Meet Rebecca Williams | Slave to the Restaurant Industry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, how does your business help the community?
I used to ask myself: Is what I’m doing actually making a difference? Am I really using my existence to create something positive in the world? It’s just pictures, that I’m taking because I think are pretty, and then I share them – holding my breath that they get enough attention to give my ego a pat on the back and encourage me to keep going. But in reality, I am capturing moments in time that we can never get back. Graduations, weddings, a beautiful forest.. those moments will never happen again. I cherish the photos I took of the Eagle Creek trail before the big fire happened. That forest will never be the same for another 200 years. Life happens, and things change. To be able to capture moments, create memories, and evoke emotions is a really special skill to have. I can show people my perspective of the world, the beauty of small things, and immortalize memories that would have otherwise faded. Images will last forever, and people will love them until the die. And when they die, their family and friends can look back on those memories with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I went to an arts magnet school from 6th through 12th grade, and as a result, I fell in love with multiple forms of art. I was in a band for a while, and that’s partially what got me started with photography. I used to take my camera with me to shows and photograph my friends while they played. I eventually accepted a gig as a filmographer for a friend who would record bands he was really into, and from there, I just couldn’t stop. I was always hesitant to show my work because I had major imposter syndrome, but to be honest, I still do. It doesn’t really go away, but once you accept that it’s always going to be there, it’s much easier to just say “screw it” and keep going. If you don’t try, you’ll never know, and there will always be someone that got further than you in their career because they at least TRIED, despite their fears. I have a lot of insecurities and a long path of learning ahead of me, but at least I won’t have to wonder “what if”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first I would drive them to Garden of the Gods, and hike around the area. I’d want them to see the Siamese Twin Rock Formation, Kissing Camels, and some of the cliff sides off of Gold Camp Road. Of course we’d go to Manitou and drink out of every spring water dispenser, finding which one we consider the tastiest along the way. I’d take them to Bishop’s Castle, because that place is epic. We’d eat at City O’ City in Denver, The Burrowing Owl in Colorado Springs, and Thrive in Boulder (we’ll be driving a lot). And if we’re able to check out the wildflowers in Crested Butte, even better!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dear friend Heather Hanson, who lost her life in the late summer of 2018. She was an amazing photographer and one of the most creative visionaries I have ever met. I truly adored her free spirit and love of life, music, and friendship. Her images were beautiful and simply effortless. She saw the magic in the world and helped me see it, too. We used to take photos and learn about our cameras together, and she was so encouraging not only to me but to everyone pursuing a creative path. Her spirit is what we need in the world and now that she’s gone, I strive to be the same positive light to others that she was to me.

My other shoutout would have to go to my partner, Matt Jefferson. Without him pushing me to expand and get my work out there, I wouldn’t feel I could have a future in photography. His support and encouragement has helped me realize that it IS possible to have a creative future, that people will choose to work with you not only because of the product you produce but because of the experience you provided them with. People want to feel comfortable, and it’s always my goal to earn my clients’ trust enough to help them relax, look back and say, “That was fun!”

Website: It doesn’t exist yet!

Instagram: @rebecca.williams.photography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092331216299

Image Credits
Rebecca Williams Photography