Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Zans
Hi Randi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was 12 when I got my first camera, and since then it had been attached at my hip. I’ve always loved being able to capture every moment around me. I always thought it would be such a dream to tell peoples stories and make a living from it, but never really took it seriously because I didn’t think it was realistic. Because of that, I always settled with it being a hobby here and there. Fast forward to 2021, my husband and I welcomed our son to our family. We were nowhere near financially prepared, so paying for newborn photos wasn’t much of an option, but I still wanted to document it. Naturally, I took his newborn photos myself, which turned into taking photos of him with every milestone. A few years ago, I got my Real Estate license, hoping it would not only help provide for my son, but also allow time for me to spend time with him and watch him grow while he’s still little. Real Estate became a huge part of my life, while trying everything I can to succeed in it. Earlier this year, I thought I was getting burnt out on real estate, so I took some time off. During this time, I started taking photos again with my friends, including two who are constantly telling me I need to pursue photography as a business. I decided I’d give it a try, because the worst that could happen is that it doesn’t work out. I knew even then, I’d still be happy with it only being a hobby. This was only in May of 2024 and since then, it hasn’t stopped growing. I was so shocked that so many people were willing to pay for my work, and even more shocked at the amount of people who have become returning clients just within the year. Since May, I’ve worked with 120 amazing new clients and have announced that in 2025, I will be working full time as a photographer. It was the most surreal feeling realizing I can do what I absolutely love, have time with my son, and provide for him.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m so grateful to say that it surprisingly has been a smooth road for the most part. I often compare my photography journey to my real estate journey. While they’re completely different industries, both revolve around running your own business. I thought the reason real estate was such a bumpy ride was because it was supposed to be. I thought it was natural to get burnt out so quickly and that all it meant was that I was pushing myself to work too hard. It was when I turned my photography into a business that I realized if you truly love what you’re doing everyday, then the rest will fall into place naturally. I’ve probably spent double the amount of hours on my photography business in the last 7 months than I did in my 2 years of real estate, and have yet to feel burnt out or tired of it, even on nights I’m editing galleries until 3:00am. However, every small business still comes with obstacles and my biggest struggle along the way has been self doubt. St. Louis is crowded with so many insanely talented photographers and artists, it’s impossible to not sometimes compare yourself or wonder if you need to be doing what everyone else is doing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My favorite part of photography is the storytelling behind it, more specifically, the love stories. There’s nothing better than being able to look at a photo and feeling the love between two individuals, which is why I specialize in weddings and couples. Most people seek out a photographer because they generally just want some nice photos, but it’s the experience that attracts them to come back and sets photographers apart from each other. This is why I’ve spent so much time on my client experience and making sure they not only get great photos, but that they’re comfortable in front of the camera and get to have fun too. What sets me apart from others is that I try to make sure no session feels transactional: where they take photos, pay, leave and that’s that. I love getting to know my clients, hearing their stories, and even staying connected afterwards. I also try to have a more candid approach to capture a couples true emotions rather than posing them the entire time. I love to give fun little prompts that make them laugh and have fun together. Lastly, as a 2023 bride, I understand how stressful the wedding planning gets. Since most of my clients are brides-to-be, I give all of them access to my online wedding planning workbook which has helped so many brides ease their stress and plan things they might forget about. It also helps me a lot as well because they can share it with me, their partner, their wedding planner, or anyone else who might need to know the fine details of their big day!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The clients experience matters the most to me. A lot of people aren’t really comfortable in front of a camera, but still want to get professional photos done to document memories and milestones. I’ve had my fair share of clients who feel awkward at first, or guys who “don’t like their picture taken”, but by the end of the session, it always turns into a great time for everyone. I want to help people feel comfortable enough to have their important moments captured. Photos are so important to me because they freeze your memories forever. Being able to look back at a photo and remember the celebration or emotions happening during them is such an amazing experience and it saddens me to think so many people don’t take photos because they just don’t feel comfortable doing so.
Pricing:
- Classic Package $1200
- Premium Package $1600
- Deluxe Package $1800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.randizansweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randizansphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnzphotos/
