We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebecca Reynolds a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rebecca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Back when I started Destination Weddings, it was a learning curve for me. I found that the majority of destination weddings booked had a risk of travel. I learned how to travel from Destination Wedding couples. There were so many beautiful couples that knew that they were taking a leap of faith, booking someone from across the states or on the other side of the world or through a resort. On my end of business, it’s about building good rapport. Photography businesses don’t build from advertisements, they build from word of mouth. I learned how to book far ahead during hurricanes, travel insurance, how to pack and where to stay at locations (and most certainly where not to stay). I learned how to price destinations where it was not a burden or inconvenience with too many add-on fees, more all-inclusive. Many couples just want someone to show up and not have a scam. I have heard of those as well. Being in business since 2004, that would not benefit my future business. Many mistakes and learning curves happen, it’s good to take those moments and create safety plans so that the couple never has to worry about accidents or travel delays.

I had a couple book in a tropical destination and was concerned if I would show up or not. I have everyone pay a retainer fee and then the remainder 30 days before the wedding. They were so concerned about horror stories that it took a lot for them to have confidence and that was sad to me. I spoke to them often, went over timelines and the trip. The biggest concern ended up being rain on their wedding day. I assured them that I could photograph the day before in the sun and wouldn’t add costs to their package. I was there for them, I simply took more time to capture everything I needed. I absolutely love what I do, so capturing art for their memories is crucial for the couple, the resort, vendors and not creating a bad reputation. The wedding turned out wonderful and I loved meeting them. Those experiences are what matter and ease couples’ anxiety due to unexpected weather issues. Besides, rain and lighting can create incredible portraits for adventurous couples, if they are open to the adventure and a little rain.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have had a love for photography since high school, but my mother knew me, I would jump into so many activities she finally put her foot down with photography. Funny enough, it became my career after going through education in film at a photography school and interning with master photographers in the industry. I was fortunate to meet others that helped shape my view of photography and art.

For me, I know digital is what a lot of people love, but coming from a younger education of product, I knew I could never just give a client digital files. It takes away from the value of my work. I offer albums, wall canvas’, fabrics of fine silk and leather with products that give my client a quality memory book or print. At the end of the day, the industry can change, but you can’t compromise on quality.

When a client comes to me, I like to understand their vision with lighting examples, background examples and general consultation to provide for their final look. Then, I’ve done my job. I am proud of the education I have learned in my earlier years and was told in the beginning to never stop learning or growing. Stay humble. Those are the people who get stuck in their mindset mid-career and can’t grow. This is something I have never forgotten. It came from a master photographer who made millions in the industry each year. He was humble and constantly wanting to learn. I value that mindset.

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

I had to pivot in my career path when I had a baby, it is just life taking hold and creating a new path or widening that path. I learned more of my value when it came to my time. Every moment spent on business had to be of value because I had to share my time raising a new child. That each new client, vendor or event had to be of value to myself and to them to make sure I did a wonderful job. When I had just time for myself, I was constantly on the go and growing my business without stopping. I learned to slow down and be okay with that, more like personal quality control.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had booked a wedding with unlimited hours in my early years. That was a lesson learner. My feet were in so much pain, I could not walk the next day and my feet had to be looked at by a doctor. I still have no idea how a bride could handle the day like she did. She had blisters and was sore as well. I quickly changed my policy to no more than a certain hour’s coverage. Only once, that is all it took to make me regret my decision to include that option in a package. Now I design packages for couples’ needs and limiting issues that would hurt my work. That goes back to valuing my time and quality for a beautiful product.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rebeccamariephotography.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamariefineart_photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccamarieportraits
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamarie1/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccamarieph/

  https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccamariephoto

Image Credits

Copyright RebeccaMarie Photography LLC