Insider to Insider: Rebecca Ellison, Owner of Rebecca Ellison Photography

I met Rebecca last year when she graciously volunteered to help out at Get Hitched Give Hope.  She stepped right up and pitched in!  I love that.  Rebecca studied commercial photography but has built her career doing weddings, events and portraiture.  She loves photography because she loves being witness to people at the time of change: a new husband and wife, a new baby, a growing family.  Rebecca loves life, love and all the little things… and this is evident in her beautiful work.

Rebecca Ellison
Owner, Rebecca Ellison Photography
Seattle, WA
www.rebeccaellison.com
established 2005

What is your favorite thing about weddings?

The emotion for sure. There is no other type of photography job that is so packed with the feelings and emotions that you get on a wedding day. To be able bring my couples out to do their portraits and give then a section of their day where it is all about their connection to each other without the distraction of the rest of the festivities is so amazing. And of course, details… I love photographing details, as, in my mind, the details are what make each and every wedding unique and they always bring out the personality of the couple.

What is your best tip for time management?

Time management is critical for a smooth-flowing wedding. I always go over a detailed timeline with my brides that can keep them on track for the day. I automatically put in an extra 5 minutes here and there through out the schedule as ALL weddings need a little buffer time. If you plan for that then the day goes off with out a hitch. I also adivse my brides that I expect things to move around and change with the flow of the day, and to not fret if that happens.

What is your little marketing secret?

The most powerful thing that I have found is to let EVERYONE know what you do and that you would always love more clients.. The more people talking about you, the more your name is heard… so talk talk talkAlso, I value other people in the photo industry. I have an awesome network of other female photographers that I know and trust and can refer work to when I am booked… and do the same for me. There is nothing stronger than a good referral.

What is the funnest (most fun) trend you are seeing in the industry?

Hmmm … Shoes.  I love that you get to see a little bit of the spice or snazz of a bride by their bridal shoe selection. When a bride picks up her beautiful flowing gown to show some bright red pumps, you automatically get a sense of their personality.  Same goes it for the girls keeping it low key with some cute flip flops…. or… why not both?

If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?

I recently did a “mentor” session with a friend who is also a successful photographer in town that inspires me. We spent the day going over different business ideas, branding and marketing. I found this extraordinarily helpful as I was able to throw ideas back and forth with someone who wasn’t afraid to share (or say no to a bad idea), and who has intimate knowledge of our industry. This was amazing as it helped me narrow down my target market and find out where my client base was and where I wanted it to go. In retrospect, I would have done this right off the bat, as the ideas that have formed from this meeting have really helped shape where I am taking my business today.

Thanks Rebecca!