Building a Human First Business

When I sat down to chat with Rachel Larson Weaver for The Business Focused Photographer, I had a feeling the conversation would zigzag in the best possible way—and I was right.

If you don’t know Rachel yet, she’s a film photographer and educator based in Virginia, best known for her long-form sessions: immersive, deeply personal family sessions where she stays with clients for 24+ hours, often traveling across the country to do so. Her work is rooted in storytelling, presence, and human connection, and she’s built a business that reflects those exact same values.

Here’s what stood out during our conversation—and why I think her approach is a powerful reminder that sustainable, high-end photography businesses don’t need to be overcomplicated to be successful.

Art and Business Aren’t Opposites

Rachel and I dug deep into a common fear among photographers: that focusing on profit somehow cheapens your art. In reality, the opposite can be true. As Rachel put it, when you create work only you can make—art that comes from your soul—you naturally create scarcity. That means you're no longer a commodity. People aren’t comparing your prices against someone else's—they're hiring you because of what only you bring to the table.

Your Business Should Feel Good to Run

Whether you’re someone who thrives on automation or someone who prefers handwritten notes and analog systems, Rachel’s advice is the same: build a business that feels good to you. She doesn’t batch emails or rely on complex funnels. Instead, she writes a weekly newsletter as a creative practice and leans into connection. Her clients know they’re getting a real human, not a sequence.

If writing is your strength? Do that. If it's talking on the phone or sending voice notes or showing up at local events—lean in. There’s no single “right” way, especially in an industry that’s built on trust and emotion.

Let Inspiration Be Intentional

Rachel shared how she actively avoids scrolling for inspiration and instead fills her creative cup with photo books and the work of artists like Sally Mann, William Eggleston, and Dorothea Lange. This kind of slow, considered inspiration keeps her from chasing trends and helps her stay grounded in her own voice.

It’s also one of the reasons her work feels timeless and consistent—two qualities that give clients the confidence to invest at a higher level.

Long-Form Sessions: The Anti-Mini

Interestingly, Rachel’s now-signature long-form sessions were born from a business need. She was trying to close a financial gap and initially attempted to fill it with mini sessions. The result? Crickets. So she pivoted in the opposite direction and offered more: more time, more presence, more space. Six families booked her long-form offering right away—and she’s been flying across the country ever since.

What made it work? A clear offering, a high-touch experience, and marketing rooted in actual conversations (not just posts into the void).

Film as a Boundary and a Gift

Shooting film isn’t just a creative preference for Rachel—it’s also a way of building boundaries into her process. She can’t overshoot. She has to slow down. She’s not editing thousands of images. That restriction helps her stay present and prevents burnout. It’s a reminder that boundaries in your work (whether that’s through medium, pricing, or how you book) aren’t limitations—they’re lifelines.

Real Connection Is the Best Marketing

One of my favorite takeaways from this episode? Just say what you do. Tell the person at the concert, or the pool, or even your colonoscopy nurse (IYKYK). People want to work with people. And even if they don’t hire you, they’ll remember you—and maybe send someone else your way.

A Business Rooted in Presence

Rachel’s approach isn’t about hacking the algorithm or building a six-figure funnel. It’s about creating art, being present, and serving people in a way that feels deeply aligned. And the beautiful part? That kind of business is not at odds with profitability. In fact, it might just be the reason for it.

So if you’re in a season of doubting your direction, or wondering whether you need a better CRM or a more polished backend before you're “ready,” take this as your permission slip to strip it all back. Start with what feels good. Let it grow from there.

Want more Rachel?Visit rachellarsonweaver.com or follow her on Instagram at @rachel.larson.weaver

And if this episode spoke to you, be sure to subscribe to The Business Focused Photographer—where art and business get to share the stage.