Meet Rachael Hulse | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Rachael, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve loved photography since I was a child, and it’s always been a way for me to express myself creatively. In college, I studied Art and Photography but ultimately majored in something else because I believed photography might not provide a stable living. I even had a counselor at an art school tell me it was probably just a hobby and encouraged me to pursue something else.

For years, I followed a more traditional career path in corporate America. While I gained valuable skills, I found myself feeling burnt out and unfulfilled. During that time, I picked up my camera again, and it was like a light switched on inside me. For the first time, I truly understood what it meant to feel passionate about something. Photography reignited my sense of purpose and creativity, and I realized it was what I was meant to do.

Since then, I’ve poured my heart into building my photography business, blending my creative vision with the business acumen I gained during my corporate career. It’s been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share my passion with others through my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is so special to me, and I approach every session with care and a desire to create something truly special. As a perfectionist, I treat every client like family, ensuring they feel valued and comfortable while I work to deliver images they’ll cherish for a lifetime. One thing that sets me apart is my commitment to growth. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come since I first started, both in the technical aspects of photography and in my ability to connect with clients on a personal level. I’m always striving to deliver a better end result and improve my offerings for my clients.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I’ve spent countless hours refining my craft, learning how to shoot better, and mastering editing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop. Consistency has been key to my success, as has my ability to build genuine relationships with clients. Many of my bookings come from referrals, which is the ultimate compliment.

Until recently, my focus has primarily been on portraits, but I’m excited to expand into the wedding industry. Love stories inspire me, and photographing couples and engagements fuels my passion for what I do. Capturing those raw, emotional moments is what motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned so much about not only photography but about myself. Social media has played a huge role in building my brand, and while putting my face and personality online was a challenge at first, it’s been a transformative experience. It’s helped me grow more confident and taught me to let go of the little things that don’t matter.

Ultimately, my goal is to create timeless, heartfelt images that reflect the uniqueness of every client I work with. I hope my story and work inspires others to follow their dreams, no matter how daunting the path may seem.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What a loaded question! The possibilities in LA are truly endless! For eats, I’m a huge fan of Sugarfish and Hatchet Hall in Culver City for a cozy, elevated dining experience (don’t skip on their cornbread!). For brunch, The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice never disappoints or The Waterfront for bottomless mimosas! The Deck in Laguna Beach is also one of my favorite lunch or sunset dinner spots.

Speaking on Laguna, I would definitely spend a day there strolling through art galleries, shopping, and grabbing a cocktail at The Rooftop Lounge. I would also take a day trip out to Temecula for wine tasting! I love Halter Ranch, Lorimar, and Altisima. The wine in Temecula is seriously underrated if you know where to go!

For some nighttime activities, I’d definitely catch Kings game or a concert at Crypto.com Arena. And of course, no visit to LA is complete without a Hollywood moment so I’d make sure we hike to the Hollywood sign and also get our steps in at the Culver City stairs to soak up the 360 views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to several amazing people and communities who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, my husband, Jordan, deserves a huge thank you. He has been my biggest cheerleader, always encouraging me to chase my dreams and reassuring me when I’ve doubted myself. Without his unwavering support, I don’t think I would have had the courage to put myself out there the way I have.

I also want to thank my family and friends, who graciously let me practice on them when I was just starting out. Their patience, encouragement, and belief in me gave me the confidence to refine my craft and grow as a photographer.

Lastly, I want to recognize the incredible photographer community. Being part of several photography groups has been such a gift. Everyone is so generous with their knowledge, sharing tips, tricks, and advice. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who truly understand the ups and downs of this journey.

To all of these people and groups: thank you for being such an important part of my story. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you!

Website: https://www.rachaelhulsephotography.com/

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

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rachael-hulse-photography-san-diego