Interview with Rebecca
Hello, Rebecca
owner of Rebecca Dyan Photography
I have a small confession. I watch Rebecca’s Instagram stories so much, I feel like I’ve already met her in person and we’re real-life friends. Isn’t social media so odd sometimes? But what can I say, she’s entertaining, personable, and incredibly talented. Take a peek at some of her work here.
Hi Rebecca! Can you start by introducing yourself for us?
HI! I’m Rebecca - although most know me as Becky-, wife to my high school sweetie, mama to three little ladies, and the owner of Rebecca Dyan Photography. I specialize in preserving the journey of Motherhood, from belly to beyond, including maternity, newborn and milestones during those early years. I’m a lover of light, and love shooting outdoors as well as in my own newly opened natural light studio in Austin, TX. I’m just shy of my fifth business birthday, and really excited about what this next year will bring. Lots of big things in the works!
That’s incredibly exciting! What was your initial inspiration to get into photography?
Having my own children. I knew I wanted to learn how to take “good” photos of my girls. I dabbled a bit in product photography too, then quickly realized I really loved taking photos of my own children, and wanted to do that for others too.
There’s nothing more inspiring than doing something for your babies! Can you share with us your first “professional” image and critique it?
Oh my, well first of all I would tell myself to dress my clients in more neutral colors that aren’t competing! I would say to work on my focus point to make sure everyone is in focus, and also add a little more depth between the subjects and the barn, and me and my subjects! Also, shoot on a day with pretty pretty sunlight
That’s a great critique! Can you share with us what the biggest business lesson has been that you’ve learned so far?
Brand consistency is key for a successful business! Developing your style and brand so potential clients know what to expect is really, really important. When I hear clients and potential clients say they wanted to work with me because of my look, feel, style, and brand, it makes me smile, and feel very successful.
What’s been the most impactful change you’ve made or implemented in your business?
Opening a studio. Nearly two years ago I created an in home studio and it became a turning point for my business. It went over SO well. I also started offering a studio wardrobe for mamas and babies, (which has now grown to entire family). The studio and wardrobe offerings were a game changer for my style and brand.
Excellent. I am a major fan of having a client wardrobe! So tell us, who do you look to for inspiration?
There are a couple of photographers out there whose work I absolutely adore. Miranda North, and Katie Lamb. I am just completely in awe of their work. Every photo they post from a session I think is just jaw dropping gorgeous. Seeing their art inspires me to push my creative and artistic mind a bit further.
What a great testimony! So now that 2018 is wrapping up, what’s your current goal for the business?
To offer mentoring in 2019. I’ve learned so much in my nearly five years, from starting out and learning shooting and editing, to opening a home studio to deciding to make the leap to a brick and mortar studio, to styling, and branding. I get a lot of questions on those topics so I decided this next year I want to start sharing and teaching through mentoring. My original goal for 2019 was to jump into a brick and mortar studio space, but since I attained that about a year earlier than I anticipated, I decided to move on to make mentoring my next goal.
What are some personal goals your working on?
One is to spend more one on one time with each girl! Now that they are getting a little older it’s fun to take them to do different things, and enjoy their personalities. It’s hard now with everyone being in school and activity schedules, but we are doing a better part to try and make it happen. I took just my oldest to Kidz Bop recently and it was SO fun!
Also, to take better care of myself. Last year was not a good year for my health. I was just really run down last year, it started off with bad allergies at the beginning of the year in January, then led to getting diagnosed with asthma, colds on and off, strep after spring break, and last fall I was sick a TON. My immune system just got really down for many reasons, busy season, being a wife and mom of three, running my fast growing business, not a lot of sleep (my littlest is STILL not the best sleeper)... I was sick a lot, and then ended up getting the flu OVER Christmas. THEN, had a relapse of the flu shortly there after, like, in bed for almost two weeks straight. SO, this year I’ve been much more intentional with my health, seeing a more naturopath and we’ve created a plan to best suit me, inside and out, for optimal healing and health. One thing I do now is start my day with a good smoothie/protein shake, (after my morning cup of coffee of course!) filled with protein, a banana, spinach, and half an avocado. I feel like if I can start my morning off like that I’m already ahead! I used to just have coffee, then maybe a protein bar or a late brunch, was not getting enough of the good stuff in me and not enough sleep and that wreaked havoc on my system after a while. I’m happy to say I’ve done really, really well this year, and haven’t been sick, at all, since last year’s flu episode!
I couldn’t agree with you more on more quality time and better health. Work/life balance is tough. Do you have any life hacks that help get you through the week?
Grocery pick up/delivery for the WIN!
AMEN sista! We’re nearing the end of our interview, but I would absolutely love to see your favorite images that you’ve shot so far.
Motherhood - this image was taken in my home studio at the beginning of this year - 2018. It was a very real, natural moment. Mom was just holding her baby girl and I saw those sweet little feet. I knew immediately after taking it, that the journey of motherhood was what I wanted to really focus on and document.
Maternity - After adding several favorites to my studio wardrobe for mamas, I couldn’t wait to get this gorgeous green dress on this stunning mama. I had this vision of where I wanted to photograph this session, and the light, and everything, and this client trusted me and made my vision come to life!
Absolutely stunning. Lastly, share with us your daily must!
My daily must...well I definitely MUST start each day with my yummy cup of bulletproof coffee (a I mentioned above). I’m a coffee lover, I love the smell, the taste, the warmth, I just love it allllll!
I seriously look forward to it starting the night before when I prep it. I also MUST take a super HOT shower or bath every night. Even if it’s a short one, it’s so rejuvenating to me to soak in some almost too hot to be in water for a little while.
Becky has been an absolute delight to work with. Be sure to follow her in Instagram to see her stories!