Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Loa
Hi Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have had an interest in photography since I was a child. I received my first camera for Christmas at 12 years of age. I was so excited about the little pink 110 film camera, I couldn’t wait to use it!
I found that it was fun but expensive and I needed help but I had no teacher. After a few years, my parents refused to continue buying film, and having the pictures developed for me, I would need to pay for myself.
A few years I began babysitting using most of my money to buy clothes, purses, film, and having pictures developed but still, I had no proper teaching so most of the pictures were not good.
After meeting my husband-to-be at age 18, I set aside my passion for photography and focused on making a life with Adam. We were married when I was 19 and my son was born just after our first anniversary when I was 20. 15 months later my daughter was born. I still had a small film camera so when I had the money I purchased film and took loads of pictures of my sweet babies. Some were okay and many were not.
I still enjoyed photography but had not yet had an opportunity to learn how to properly use a camera but I never stopped trying. When my children were around nine and 10 years old my husband bought me my first digital camera for our anniversary. I was very excited because now I could learn my craft without spending money on film and prints. I took that amazing DSLR out and started taking photos but when I looked at them I was disappointed because I realized that this amazing camera didn’t magically take beautiful photos – it was up to me to learn how to use it. I struggled along trying to use that one for a few years and made some improvements but I still had no formal training of any kind.
In 2008 my niece asked if I would take bridals of her before her wedding and I wanted to do a great job so I went to the internet. I found some “how to” videos and did my best to use that knowledge for the bridals. I was so nervous about the job that I prayed that God would please help me. And He did because they were the best pictures I had taken so far. Shortly after this, the same niece (Kristen) who also had an interest in photography told me about a website called CreativeLive. She said they offered photography courses online and once I checked those out everything began to make sense.
I have been doing photography for friends and family since 2006 under the “unofficial” business name Loa Photography. After getting the skills I needed I began to branch out a bit more, however, I was still working a full-time job.
In 2017 I decided to officially open Loa Photography. I created a website and started shooting primarily weddings. I have two brothers who are wedding officiants and thankfully, they were able to refer some clients to me. I was doing photography in the evenings and on weekends as I continued to work full-time. I did this until 2020 when COVID-19 hit, at that point every wedding I had booked for the year was canceled. By the end of the year when I did not have any jobs booked for 2021, I decided to close the business.
I still did photography for friends and family but I did not have a business any longer until 2023. In July of 2023, I came up with the idea to help other photographers, no matter their skill level. I have always enjoyed teaching photography so I decided to start with photography classes. In my first group class, I met several photographers who wanted to learn and grow. I decided to open a business again, this time under the name Austin Area Photography where I would gather as many talented photographers as I could find in areas all over Austin and we could offer many genres of photography in many local areas. I officially opened the business in August of 2023 and I currently have a total of 15 photographers! Some specialize in newborn and maternity photography others specialize in real estate and products. All are talented with varying years of experience. We charge less for photographers with less experience and more for photographers with more experience. Each has a unique style which allows our clients to have options when it comes to their preferences for style and pricing.
We are still in the growing stage but I’m excited to have a hand in putting local photographers to work while still doing photography myself as well as teaching photography.
I still work a full-time job since the business is not yet profitable but it is sustaining itself which is not bad for only being open for a year. I look forward to what the future holds for our local business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say the biggest challenges have been obtaining the skills I needed as well as COVID-19. When I decided to do wedding photography I contacted many local wedding photographers and asked if they would allow me to come with them and assist in any way they would like. Most said no but I had one who allowed me to go with him and hold his gear and second shoot a little during the ceremony. It was a hard, long job but it was a great opportunity and I learned a lot from him.
COVID-19 caused me to close my business in 2020 since all my jobs were canceled.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I enjoy night photography as well as (High School) Senior portraits. Many times I’m able to convince my clients to allow me to combine both. It works well during the warmer months and it allows me to do what I love most – capturing beautiful bokeh in backgrounds!
I’ve taken beautiful images in downtown Austin at night with lovely models and high school seniors. I love the unique looks of the city lights at night.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was very shy. I am the only girl with four brothers and they were (and still are) very outgoing extroverts but I am an introvert. I hate to be the center of attention but photography forces me out of my shell.
As I mentioned before I have had an interest in photography since I was around 12 years old so I always took a camera to any special event, even if it was just a disposable – everyone knew that I would take pictures.
I have always been quiet and observant – I like to observe what others are doing and saying and take it all in.
Photography allows me to capture emotions in the moment so that they can be revisited later – I love looking back at photos from my life – it takes me back to each moment.
Pricing:
- Level 1 Photographers start at $150 per hour
- Level 2 Photographers start at $200 per hour.
- Level 3 Photographers start at $250 per hour.
- Each session includes between 15 and 20 digital images per hour.
- Wedding photography starts at $200 per hour.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://austinareaphotography.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAreaPhotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@user-AustinAreaPhotography
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/HLtOCrWXu2FrLlFMDUwRdw
Image Credits
Austin Area Photography
