REBECCA PERRY

☆ PHOTOGRAPHER • CONTENT CREATOR • SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER • COPYWRITER ☆

 My Story

How it all began…

Growing up, music seemed like it was all I had; all I could connect with. This was way before everything became digital – I’m talking back when kids still grew up with the radio, and cassette tapes, and CDs. I would often find myself hiding away in my bedroom, next to my stereo system that I saved so long to be able to afford, just totally absorbed in whatever music I was listening to at the time. I remember when CDs were becoming more and more popular, how excited I was when my father took me to get my first-ever albums: Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis. Both of those albums must have been played over 500 times. I was addicted. Eventually, I became more into rock music, then as I got further into high school, punk and emo music, and then eventually more alternative, indie, “screamo” (as the kids used to call it), etc. The Ataris, Saves the Day, The Offspring, The Get Up Kids, The Juliana Theory, Death Cab for Cutie, Silverstein… these bands were on repeat all.the.time. I can’t really explain how these bands made me feel, or why I was drawn to this type of music. I suppose as an angsty, hormonal teenage girl, I could identify with the lyrics. All I knew was that, without music, I wasn’t really living. This time of my life shaped me into who I am as a person today, and what music I like as an adult. I would never go back and change this for anything.

Discovering photography…

When I was a senior in high school, I took my first-ever photography course. At the time, let’s be honest… I was pretty horrible. I’ll admit it! I didn’t understand how to develop the film, and I didn’t feel particularly creative back then. But now when I look back at my black and white photos from that time period, it’s pretty cool to see how far I’ve come. I always had a good eye, and I always liked taking photos of other people. I guess it was something inside of me that wanted to capture the true essence of a person… I wanted to show their soul, and capture rare and candid moments that really highlighted their personality.

When I got to college, my father bought me my first ever point-and-shoot camera. This little thing would end up becoming glued to my hip, in a sense. Everywhere I went, it went. I would quickly become the go-to photographer in my group of friends. Everyone wanted me to take their photos. Every time we went out, the camera came too.

And so it began…

I always took photos. I didn’t have an agenda or even ever think I wanted to try photography as a career, I was just having fun with it. I liked making other people happy.

When I ended up moving to NYC in 2006, I sold my Pontiac Sunfire and bought my first ever “real” camera: A Canon Rebel. I was determined to teach myself everything I could about photography on my “starter camera.” And sure enough, I did.

Taking my photography up a notch…

When I was working in entertainment, I would often be lucky enough to shoot events I was promoting, i.e. New York Fashion Week, concerts… I used this time to learn more, and really try to create images that looked professional enough in nature that people wouldn’t think I was on amateur.

I guess this worked…

Because in 2013, when I was out enjoying a live show from my favorite band ever, The Sounds, their lead singer Maja (who was my hero; my biggest inspiration) saw some of my shots the day after, and immediately started posting them to her account, tagging me as the photographer, and telling me how talented she thinks I am. I was speechless. It was THE biggest compliment anyone could ever give me. I was so happy.

That moment changed everything.

I started getting press passes to more shows, working with more artists/celebrities, and becoming known as “follows the stars.” Everything felt perfect.

Growing up, as I explained, music was the only thing that made sense. It was my escape. I always knew I needed music in my life. It's what ignites a spark in me; it's what keeps me alive. This same "spark" is what I try to show in my photographs. I love capturing a single moment that shows what a person is feeling... thinking... going through... Whether it be on stage, backstage, or one-on-one, I "follow the stars," intimately capturing their emotions through the lens of my camera.

This leads me to where I am now…

As someone who has always loved everything digital - especially photography - it really wasn't until 2013 when I discovered my true talent behind the camera and began pursuing it regularly.

However, photography was always just a side hobby. I was always busy working a full-time corporate job, which meant I had to put my passion on the sidelines for a long time.

From 2006-2019, I had a full time corporate job. With 13 years of experience working in digital marketing, mostly in the entertainment and hospitality industries, (view resume here), I ended up with a fantastic resume and a great background. Over the last few years especially, I would always be thinking in the back of my head, “I could do this on my own. I should try to branch out and freelance.” But the fear is what would always stop me. Fear of the unknown…

Well, the universe must have been looking out for me, in a strange way, because the beginning of 2019 led to some personal hardships for me, health-wise. It got to a point where I could no longer work the 15+ hour days I was working, and, for the sake of my health (and sanity) needed to take a break. I had no idea what would come next, all I knew was that – in the words of James Altucher – I needed to choose myself. So I did.

I took that giant leap of faith… and decided to leave Corporate America to pursue my own ‘thing.’ To start my own freelancing business. To set my own schedule, be my own boss, and stop drowning in the misery of working somewhere I wasn’t 100% passionate about.

I decided to take charge of my own life, and finally pursue the creative side of marketing that I love.

Who do I work with?

I decided to only focus my energy and time on industries and people that make me smile and fuel my personal passions. (Life is too short not to do what you love, right?) ☆

There’s three different areas in my niche:

Think we could be a great fit?

If you are an individual or small business in these areas, let’s talk!

I look forward to helping you with your social media, photography or content creation needs.