Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Gould.
Rebecca, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved expressing my creative side. Originally I had a dress company (sewing). I took all my photos for my website and knew a little about editing and that process. A friend that bought dresses for her daughter from me contacted me to see if I could take photos of her cousin that was visiting! I was a little nervous because really I had only used my kids as subjects! I was hooked from that first session. She kept finding friends and family members that I should photograph and within months I had a full schedule! Since then, (years later) I have taken countless courses in editing and posing, created a permanent studio attached to my home that is filled with all sorts of props and goodies and attended yearly (sometimes even quarterly) retreats in practicing safe newborn sessions. I am completely obsessed with learning what more I can do in this world! I have also added my teenager to my team. She is so great with children and together we keep our sessions fun and stress-free for everyone!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel completely blessed on this journey. I have a chaotic personal life, balancing four children, a business and I also am a part-time caregiver to my grandmother. I feel like the business has been my creative outlet. In the beginning there may have been a few bumps, technology can sometimes be super frustrating, but all in all, I feel very lucky that I’ve had minimal struggles! My clients are amazing, I love learning and I have so much incredible support!
Please tell us about Rebecca Gould Photography.
My passion lies in fine art portraits. I do love creating memories for families and candid shots as well, but if I could shoot one thing for the rest of my life it would be the fine art. To me, “fine art” falls under the posed newborns in props, the lil ones in fancy dresses or lil men in suspenders and bare feet with the golden light in their hair, the maternity photos of mama’s to be wearing flowing gowns… that is my wheel house. I find it most exciting when I have a client contact me with something out of the ordinary! When I have a client referred to me, usually I hear the “you were so great with so and so’s kids!” I love being able to connect with these tiny humans and just be silly and have fun and get those genuine smiles! The coolest thing is having someone walk up to you at a school function and say, “are you, Rebecca? I knew it was you!!! Your photos are so beautiful!” The first time that happened I was completely floored. I also love being a small part of this huge industry. We are all here for a reason and if I can provide someone with a wonderful memory and images they will cherish for a lifetime, I have done my job well!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, I don’t think I would change a thing. I feel like I grew as a person as I grew my business and I love where we are right now. It is perfect for our family at this stage! In the future, there will be plenty of time to grow and change and expand into something new if I choose to!
Pricing:
- Newborns $450+
- Family mini sessions $225+
- Fine art portraits $300+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebeccagouldphoto.com
- Phone: 847-302-7725
- Email: rebeccagouldphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebeccagouldphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebeccagouldphoto
Image Credit:
Rebecca Gould Photography, Ali Guenther Photography
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