We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellis Vidmar and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ellis, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always been one who has wanted “just a little more” out of everything I accomplish or create. I am a perfectionist to say the least. I have been taking photos for as long as I can remember. There was this one summer, I took Photography as a 4-H project, and as a part of one of the assignments they asked me to take pictures following certain rules… I remember thinking to myself “why should there be rules in my creations, they can’t tell me what to do.” I was 10 or 11 a the time, and since then, I have followed that motto when it comes to my photography.
My first initial photography name was “Photos by Ellis Rae” and over time, as I grew in my knowledge and got more creative I wanted my name to change and grow with me; and so in 2018, Rae of Light Photography was born.
I am passionate about photography because I believe in creating memories, not only through the photos but through the experience that I want my clients to have during their sessions. I am the queen of making it up as I go, and no two sessions are the same, no two photos are the same and that’s the kind of impression I want to leave with my clients.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Rae of Light Photography was created in 2018, and since then I have done more that I ever thought possible for myself in the photography world. While in college, I did a lot of senior sessions, and family shoots. Then right after I graduated I had my first wedding. Since then, I have done 5 more and countless more sessions in-between.
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that I like to create more natural, almost under edited photos. I want my clients to remember that day/ moment in time as it really was.
Where I am today, took hard work, and lots of learning, growing and consistently figuring out my personal style, and how I wanted to market myself.
I have dipped my toes into just about very type of photoshoot there is, some I have really enjoyed and will continue to pursue, and others not so much. I now have it narrowed down to a few that I know I am good at, and I know what I want to be known for. Rae of Light Photography specializes in small weddings, families, senior sessions, and livestock photography. With that being said, I guarantee that the photos you receive back from me will be high quality, and captured as you remember them,
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from a small town just outside of Winter Park, called Hot Sulphur Springs. I would take them to Idelwild Spirits, in Winter Park for Moscow Mules, and sliders (my parents provide the beef for the restaurant), then we would drive on down to Grand Lake and take a pontoon out, enjoy the views and relax on mountain time. Enjoy some shopping and homemade ice cream at Miyauchi’s Snack Bar. At the end of the day, I would have pizza delivered from Deans Public House (it’s a big deal in a small town) to my parent’s house in Hot Sulphur Springs, and then later that night we’d go to the Hot Springs Resort down the road and soak in the natural hot springs.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In the world of photography, there are plenty of mentors at my disposal and who I could reach out to for anything, if I ever had any questions, etc. However, one person comes to mind when it comes to support and encouragement. I have watched Kaitlyn Adams, with KaitlynDiana Photography blossom over the years into an amazing photographer and entrepreneur, and she is one that I have and will continue to model my business and photography after because she is truly amazing. Even though I am no where near to where she’s at in skill, or full-time status her work is always on my radar.
I also want to shoutout my parents, Monte & Gay Linke because they have always encouraged me to chase my dreams no matter how far out of reach they may seem. They have supported my love and passion for photography for years, and continue to do so.
Lastly, but certainly not least my husband Nathan Vidmar deserves all the credit in the world. He’s been my right-hand guy at most photo shoots for the past 5 years. Whether it’s holding a reflector, an extra lens or carrying the brides bouquet, he has never let me down. He’s my biggest cheerleader, and my best friend.
Instagram: @raeoflightphoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaeofLightPhotography18
Image Credits
Copyright: Rae of Light Photography. Ellis Rae Vidmar