Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Green.
Hi Becky, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2009, I was 21 years old, married, and working full time in the financial services industry; it wasn’t a job I sought but rather a job of necessity. Looking for a creative hobby, I borrowed my mom’s point-and-shoot camera and decided to get artsy with some nature photos and pictures of my nieces and nephews. I discovered there was A LOT to learn about photography and took it on as a more serious hobby with some evening classes and weekend photoshoots with my friends for fun.
I quickly realized I have a passion for good, FEELING photos of people and their relationships. I connected with the photos I took of people in love, expressing something authentic. I began charging for photo sessions and studying techniques beyond composition and technical aspects of a camera to take my photography to the next level – a mushy, lovey dovey level I really can’t get enough of. This early phase was full of excitement and developing techniques that felt true to me which also helped make people feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready to spend time with people they love in front of a camera expressing something REAL rather than POSED.
I’ve spent the last decade balancing a 9-5 day job with my love of showing people how they look when they’re with those who bring out their best selves. I really pride myself on being different from a traditional photographer and have never wanted to offer a cookie-cutter service; my time is too important to me to waste it doing something I don’t love (a lesson I also learned in divorce and learning about love <3 ). My business grew steadily, I mixed my free time with business time and pushed myself to the max. In 2020 before the pandemic, I seriously considered how long I could sustain two full-time jobs before something had to change. To be honest, it terrified me (and still does!) to consider living without the safety net of a reliable income, paid vacation, and a 401(k). I lived through some major life stress in 2020 – relationships, business stress, pandemic; the unavoidable daily decisions to reduce risk while still making sure we’re emotionally fed and creatively thriving are REAL. And eventually, I finally really internalized I’d been endlessly putting off my dream to be my own boss, create my own schedule, and really provide value to people like me who want to devote time to feeling connected.
In August of 2021, I finally said goodbye to the safety net! I have a strong client base and a decade of experience under my belt, and things are going swimmingly so far. I’m beyond excited to see where I take myself with nowhere else to put my energy than back in my own pocket. My business today focuses on authentic, natural photography for Utah families of all shapes and sizes who love to laugh and spend time together. I take photos of people doing what they love most – enjoying the company of the people they love deepest. It’s been a heck of a road getting here, and I feel incredibly lucky to finally be here with myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can be an incredibly reasonable person if I let myself worry into a corner. It’s why I decided for so long that it was reasonable to keep two jobs and not take risks while I grew my business. It meant splitting my attention and sharing my energy with something I was good at instead of giving it all to something I love. I’d say my biggest struggle along the way was sharing my time with another career and not knowing what the signs would be when it was time to make a change.
Creatively, it’s always been a challenge to balance the kind of art I want to do with the kind of art that earns money. I’ve learned along the way that one doesn’t have to exclude the other. And that the more true I am to myself and the type of art I want to create, the stronger the impression on people – and therefore, the more people want what I’m offering. That perspective takes effort to keep. Especially on days when self-esteem is low and anxiety is high.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My photography style is probably a little bit different than most people are used to. My sessions aren’t cookie-cutter, and I think it’s great! Someone looking for a traditionally posed photo session might not get what they’re expecting. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something unique to them, they might just find themselves right at home with me.
My goal is to capture people’s most authentic emotions and relationships while blending that with beautiful photography. Honoring and celebrating our connections in life is so worthwhile. And I love creating a way for people to actually see – with a still photo in front of them – how unique and special each relationship is in their life. This is the root of why I do what I do.
The type of photo session I’m most proud of involves spending time with a partner or loved ones, family, or friends. We explore relationships and life – talking, thinking, feeling, and honoring connections – basically just having a good time. I want to catch people doing what they normally do, acting together how they normally act. Smiles are genuine and the photos are too. Emotions are authentic because my clients are actually experiencing something. I love it!
There’s tons of cuddling, laughing, talking, playing, and even kissing – yes please! I typically try to blend candid, lifestyle, and traditional styles based on what each client is looking for. But overall, even a “traditional” photoshoot with me is pretty darn relaxed. My goal is to make people forget we’re taking pictures.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’m actually really looking forward to where family photography goes in the next decade. Things have been shifting from a more posed and pristine atmosphere to a more real and lifestyle setting for a while. However, I think the media and now social media has trained people to expect life to look a certain way. I hope things continue to shift in the direction of authenticity. Our younger generations are much more aware of their mental health and the type of chosen family they need around them to be healthy and authentic. And the internet is full of places to see what real life looks like for families all over the world. I hope the days of keeping up an image of having it all together continue to be left behind.
Contact Info:
- Email: beckygreen@beckygreenphotos.com
- Website: https://www.beckygreenphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckygreenphotos/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbybecky
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/becky-green-photography-salt-lake-city-7
Image Credits
Becky Green Photography
