Artist Feature – Reje Rush

Reje Rush is wedding and portrait photographer currently residing in The City Beautiful, also known as Orlando, Florida. Since his younger years, art and photography have been at the forefront of his life. Although he started out by putting pencil to paper and paint to canvas, his interests slowly evolved to take after his father, who was a respected street photographer in Miami, FL. Nowadays, Reje takes his inspiration from photojournalism and street photography, constantly looking for good framing, symmetry and beautiful emotions.

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Please share a bit about your background and how you got started in photography? How long have you been a photographer?

My official start in photography began in 2019 when I bought my friend’s Canon T6. Before that, however, I grew up around my dad taking me on his photography walks and gigs when I was a little kid. I also went to elementary, middle, and high school for art, so I guess it’s kind of in my blood!

Who are some of your favorite photographers?

This is a tough question. I have favorite photographers from different eras and genres. We’ll start with Fan Ho & Alan Schaller for street photography, Matt McClain for photojournalism, and Victor El Marco Rojo, Susan Stripling & Kareem Virgo for wedding photography.

What is the best part about being a photographer? What is the most challenging part of being a photographer?

Hmmm, I’d say the best part of being a photographer is having the ability to showcase the world how you see it and get paid for it. The most challenging part of being a photographer is remembering that you’re running a business.

What do you think your keys to success are in this industry?

Relationships. Creating good, trusting relationships with other photographers and vendors within the wedding industry is pivotal.

What would you say is the most important marketing strategy for your business?

This is a good question. I’d say word of mouth and Instagram. Hearing from other people who have used a product or service is always going to be more trustworthy than a random ad. Also, I’d be lying if I said Instagram hasn’t helped make my business successful. It’s an open way for people to see your work and get to know you! But you must be consistent and genuine.

Every couple is unique. How do you tailor your approach to wedding photography to reflect the individuality of each wedding you photograph?

I think the first thing to do is understand the couple’s dreams and concerns. This is usually done during the first consultation. I think it’s good to note that you are also interviewing them. I do believe every couple is different, but I also believe as you progress in your career, your consistent marketing/branding will help bring specific types of couples your way, which makes it easier to connect. I believe it’s better to find your niche clientele than to try to appeal to everyone.

Wedding photography can be emotionally charged. How do you manage the pressure and responsibility of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments for your clients?

I ask myself this question often, haha. I really love the pressure! One thing I believe that helps a lot is preparedness. I have final consultations a week or two before the wedding with the planner/couples to ensure I know all the timely details of the day. I double check all my gear to make sure it’s in good working condition the night before the wedding. Oh, and backups, backups, backups! Backup camera, lenses, batteries and lights. Also backup your photos to multiple other devices including a cloud service. You can never be too safe.

Can you share some insights into how you scout and select locations for pre-wedding and post-wedding portrait sessions?

Google and Instagram are your best friends in this area. Being able to Google search an area and even see it in “street view” is a gamechanger. Also, seeing example photos of couples in the area helps to get the creative juices flowing.

Do you have a signature editing style that clients can expect from your work?

Real. Timeless, Clean. I want my couples to not be distracted by trendy color grades but to remember their wedding as it was; magical.

How has Impossible Things (IT) AI Photo Editing benefited your business?

So, one of the main things I don’t like to do is color grade hundreds of images. Impossible Things AI Photo Editing really helps to cut down on time and color grades my entire gallery in a few clicks! Being a father and husband has taught me that time moves fast. So, the more time I can spend with my beautiful wife and son, the better.

What is your current workflow with Impossible Things, and how has it improved?

Currently, I use the AI Photo Editor via the Lightroom Classic plug-in. I cull through my photos after the wedding and then run the editing tool. A few minutes later, I have hundreds of photos color graded and ready for retouching.

Do you have recommendations for users who are considering Impossible Things?

If you’re a professional wedding photographer who delivers hundreds of images, just do yourself the favor and get the “Unlimited” plan. You’re welcome.

What is your favorite Impossible Things feature and why?

Having the ability to correct the horizon and do some small amounts of retouching with masking is great.

What is in Reje’s Gear Bag?

Camera/Lenses:

• Nikon Z8 (2)
• Nikon Z6iii
• Nikon z 14-24mm f2.8
• Nikon z 35mm f1.8
• Nikon z 85mm f1.8
• Nikon z 135mm f1.8 Plena

Lights:

• StellaPro Clx10 (3)
• Godox AD200Pro (2)
• Godox V1 Pro (3)
• Godox Xpro II Trigger (3)