcome.
[28:24] The affirmation and the positive things you tell yourself boost your confidence.
[30:21] Rhea gives some advice to people who need help to start their business, clean up their business or just learn how to run their business.
[32:50] Her favorite business tool is HoneyBook.
[33:29] We’d go to Pico’s or Ninfa’s and have some margaritas.
[34:08] “You have to be the change you want to see in the world.”
[35:28] Thank you for being on the show!
Links and Resources
Find Rhea:
@rheawhitney
Find Jenn:
@successbeyondthelens
@successbeyondthelenspodcast
Grab your Boundaries Resources
Editable Welcome Packet Template
Join the Become a Virtual Assistant for Photographers waitlist!