We recently had the chance to connect with Rebecca Loa and have shared our conversation below.
Rebecca, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The cost of doing business. Photography equipment alone is costly. Camera bodies start in thousands, and so do the lenses. I have spent around $30k on my photography equipment alone.
I also pay for my website, cloud storage for all the images, editing services like LightRoom and Photoshop, my invoicing and billing apps, and paying photographers. I also have to consider the time and fuel required to get to a location and back. The amount of time and work it takes to learn photography is also misunderstood by both clients and those who want to get into photography. Using a DSLR is not like using a phone; you must know what settings to use in every situation, so you constantly need to make adjustments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been passionate about photography since I was around 12 years old, when I received my first pink 110 film camera for Christmas. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to honing my skills through online training courses. Teaching the basics of photography brings me joy, as there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone transform from having a dream of becoming a photographer to mastering the skills needed to achieve it. I thrive on capturing expressions that convey stories and preserve memories.
I enjoy outdoor photography, especially when the weather is nice and natural light is abundant. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for night photo sessions, where the unique challenges and beauty of low-light conditions allow for creativity to flourish.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe what breaks the bonds between people is broken trust. There are many areas where trust can be broken, especially in marriage. I think what restores bonds between people, after trust has been broken, is being completely open and honest. If you have nothing to hide, hide nothing.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering is a great teacher. Suffering taught me to examine myself. What did I do that didn’t work, and what did I do that worked? Learn from mistakes so that they won’t happen again and again.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
The most important truth that very few people agree with me on is who God is and what He expects from us.
I think most people don’t have a good understanding of the Bible because they have never read it cover to cover.
I’ve read it cover to cover many times. I read my Bible daily, and I go to church to listen to Bible teaching and preaching four times a week. Through this, I’ve learned more about God and His ways.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I (or anyone) laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my soul. The soul, I believe, is who you are when no one else is around. It is your essence, but it’s also eternal. So even after I die, my soul will live on in eternity in one place or another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://austinareaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinareaphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAreaPhotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-area-photography-cedar-park
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@user-AustinAreaPhotography
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me or someone on my team.
