From Maternity Leave to Mastering the Lens: Rae Jones' Leap into Photography Entrepreneurship

(Photo credit: Nikki Morgan Photography)

In the midst of a global pandemic, when uncertainty loomed over careers and daily life, Rae Jones turned a fleeting dream into a thriving reality. As a former visual merchandiser for brands like Coach and Altar’d State, Rae had always thrived in creative roles, crafting displays that told stories through aesthetics. But it was during her maternity leave in 2020, amid Covid furloughs, that her path took an unexpected — and profoundly fulfilling — turn. 

“I knew this was going to be my last baby, and I really wanted to stay home,” Rae recalls. Then came the dream: a vivid vision of herself as a wedding photographer. With no prior professional experience in photography, she bought a camera and dove in headfirst. By the time her old job called her back, Rae was already booking sessions three to four months out. She politely declined the return to corporate life, marking the start of Rae Jones Photography. 

Transitioning from visual merchandising to photography meant bridging her innate creativity with technical mastery. “Learning light was the biggest challenge,” she shared. “You can have the most beautiful location, but if the lighting isn’t right, the pictures fall flat.” She tackled this by enrolling in a specialized course on lighting and locations, then putting it into practice — snapping shots in her backyard, at parks, and in varied scenarios to experiment and refine her skills. Her visual merchandising background proved invaluable here, honing her eye for tiny details: a slight two-degree shift in pose, the precise placement of hands. “It’s the tiny details that make such a big difference,” she said. 

Mentorship played a pivotal role in accelerating her growth. Early on, Mary Thomas, a seasoned wedding and newborn photographer, reached out unsolicited. 

“She spent three days with me, teaching me how to use my camera because I couldn’t figure it out,” Jones said. Later, family friend Jessica Lowell, a luxury wedding photographer, gifted her an entire educational suite from renowned photographer Kaitlyn James. “I see you have the gift. I see that you have what it takes,” Jessica told her. These acts of generosity — combined with relentless practice propelled Jones forward. “Take your camera everywhere,” her mentors advised her. “Shoot buildings, flowers, people until you find your rhythm.”

Today, Jones’ business is a blend of passion and purpose, specializing in storytelling through the lens. She’s particularly excited about branding photography, helping small businesses and corporations capture their essence to connect with their communities. “I love telling other small business owners’ stories through pictures to impact their community,” she mentioned. Based in Myrtle Beach since October 2024 (after 12 years in Columbia), Jones markets her services through networking giants like BNI and chamber meetings, alongside Facebook and word-ofmouth referrals that built her initial brand.

But her impact extends beyond client sessions. She’s deeply committed to her community, serving as the photographer for the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation’s annual gala in Charleston for several years. “They reached out, and I was like, ‘I would love to donate my time.’ It impacts the kids, and I get to meet the families,” she said. She’s also partnered with Helping Hands of Myrtle Beach, a social services organization aiding families in crisis with food and resources.

Looking ahead, her ambitions are as focused as her camera lens. Short-term, she’s building her branding arm; longterm, within the next two to five years, she envisions a full branding studio where she mentors aspiring photographers. She’s already tasted success in this realm, having guided four mentees who are now thriving independently. “I’ve done some training already, and I want to do education in the studio,” she said.

Jones’ story reveals the power of pursuing what ignites your spirit. Her advice to fellow dreamers? “Whether it’s photography or not, if you have a dream or something that just sets your soul on fire, figure out a way to make it your career. Because you’ll never feel like you’re working, and you’ll always look forward to going to work.”

In a world that often prioritizes stability over passion, Rae Jones reminds people that sometimes, the best shots come from taking a leap into the unknown. Through her lens, she’s not just capturing moments — she’s crafting a legacy of inspiration.

Connect with Rae Jones Photography here: https://www.raejonesphotography.com