We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Twylah Rivers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Twylah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
One thing my parents, especially my stepdad, did right was showing me how to talk to people without fear. He had this natural charisma, the kind that made everyone around him feel seen and comfortable. Watching him navigate conversations so effortlessly made a huge impression on me. It taught me that connection isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present.
As I got older, I realized I still had a fear of public speaking, even though I admired that confidence. So I pushed myself, I joined speech tournaments, stood in front of rooms full of strangers, and forced myself to get comfortable with discomfort. And over time, it worked. I didn’t just learn to speak, I learned to command a room.
That blend of watching my stepdad’s natural communication skills and choosing to sharpen my own taught me that presence, confidence, and connection are all muscles you can build. It’s one of the most valuable things I’ve carried into every area of my life and career.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m the photographer behind Rock or Bust Photo, and my journey into photography started in a pretty unglamorous, but very real way—traveling with a basic point-and-shoot camera. I wasn’t trying to build a business back then—I was just trying to capture something that felt bigger than words. Eventually, I used my tax refund to buy my first DSLR, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I photographed everything and everyone around me—portraits, street scenes, quiet details, loud moments. It became my obsession and my language.
I didn’t go to art school. Instead, I dove into the deep end of YouTube tutorials, trial and error, and lots of late-night editing. I built my skills from the ground up, which gave me a scrappy kind of confidence and a really deep respect for the craft.
As for what I do now—I create bold, honest, emotionally grounded imagery. I’ve done portrait work, event coverage, creative lifestyle shoots—you name it. What sets me apart is the way I connect with people. My clients often say they feel seen, not staged. I’m not interested in chasing trends or making perfectly polished photos, I want to capture the grit, the glow, the realness.
I’m incredibly proud of being featured on National Geographic’s website, seeing my work in that kind of space was surreal. I also had one of my photos shown in a local art gallery, and that moment reminded me that photography is more than a service. It’s a statement.
For potential clients or fans, here’s what I want you to know: My work is for people who want something real. Whether you’re an artist, a couple, a brand, or just someone wanting to freeze a chapter of life—if you’re not afraid of a little edge, a little rawness, and a lot of heart, I’m your photographer.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’m chasing that tingly, gut deep feeling that I feel when I see magic unfolding in front of me.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Even after nearly 20 years behind the camera, I’m still figuring it out. I’ve recently stepped away from weddings and portraits to explore brand photography, and while the direction feels right, the path isn’t always clear. It’s a season of experimentation—of learning how to translate my creative instincts into a new kind of storytelling. The pivot hasn’t been polished, but it’s real—and that’s always been the heart of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rockorbustphoto.com
- Instagram: rockorbustphoto
- Facebook: Rock or Bust Photography
Image Credits
Twylah Rivers