Meet Marla “Rae” O’Neal | Fashion Editorial Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marla “Rae” O’Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marla “Rae”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It took me a long time to take the leap and pursue an artistic career, but I knew I would hate myself if I didn’t make the attempt. Everyone has their own gifts and mine happens to be photography – something I am grateful for.

Nothing makes me happier than creating and I feel terrible when I’m not making something. I also knew from an early age that I don’t like being told what to do. I knew I wanted to be my own boss. Now I am.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of putting to action to my desires. I’ve wanted to be a photographer since I was 15 years old.

I’ve gotten to where I am by getting out of my own way. By keeping my word to myself and actually committing to this. I also work and collab with other amazing creatives which has helped me get my name out there. I just keep creating and so far it is working!

This is not easy at all. One of the biggest challenges is trying to chase a dream while experiencing health issues. I am currently awaiting the kidney transplant list and am on dialysis. Never would’ve thought in a million years my life would be like this. But, I am grateful to still be here with all of my faculties – I have a delay in some things I want to do but I just keep trucking along.

One of the lessons I’ve learned is consistency – consistency is the key to anything you want in life. It all starts with a decision and trusting yourself to follow through on that decision. Consistency opens all the doors – talent only gets you so far.

I want the world to know that I am here. My brand is about beauty, sexuality and confidence. My clientele is mostly women and although we are beautiful, many of us (myself included) experience self worth and self esteem issues. I want women (and men) to feel beautiful and confident in my presence. I want them to look at their images and say “damn, that’s me?!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to eat and be outside.

First I would take them to breakfast at Grumpy’s Cafe.

To walk that off, we’d take a walk on the Alexander walking path near Valley View.

After that, we’d get Thai food on Coventry at Pho and Rice then head over to Pinecrest for some shopping and maybe a movie

In the evening, I’d take them to the Asian lantern festival at the Cleveland Zoo, then get dinner at 17 River Grille in Chagrin Falls.

For a nightcap, we’d go to the Garden of Eden at the 9 the swing by Edgewater to see Downtown and take a pic at the Cleveland sign.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Zell Johnson ([email protected])

He is not aware, but he has assisted me tremendously in my career with his mentorship.

Website: https://rmbxrae.com

Instagram: rmbxrae

Linkedin: rmbxrae

Twitter: rmbxrae

Facebook: Marla Rae O’Neal

Image Credits
D’Asia Simone
Diamond Dominic Bey
Sweet Details ATL