In this episode of Pick My Brain Podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Monteagudo, an Atlanta-based hybrid photographer + Super 8 videographer who creates playful, soulful, and unscripted imagery full of genuine emotion. 

Rachel’s journey started in the Peace Corps, and today she brings those life experiences into every wedding she photographs. In our conversation, she opens up about what it takes to build a thriving business, the balance between artistry and entrepreneurship, and the truth behind being a documentary-style wedding photographer.

Here’s what we dive into ⬇️
 🎥 How her Peace Corps and grad school experiences shaped her storytelling approach
 🤝 Why second shooting is one of the best ways to learn + grow
 💵 Balancing artistry with business: knowing your worth + setting your rates
 📖 Documentary vs. editorial photography and how intuition plays a role in both
 🌎 The importance of wider shots to tell the full story of a wedding day
💍 Creating comfort + presence for your couples so they feel fully themselves
🧠 The role of empathy, intuition, and life experience in shaping your work
☀️ Self-care as an entrepreneur in a demanding industry
📸 What she looks for in a second shooter + tips for collaborating with planners + content creators

Rachel’s insights are equal parts practical + inspiring, reminding us that wedding photography is about more than just pretty pictures. It’s about presence, connection, and telling stories that matter. ✨

Connect with Rachel Monteagudo:
Website: www.rachelmphotography.com
Instagram: @rachel.jpeg_

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