Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Hedges.
Hi Rebekah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Without photography and my support system, I wouldn’t be surviving.
Though I’m reluctant to admit it, I’m a Texan. Born in Plano and raised in Allen, when the city was still “cornfields.” At 17, I graduated from Allen High School, a proud band nerd with a ‘Future Teacher’ scholarship. I was ready to get out of state. I earned enough scholarship money to attend John Brown University (JBU) in Arkansas and graduated 4 years later with my degree in Communication-Digital Journalism.
Throughout life, I’ve struggled with depressive and suicidal episodes that were debilitating. Photography and language learning became my outlet for processing life. I first learned how to photograph in Manual with a Rebel T3 that my parents helped me buy on a discounted black Friday deal.
The summer after graduation, July 2016, I photographed my first wedding as ‘Bekah TheHedge Photography’. At that time, it was only a dream that one day I would be a full-time photographer. Now I’m proud to say that I’m a small business owner and full-time freelance artist!
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?
In the last year, I’ve had some of the most severe depressive episodes and some of the highest hilltop moments.
Juggling several projects, contracts, photoshoots, and advertise is a constant balancing act. My family and friends know that I have an irrational fear of clowns. I’ve often joked that in the last year I’ve overcame that fear because sometimes it feels like a one-woman circus.
Learning how to manage my anxieties and depression has been the biggest hurdle. I’ve been so thankful to my support system who has continued to champion my work. From fellow photographers who encourage me, to my discord communities who I co-work with virtually!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Letting folx be completely themselves in front of the camera brings me joy! My photography work stands out with its vibrance and the candid emotions I capture.
I’m known for my loud voice and laugh. What sets me apart is the energy and positivity I can bring to any environment. In addition, my second language is Spanish and my third is Mandarin. I’ve been recently learning Swahili too! Being able to speak multiple language is an asset for communicating with anyone in front of my lens.
My admiration for film photography has grown in the last year. I’m grateful to Garland Camera who has developed several of my recent rolls of film!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is being able to find joy in the mundane. Being able to find joy in sorrow. Being able to find joy in moments when I’ve not felt like I could be the best or be even mentally present. My success is being able to champion other people, their beauty and tell their stories visually. If I’ve been able to help someone else feel joyful or present in their body, that’s success to me.
I’m most proud of my upcoming art show on Nov. 11, 2022, at Union Coffee in Dallas, TX! I’ve curated a show with 18+ of my fellow photographers, musicians, artist, and makers whom I know from the several cities I’ve lived in. Being able to be an artist and help support my fellow artists is a huge success for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/bekahthehedgephoto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekahthehedgephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bekahthehedgephoto/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/missrebekahhh
Image Credits
Rebekah Hedges
Trang Duong
