Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Slater.
Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Take the photo. Always take a photo. Capture the world as it is. It still seems fitting. I never know how far back anyone wants to go in hearing “my story.” Let’s start with life as it is right now. My husband and I live in Lauderdale, Minnesota—it feels like we have both Minneapolis and St. Paul together. We have two kids, Maeve (4) and Lynnea (1). The more I dive into this phase of my life, parenthood, the more I dive into how to streamline my work for clients. It’s funny how managing multiple schedules will help create better systems. My client work is extensive. One day, I’ll cover a nationally televised event for a large corporation; the next, I’ll walk across a university campus documenting student life; the day after that, I may be at your home, photographing your 6-day-old baby in your arms. My versatility is an asset to my creativity. I create beautiful images, and our process will take that task off or *at least* lighten the load for my client. I also think we’ll like working with each other.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think about this road we drive up at Itasca State Park. While we usually do the full scenic tour by car, we decided on one of our trips: we’d travel it on bikes. We met with two friends and their young toddler, who is just a week older than Maeve. They were about 18 months old. We put helmets on, buckled the kids into the bike trailer, and were off! But it was challenging. It never was. There were snacks, clothing layers, toddler opinions, and a few of us who hadn’t been on a bike in a while (hint, me.) I figured I’d be bold and cool and claim the first leg. That first leg was brutal, a steep incline (or, in my mind, it was steep) up for what seemed like forever. I want to know if I made it a mile up that road. I needed to ask for help a lot sooner than ever. But I could, and my crew pulled through. My husband took the next leg and got farther down the trail. We rotated through all of us, taking a turn. My work and family life are not separate. Who I am as a photographer is deeply impacted by the family relationships I have as well as my friendships. At this point in the road, I’ve better managed “my leg.” I do a lot of work before ever getting on-site to do the photography work. I more clearly communicate my needs as a photographer and work with a team to do it. Sure, you will forever catch me carrying too many bags on my own – or trying to get all the gear in one trip- but I will ask that you at least grab the door.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Professional & Business – Family / Lifestyle
I am a professional photographer who specializes in higher education photography. This includes print material for marketing purposes and event coverage. It is not limited to websites or social media. You can still pick up magazines with my printed work – which is the coolest thing ever (print is not dead, as my friends Pauline and Amy say). While I am likely most known for my work in education, I often work with clients in their homes with their families, portraits on-site for businesses, and dabble in some landscape creations. I usually have some side-photo projects for half of the year. Photography is about something other than pressuring anyone to perform for the perfect photo. It’s about creating an enjoyable experience that will make it into long-lasting memories, and yes, that means for businesses, too.
What does success mean to you?
I don’t have a clear answer for this, but I am enjoying the life we are living right now. That feels like a win – success. Being hired repeatedly by the same clients is a success! I love developing those longstanding relationships.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on the scope of the job.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.byRebeccaStudios.com
- Instagram: @byRebeccaStudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ByRebeccaStudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccazenefski/
Compass Challenge
Image Credits
Photos by Rebecca Slater
