Scottsdale Arizona Wedding Photographer Rebekah Sampson | ISPWP Member Spotlight

Rebekah Sampson Bio

I have been a professional wedding photographer for over seven years. I love weddings because of the love and excitement bubbling all around. Everyone is joyous, happy, and in love. I truly believe I have the best job in the world because I am able to document people’s lives and capture them in their most emotional moments. I still get excited every time I drive up to a wedding. Each one is unique and special in it ‘s own way. I am a proud member of the ISPWP, Fearless Photographers, as well as the WPJA.

How did you get your start and why did you choose wedding photography as a career?

My curiosity for photography began when I was 12. I saved up for two years and bought a used Canon Rebel off of Ebay. I grew up in a rural area and learned to use my camera by reading books at the library and shooting anything any everything I could. I later attended college so that I could learn about the dark room and develop my own prints. I assisted photographers to learn how the business worked. I assisted on my first wedding when I was 18 and was infatuated with them from then on. Almost a decade later and I am living the dream I’ve always wanted. I am a wedding photographer, and I create memories for people to last through generations.

How has your extensive experience in wedding photography helped you in difficult circumstances on a wedding day?

I think one of the circumstances that happens most often is being a calming presence for brides. I remember one wedding where a bride was crying because it was starting to rain and no one could figure out how to get the processional music to play and everything was going to start late. I ended up hugging her and reminding her that it’s her wedding day and the ceremony wouldn’t start without her. I also get asked a lot of advice on random things though out the wedding day. My couples often joke with me that I should be a wedding planner when I am too old to shoot because I know all of the ins and outs of wedding details!

Tell us about some of the more unique weddings you’ve shot.

I just recently photographed a vow renewal on top of the Mollgeon Rim. It was just the couple, their three children, and myself. It was one of the most intimate ceremonies I have had the pleasure of photographing.

What are some of your favorite local venues?

One of my top places to photograph weddings has to be back yards. I love how intimate and detailed those weddings end up being. I also love to work at The Royal Palms, Sassi, and the Four Seasons, they have the best areas to photograph portraits!

What advice would you give a bride who is looking for a wedding photographer?

I always tell my brides the most important thing is to make sure you like my shooting style. The second most important is that you like me! I love to meet with my couples and see how we get along. After all, I may be with them all day on the most important day of their lives.

What’s your favorite part of the wedding day to photograph?

I have two, the bride getting ready is always a special time. She is surrounded by all of the important women in her life and being completely doted on. Second has to be first sights. I love the intimacy there- whispers in ears, and nerves calmed simply by seeing each other.

What kinds of weddings do you love to photograph?

I love outdoor weddings that are completely the bride and groom’s style. I love quarks and funky details that they both love.

What are your top tips for brides to help them get great photos on their wedding day?

Time everything out. And always anticipate each event lasting fifteen minutes longer than you planned.

How important is it to hire an experienced wedding photographer?

Sooooo important. The vow renewal I mentioned above had a tragic story of why it is so important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. That couple hired a friend who swore that they could handle their wedding and turned out ruining all of their wedding photos. Heads cropped off and bad lighting. She had no photos she loved from her wedding day.

What do you find is the biggest challenge in wedding photography?

There are no do overs! That is another reason why hiring a professional is so important, because we are experienced and have seen it all. Every wedding has a little snag that we professionals know how to handle and photograph beautifully.

What do you do for fun when you’re not shooting weddings?

I love spending time with my husband and two daughters. We did the slip and slide yesterday…..ouch!

How would you describe your style of photography?

I describe my style as creative documentary. I love to capture moments as they happen and also get creative and have fun shooting with my bride and groom during their portraits.

What (or who) inspires you?

Oh so many things! Love, great light, laughter. I also adore the work of Davina and Daniel Kudish, Lindsay Stark, Two Mann Studios, and Chrisman Studios to name a few.

Have you found any products, services, or seminars that have made a difference to your photography or your business?

I research other photographers on a weekly basis and see their works. I think the things that help me most is experimenting and shooting every day.

What’s the best photography-related advice you’ve been given?

Shoot every day!

What would you say was the biggest reason for your success?

The feedback I often get and love hearing is “I didn’t even know you saw that” or “I didn’t even see you taking photos of us”. Moments that usually go by unnoticed, those are the ones I love to capture. I also think I am a people person and am pleasant to be around. I strive to make my clients as happy as possible.

How important do you think an engagement shoot is?

I love doing engagement shoots with my clients! It really allows us to get to know each other on a more personal level. You get to see how I work and direct, and I get to know what puts you at ease and what your “good side” is!