Rebecca Cook - Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight - Rebecca Cook

Rebecca Cook is an exceptionally talented portrait photographer who often shares her amazing images in our Pretty Presets & Actions Facebook Group.  Rebecca always receives so many great questions about her work so we thought we'd ask her those questions and share her responses here today. 

All of the images on this page were edited with one of Rebecca's favorite presets "Innocence" from the Light and Airy Millennium Preset Collection for Lightroom Desktop and the Free Lightroom Mobile App.

1. Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

My inspiration started when I was about 13 years old.  I've always loved nature, creatures and especially sunsets.  I started taking "pictures" of all the things I thought were beautiful, when I was about that age.  But MY LOVE for photography and my biggest inspiration began after I gave birth to my daughter.

2. How would you describe your photography style?

My preferred photography style is dark, artsy, and a little bit out of the norm.  I wish I could do that all the time, but the reality is my style varies.

I like to shoot and edit according to what my clients are like and what style they're into.  I've really learned to be more open to different editing styles that best suit my client's needs and wishes.

Overall, I would say my style takes into account good contrast, depth of field and clarity.

3. Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I did not study photography in school or in college, but I did take a few online online Photoshop courses.  Everything else was researched and self-taught through trial and error.

4. Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot strictly Canon.  Truth be told, my favorite lens is my 85mm 1.8 prime lens.  I can never stray too far away from that one - its truly is my FAVORITE.  My second favorite is my 35 mm 1.4 prime lens.

5. Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find good natural light?

Finding great natural light can definitely be difficult.  When I get to the location I want to use, I always test my lighting in-camera while shooting in live view to see where I need to move to get the best lighting for my images.

I love shooting at golden hour, when the sun is still peeking above the mountains just before sunset.  I place my subjects directly in front of the sun (meaning the sun is directly behind them) to make them glow.  I love looking for light flares too.

The best way to achieve this is shooting in live view.  That way you can directly see exactly where to move to manipulate the light and flares to your liking.

6. What lessons have you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

The best lesson I've learned throughout my journey/experience is to simply be yourself.  People will love you for who you are and connect with you on a much deeper level if you just be yourself.  Love what you do, be passionate not competitive and your work will speak for itself!

7. If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

1. First and foremost, learn to use your camera's manual settings.
2. Enjoy the ride.  Photography is a learning process, that never ceases to amaze me EVER.  You can never know too much, so strive to keep learning and do your best.
3. There may be times when you want to give up and not do this anymore.  NEVER.  GIVE. UP.  Keep pushing through!

8. What do you love most about being a photographer?

The thing I truly love the most about photography are the many relationships I have built with my clients.  I don't just like to take pictures, I also love to help people see the beauty within themselves.  So when my clients love their images AND tell me that I made them feel beautiful, that is one of the things I love most!

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself still doing what I love most (photography), in the town that I love most.  I have also set a goal to become a real estate agent.

10. How has Pretty Presets helped you grow as a Photographer?

I’ve been a Pretty Presets group member and preset user for over 4 years now, and in that time I have grown exponentially.  Pretty Presets has not only given me the versatility that I had been looking for all along, but it also cut my workflow in half.

My passion, my business, and my editing skills have all grown so much.  And as much as I owe myself a pat on the back, I owe Pretty Presets a huge round of applause because without their presets and actions I’d still be stuck in a rut.

If you’re new here, I promise you not only will Pretty Presets & Actions help your editing skills, it will help you find your own unique editing style.  This entire community will make you feel like you’re family.  Like you were meant to be here all along.

We grow, and we learn from those who help us rise up along the way.  And this is the place to be if you want the help you’ve needed all along.  You are in the right spot.

That in itself, I have to admit has been truly a blessing, and I can’t say it enough.  I’m eternally grateful for everything Pretty Presets has done for me!

Do you have any questions or comments for Rebecca Cook?  Leave us a comment below - we would love to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (We really appreciate it)