Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca McElroy.
Hi Rebecca, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started photography in 2012 as a hobby to photograph my daughter! Throughout the years, I took photos for friends and family once in a while. I have always had a passion for photography; at the time, I needed the urge to make a passion of mine become a reality.
Fast forward to 2020, my sister, Raechel, brought her two beautiful daughters into this world, and of course, I took their photos! Then this led to a Fall session, Christmas, and Valentine’s day; you get the point. Raechel and I were always out shopping for props for the next session idea, and she was always telling me this is something I am good at and to give it a try again. In 2021 I ventured out of my comfort zone and started model calls (free of charge) to see if I really wanted to do this. And it was. I couldn’t wait for the next session. I felt like my passion came back in full force, and I was ready! In 2022, I finally filed for my LLC, got business insurance, made a website, and took all the important steps I had to take to form my business. While taking care of my family and working another job, it was hard to build my business from the ground up, but I did it slowly. So far, I have had 74 sessions, and I will have 17 more by the end of the year! Looking back now, I would have never guessed this is something I would be doing in life, and I am so proud of myself. I am thankful to my sister for believing in me and pushing me to make this reality. The feeling of delivering a gallery to a client and them being over the moon is the best. With photography, I am constantly learning and continually growing.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
One of the biggest struggles I still deal with is balancing life! Separating my personal life from my business life has been challenging. I have been working on what days I edit and take clients to make it easier on myself. Having a schedule changes everything!
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?
Photography! I specialize in a few different session types! Two of my favorites are lifestyle and creative session sessions! Whether it’s a family get-together, capturing moments of a new baby, or even pets! I offer an in-home lifestyle for newborns. This is so convenient for parents. I know what it’s like to pack everything up to go somewhere for a few hours, and it leaves you feeling exhausted! With this type of session, I bring all of my needed sanitized equipment and props. I also offer Creative sessions inspired by a certain theme. For these, the sky is the limit! I have recently made a 70’s theme, Sun and Moon (astrological feel), witches, and a drunken lemonade stand! Families, engagements, holiday themes, it’s hard to narrow down my favorites! I am proud of my ability to edit, which I am still learning! I love trying out new and creative ways to edit images. There are so many incredibly talented photographers in the area I am in! My ideas and the visions I create for my business set me apart.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking can have a lot of advantages and disadvantages. Take the risk; try the things that scare you! When starting this business, it was a huge risk in my eyes. What if no one ever booked with me or thought my work was crap? Even though that statement is negative, it pushed me even more, to see what I was/am capable of. I ended up loving what I do, and if I had just crammed the thought of pursuing this, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raedawnphotographyllc.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rae_dawnphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaeDawnPhotographyLLC/
