Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocki Hoops.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rocki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Rockstarr&Co journey and my photography career officially started in early 2008, but my love for the arts reaches as far back as childhood. I was obsessed with anything theatrical and dramatic. I loved seeing the models in fashion magazines that were placed in high concept themes with outrageous sets and makeup. I dreamed of how amazing it would be to have pictures just like those models. I grew up in a very small town where resources were limited and I was always pushing my limits to be different. Later on, my desire pushed me to learn how to use a camera and seek out regular people that surely wanted a model experience as well as fine art photography for themselves. I rented some studio space and within one year, it had become a full-time gig.
I am completely self-taught with no formal training. I am obsessive over knowing how things work and hard-headed to a fault. I would set a goal to learn a new method or technique and push myself until I felt confident in my new skill and then set a new goal and so on. I have also always been my own worst critique which forces me to continue to try and improve. It’s a vicious and rewarding cycle that has led me to where I am today. I grew up in an environment where hard work was expected and rewarded and I do my best to apply that to all of my passions in life.
Great, 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?
The path that has led me to where I am today has definitely been a winding one. Every single step has been a learning experience. I truly believe that you will continue to learn every day of your life until it is over and you will never have it all figured out, BUT if you love what you do, then you will have the best adventure learning along the way!
When I started my career, I focused on vintage and pin-up style photography but quickly branched out to other genres that have led me to where I am today. I am experienced in all types of portraits, commercial, and wedding photography as well as many others. I let my business lead me and grew as a person with it. I rolled with the flow of my client’s needs and demands and would venture into new photography opportunities that way. I have always thought that what God wanted me to do in life and in my career he would put that challenge in front of me and it was my responsibility to embrace it and show Him my best! I would find my creativeness in each individual’s sessions and provide them with tailored and personal artistic work that would be genuine to them… I make sure that I listen to each client and I ask what “they really want” and never assume one person is like another.
Time management has been the hardest obstacle. Anyone that works for themselves can attest to how much time you really end up spending making a business flourish and it’s always a LOT. When you put your heart into the things that you love, it’s much harder to just walk away, at the end of a day, when your livelihood revolves around those things. My biggest vice is probably “work too much.” The ultimate reward is always given back when you touch someone else’s heart with your hard work, and that you put your heart into it as well.
What should we know about Rockstarr&Co – Ultimate Photo Artistry? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We pride ourselves on an experience and not just a portrait session. We want you to have the most fun and the best memories when you work with us. We strive for each session to be uniquely suited to your individual style with a Rockstarr&Co flare. We love meeting new faces and collaborating with new concepts and ideas. We embrace all of the details from mild to wild to guarantee ultimate photo artistry.
Although the majority of sessions are handled solely by myself, I do have to admit that I have two of the most AWESOME and talented assistants that help with weddings and larger sessions. Shayelynn Emerick is my right-hand girl and been with me for over 6 years now. She is multi-talented and brings lots of creativity to our brand including custom sets, hair and makeup talent, and more. Our best guy Chayton Brumley also brings his own edge personal style to the group and completes our team! Together, we are silly, crazy, and wild for adventure!
Rockstarr&Co specializes in all of the following with over 10 years of professional experience:
Weddings and Events, Destination and Travel Sessions, Portrait Session for Families and Children, High School Seniors, Newborns, and Maternity, Commercial, Real Estate, & Business, Studio and Outdoor Photography along with many others. We normally book months in advance and up to 2 years for weddings and events.
We service the North Texas and Dallas area locally and LOVE to travel.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The best advice I can give would be to never give up and don’t be afraid of the hustle. If an opportunity is there, take it! Embrace it and learn what you can and from the life, it will give you. Don’t be afraid of what the next adventure holds and be ready to take on the next big thing and the next, and the next! Life is what you make of it and every stepping stone is an experience you were meant to have! Ultimately, don’t deny what God has set forth for you and do Him and yourself the best job you can. Keep moving forward!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rockstarrandco.com
- Phone: 972-742-2105
- Email: Rocki@Rockstarrandco.com
- Instagram: @rockstarrandco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rockstarrandcophoto
Image Credit:
Rockstarr&Co
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