All Over Albany

Rachael McCormick Photography

Project: Rachael McCormick Photography, a new photography studio that takes photos for engagements, weddings, babies, and other events.

Who: Rachael McCormick

Short bio
Hello! My name is Rachael McCormick, I love gardening, rabbits, and photography. I'm from Delmar, N.Y. but I have lived in Troy, New York. for the past 5 years. I have my BA from The College of Saint Rose in biology, and I am a recent graduate of Le Moyne College's Physician Assistant program. For the past 10 years I have dabbled in photography but never got very serious about it until this past year. I have always had creative outlets while pursing my degrees in science and medicine, and photography has become my main creative outlet. I love reading about photography techniques and putting them into practice. I find it very enjoyable and relaxing, and I have started to get pretty good at it! I started taking photos for free, taking my classmates' photos, engagement photos, baby photos of people I knew over the past year. As of recently I have started to get people booking me for professional paid jobs. I have my first wedding booked for next year!

The photo above is at the top is from a recent first birthday party.

A description of the proposed project
My proposal for the AOA startup grant is to use the money to improve my photography equipment, branding, and legal aspects of my business. I want to start taking more advanced photos and need a better camera to do so. I currently have more hobby level cameras which won't really allow me to grow as a photographer. A high quality DSLR camera to photograph weddings and bigger events can be $2,000+. I would also like to use some of the funding to improve the branding and legal aspect of my business, such as establishing an LLC and developing a website.

How would the grant money help?
I would use this grant to improve my equipment which would allow me to take much more high quality photos, and it would allow me to take on more advanced projects. I would be able to confidently book clients for weddings and bigger events. This would directly benefit me because bigger events allow for more exposure as a business. I would also use a portion of the money to create an LLC and a website. These steps would protect me as a business owner and improve my interaction with clients.

I have a passion for photography. I have a drive to improve my skills with every photoshoot, and to capture important moments that people can cherish. I have many prior clients who have told me that I have a talent for capturing these moments, and finding beauty through the lens. I am a recent graduate, I don't have the income currently to achieve these goals on my own. This grant would allow me to advance my photography career sooner rather than later.