Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Tsismanakis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I bought my first camera at the age of 16 – a good ol’ Canon Powershot point-and-shoot camera. I still remember the TV commercial advertising the exact camera, which had tennis player Maria Sharapova walking around with her camera looking so powerful and taking the coolest photos. From then on, I always had a camera in hand and was snapping photos every chance I got. A few years later, I bought my first DSLR camera and after taking photos of friends and family, I realized I could turn my dream of becoming a photographer into reality. For two years, I worked on perfecting my craft, editing style, and learning anything I could from other photographers whose work spoke to me.
It wasn’t until I started planning my own wedding five years ago that I fell head over heels in love with wedding photography. There is something so magical about capturing the biggest day of someone’s life while meeting amazing couples and working with other industry pros along the way. On wedding days the energy is electric, the happiness is tangible, and the emotions are running high. All of these combined elements make for the most addicting work atmosphere which sparks creativity, inspiration, and immense joy. Upon moving to West LA 3 years ago due to my husband’s military career, my business took off better than I could have ever imagined and I am so happy to be doing what I love every single day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My career as a wedding photographer has been anything but smooth, and I would say my biggest struggle has been moving from a different state. As previously mentioned, my husband is currently active duty military and moving from Maryland to Texas, and Texas to California where you know absolutely no one has not been easy in itself. Add in a referral-based small business and you’ve got a recipe for hardship. The moment I knew we were moving to LA from Texas I began researching the SoCal market, working hard to build up relationships with other industry pros, and began advertising in the region. I was fortunate enough to book 20 weddings within my first eight months of moving in LA which laid a solid foundation for building a business in a new state from the ground up. I am so grateful for all of the venues, vendors, and past clients who I have formed relationships with and their referrals and continued support mean more to me than they’ll ever know.
Please tell us about Rebecca Theresa Photography.
I am a wedding and portrait photographer with a focus on natural light. I am a hybrid photographer, meaning I capture photos using both digital and film mediums to tell my couple’s story in a timeless, romantic, and natural way. I pride myself in having a well-rounded approach to documenting the day and focus on everything from the details to the candid moments to tell the couple’s story in a way that they will cherish for years to come. I don’t like to box myself into one type of category as far as my photographic style, and let my photos speak for themselves. I try to get to know my couples as much as possible prior to the wedding day, and I believe that being personable with not only them but their families and friends alike sets me apart from the others. Prior to the wedding day, I ask for the names of their parents, siblings, and important guests, and prioritize memorizing them so that I can make their love story and guests feel important and valued. The people I meet and couples I serve are the reason I do what I do and I love being able to connect with them on so many different levels throughout their experience.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Before being a photographer I had a different career, one which appeased my family through getting an education and degree but was never a true passion of mine. While I am so thankful for my education in that field, I would have skipped that part of my life and told my younger self that I can be successful in whatever I set my mind to. We are so fortunate to live in the country that we do, where anything is possible and we have such freedom to choose what to do with our lives. You just have to have the passion, drive, motivation, and hustle to succeed and your dream can become a reality.
Pricing:
- My pricing begins at $5500 for wedding photography coverage
Contact Info:
- Website: http://rebeccatheresa.com
- Email: rebecca@rebeccatheresa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccatheresaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccatheresaphotography/
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