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

Hi Rebecca, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always admired small businesses and organizations, especially when I was younger. I never thought I would have a business of my own, I always thought I would work in a corporate atmosphere. Not because that’s something I would want, but because I thought it was something I had to do to make a living. I’ve always enjoyed photography, but never thought I could pursue that career path until I graduated college! I am really passionate about preserving memories so photography felt like a natural way to make a living doing what I truly love. Life goes by so quickly, and I’ve found that spending time with the people that you love the most is one of the most important things. I didn’t want my work to feel like work. I wanted to enjoy what I did as a career and not feel like I have to drag myself to work every day. So that’s why I started my own business. I want people to remember the most beautiful times in their lives with the friends and family they love the most, and I want future generations to be able to look at photographs of their ancestors and catch of glimpse of who they were!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think I’m most proud and excited about growing in my craft and becoming better, year after year. I’m proud of myself for taking the risk to pursue something that I love, regardless of what the monetary outcome may be. After graduating college, I was working until about a month or so before the pandemic happened. I think he pandemic really changed my perspective on what was important to me in life. That’s when I decided to start my business. I overcame any challenges by just looking forward and remembering why I want to do this in the first place. That is, to preserve cherished memories and important moments in people’s lives. I want people to be able to celebrate their uniqueness and their own personal story!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Long Island, NY certainly has its fair share of beauty! Some of my favorite spots on the island are any of the beaches. In my opinion, they are some of the most beautiful beaches. Anytime my friends come to visit, we almost always go out east and find the best local coffee shops and donuts. Our favorites are North Fork Donut Co. and Grindstone Coffee & Donuts. We also love to visit Montauk and the lighthouse. It has the best views of the island!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I don’t think I would have ever built up the confidence to start my own photography business without the encouragement of my friends and family. My husband Avery (then boyfriend), let me use his old camera when I was first starting out and was so supportive from the start! My best friend Sarah, who is also an amazing photographer, always encouraged me to keep going and helped me develop my style. My parents always encouraged me to pursue the things that I love and am passionate about. And there are so many others that have helped and encouraged me along the way!

Website: www.rebeccaelizabethstudio.com

Instagram: @rebeccaelizabethstudio

Facebook: Rebecca Elizabeth Studio

Image Credits
Rebecca Elizabeth Studio

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