Going to Target together is one of Rachel Laxton’s and my favorite things to do! Rachel is another local wedding & portrait photographer (Rachel Laxton Photography). We are each other’s closest competition and yet somehow best friends. We believe in The Rising Tide Society‘s value of #CommunityOverCompetition and that a rising tide lifts all boats. I have also learned to believe in an abundance (rather than scarcity) mindset. It wasn’t always easy at first but this friendship has become such a blessing! We have assisted each other at weddings and many photoshoots, have learned from each other’s strengths, have referred business to one another, have photographed each other’s babies/dogs, and have realized how much alike we are in our outlook on life!

We were recently at Target and ran into a mom whom both Rachel and I have had as a client for family photo sessions in the past. She said to us that day, “I think it’s so neat that you two hang out together.” This meant a lot to both of us, that even our clients see our friendship as inspiring! If you are reading this and are feeling a little bit lonely in your career, reach out to someone close who your competitor. You will likely have a ton in common, can help each other grow, and may even find a wonderful new friendship <3 Below are my favorites from our Target headshot swap day! The first half are the photos I took of Rachel (and her sweet baby girl Everlee popped in for a few!), and the second half are the photos she took of me 🙂

–And then here are the photos Rachel took of me! We were in here for 3 hours and had so much fun!–