Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Crawford.
Hi Rebecca, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my photography journey when I was just 16 years old. I really enjoyed taking photographs of my friends, and I thought that working for a photographer could be a fun summer job. I printed out a binder of my favorite photographs, and went door-to-door to studios, messaged friends of friends asking for connections, sent emails, etc. until one person agreed to let me work under her wing! That was where I was introduced to wedding & portrait photography, and I have been doing it since then! That was 12 years ago now, and in these 12 years I have continued to learn, grow, and develop my own artistry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey (like most others I know) has not been easy. I grew up in poverty, and the idea of being an artist for a living never seemed like a path I could explore if I wanted a stable future for myself. Learning to operate my business, when & how to invest in myself, hire employees, and more was so challenging. On top of that, my father died in 2019 which flipped my world upside down. I became a parent at that time, adopting my sibling and having to learn the struggles of being a full-time business owner along with solo parenting. There are some challenges that only I’ll know, but I am so grateful for all the difficulties I faced because they shaped me into the person I am today. I am a better business owner, friend, artist, and person because of these struggles. The journey is the destination.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait & wedding photographer- but I prefer the term of just capturing “love” in all of its forms. What I enjoy most about being a photographer is connecting with people on an intimate level. I’m frequently invited into very vulnerable moments where emotional intensity is at a high. The ability to understand people, their stories, their body language, and their energy, then translate it into their photographs is my area of expertise. I want people who love you to see your photographs and feel your energy radiating through the photo. My father’s death taught me a lot about legacy, and I believe that your photographs should leave behind a piece of you as well. The proudest moments I have in my career are when I feel I’m able to capture someone in such a way that they feel seen & understood.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
It’s hard to predict the industry anymore, as everything is changing so much. AI has blown up in popularity over the last several years, and in response to that I think people are craving authenticity more than ever. There is a lot of interest in film photography this year- both from professionals and consumers alike. The art of patience & intentionality is definitely gaining more attention, which I of course love! I’ve seen a lot of concern over AI taking away photo opportunities. My hope is always that the integration of technology means more tools at our disposal to create more art- and not to ‘replace’ it. One thing that I hope will always remain for not just our industry, but for everyone around the world is the appreciation of our artist!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://byrebecca.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/byrebeccaphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byrebeccallc
