Meet Rich Levine | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rich Levine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rich, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In June, 2021, I left my last full-time non-photography job with the thought of giving myself a year to get past the “surviving” stage. I had some work coming in that made it possible to walk away from that job. I knew it was a risk and it might be difficult to get my company to a point where the business was thriving. I decided early on that I would take any job that came my way, but I also wouldn’t turn down jobs from other companies, as long as it involved photography. The first 9 months were difficult, but I was offered a position with a national real estate company, photographing homes and land for them. This gave me a good base pay since it was full-time, but still allowed me to photograph weddings and other events. I knew it was a risk starting my business, but in the two and a half years since I left that last day job I have gotten to the point where I am thriving and taking on more work than I thought I would. It wasn’t like me, up to that point, to take a risk like that, but I honestly felt if I didn’t do it then, I never would. I have had no reason to regret that decision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m happy to say business has been very good this year. My calendar has been pretty full and I’m enjoying the work.

I’m challenging myself to take on jobs I would have said no to a year ago and I’m feeling more confident about my abilities. I take time each day to learn something new. Either watching YouTube videos or studying my cameras to make sure I can use them to my advantage.

Educating myself has been a priority. I have always been a terrible student and I needed to find ways to learn at my pace so I could improve and make myself a better photographer. I want my clients to feel confident I know what I’m doing and will make their experience as stress free as possible, so they can enjoy themselves.

My biggest challenge when I started full-time two years ago was my lack of confidence. I have worked hard to prove to myself that I can handle any job. Sometimes it’s a struggle, but I work through it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Raleigh, there are so many great areas to visit. Starting downtown, in the heart of Raleigh, you can walk around most of the day and experience what is great about the city. There are excellent restaurants and bars. Watts & Ward is a fun bar with a speakeasy feel and a cool vibe. The Pour House is one of my favorite places to take photos. They have bands almost every night and there is a mix of different types of music which keeps it interesting. I like to take people who are visiting on walking tours at night. Seeing the Memorial Auditorium, Fayetteville Street, Hillsborough Street (especially the stretch in front of N.C. State University) will give you a feel for the area. Glenwood South has a lot of activity and some of the best restaurants in Raleigh. You can find almost any type of food there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My children, without knowing it, have been my inspiration for what I do. My son and my daughter have been hard-working and dedicated to their chosen professions and that has helped fuel my desire to succeed doing something I love.

Website: https://bramblebrookimages.com/

Instagram: bramblebrook.images

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042599477056

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bramblebrook-photography-knightdale

Image Credits
All Photos: Bramblebrook Images