Interview: Photographer Randi Rheaa (United States)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Randi Rheaa. I am a professional female visionary; a photographer. I also own a creative studio called Onyx Studios in Denver, CO that is dedicated to emerging and established photographers and empowering creativity within the space.

How and when did you get into photography?

Though I have always loved photography, the defining moment when I realized I wanted to be photographer was when I was in High School. I had always known that I wasn’t quite like everyone else. I saw the world a little differently and photography really helped me to understand and interpret many seasons in my life. I struggled a lot with my own identity and began using photography as a means to study people through portraiture.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography has always been a healing aspect in my life. I’ve always used my creativity to heal myself and others through the lens. There is something so natural about getting behind my lens and connecting with my subjects on another level. Its as if all barriers are broken through this special connection of my lens and my subjects.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I would describe my photography as surreal portraiture. My portraits stem from the unattainable using surreal color pallets, socially constructed beauty and extreme lighting techniques.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

I am very much an over thinker when it comes to my photography. It is very rare that I don’t think about what I am trying to convey. I believe it is important as visionary or creative photographer that my images have meaning. My shoots are always styled from the lighting, clothing, details, etc. It is important to me to create the scene an allow my viewers to feel what I am feeling while I was creating the image.

Where do you get inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from day to day experiences. I tend to use my feelings to create connections to my what I am photographing.

Studio, on location or both?

I am most definitely a studio photographer.

I enjoy having complete control over what I am photographing. It allows me to have complete control with unlimited access to creative lighting freedom.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a paid professional photographer.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

It’s hard for me to pin point any one shoot. All of my creative sessions are tied to some sort emotion I experience in life. Specific photographs remind me of something I’ve battled or am still battling.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Currently, I shoot with a Sony A7riii. Before I made the decision to switch over, I was always a Nikon user. I absolutely loved every Nikon I owned and never had a problem with any of them. My absolutely favorite lens is an 85mm 1.2 due to its wide aperture and gorgeous compression, especially in portraiture.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

A piece of advice I would give to a new photographer looking to start their own business is be prepared to never stop learning, never give up, and never forget why you started in the first place. Its hard when you start your own business to lose yourself between your creativity and business. Learn to separate the two.

What do you think of our new magazine?

The magazine is great platform for creatives to all come together in one place to be inspired by each other!

www.rheaaphotography.com www.onyxstudiosco.com

instagram: @rheaaphotography

https://www.facebook.com/randi.rheaa/