Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebecca Gast. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rebecca, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

As a relatively newer professional photographer, the onset of your business relies on asking friends and family for support, recommendations, purchases, events, etc. I have a difficult time accepting payment from friends/family and would prefer to support them gratis. Of course, this is not a great business model and sometimes I have to bite my tongue and accept their support. It’s difficult but it’s all done out of love. I am grateful I have the support of so many.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Florida based professional photographer who’s been diving into various genres to both hone my skills and satisfy my ever changing moods. I have always been one to be either in front of or behind a camera, but started taking it a bit more seriously as a birthday gift to myself when turning 50. Concert Photography is my first love, but I equally love travel and capturing all the different textures and colors this planet has to offer, and sharing what I see with others.

I offer event photography that centers more around party and music than weddings or the like, also concerts, travel, lifestyle, street and landscape. I also do portrait work for authors and bands for publications.

Other than every photographer having their own eye, style, composition and aesthetic, I’m not sure I do anything different that sets me apart from others. My editing style is tailored to the mood of each shoot, and greatly varies in aesthetic, Moody one day and colorful and abstract another.

I’m most proud of the connections and friendships I have made through photography. The local community is vast in creativity and I am honored to be considered in the company of so many greats. It doesn’t hurt to have a front row or stage seat to some really great local and National bands, and the travel locations have been stunning.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Im currently in the process of trying to pivot, to be honest. I’ve had a long career in technology and finance, and am trying to turn my passion into my second life career. I’m starting slow, building my skills and network, and learning my lessons now to hopefully have a set clientele and web of opportunity when I’m ready to retire. It will be a business, career and life pivot all in one.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I didn’t start trying to give an honest start to photography or even learning about it and camera operation until late in life – at 50. I did not have formal schooling for photography – though I am looking into classes – so much of my education has come through experience, trial and error, advice from friends / family / other professionals, and google/YouTube. I have to break down my anxiety / introvert walls and ask for help as well as opportunities. It’s been humbling but I am so incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped me even in the smallest of ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebeccagastphoto.darkroom.tech/
• Instagram: Instagram.com/allaboutbecca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastrl