Throughout my life, my mom has always described me as having a type-A personality. Honestly, the fact that I don't take anxiety medications feels like a miracle! My knack for keeping things organized is all thanks to this type-A nature. While I’ve previously shared how I fell in love with photography, I want to revisit it because it has truly become a huge part of my life. Plus, I hope my journey encourages others to pursue their passions.
It all began in the summer of 2016. That spring, my grandpa passed away unexpectedly. I was just 14, and it was my first experience with loss. It took time for me to process his passing. That summer, we went to the Outer Banks, and my mom noticed I was different—distant. While we were on a dolphin cruise, she handed me the family camera (a Canon Rebel Ti3). It felt like love at first click. Through the lens, I realized how special it was to capture moments—those fleeting instances our eyes often miss. A camera freezes time, preserving memories forever.
Before photography took hold, I had always dreamed of being an architect. But when I discovered how much math was involved, I quickly shifted gears to graphic design—though I still wasn’t completely sure. During my junior year of high school, I came across a marketing company on Instagram called RedefineU, based out of Charlotte, NC. The more I learned about branding and photography, the more I realized it was something I could use to grow my own photography business.
Then, the pandemic hit during my senior year. With an abundance of free time, I dove deeper into photography, knowing I wanted to pursue it seriously. I reached out to one of the founders of RedefineU, Chase Price, thinking I’d never hear back. But to my surprise, he replied. His work and the success of his team inspired me to pursue a marketing degree, which has been invaluable for my photography business.
In addition to contacting Chase, I also reached out to another local photographer, seeking advice on how to take my photography to the next level. She kindly invited me to join her for a bridal session and wedding, and that experience solidified my desire to specialize in weddings and couples. I realized how powerful it is to tell someone's story through photographs—capturing their love and preserving it for years to come.
The first year of college was difficult due to COVID, so I opted to stay home, and it turned out to be a blessing. I was busy with photoshoots, which made it harder when I had to leave for Boone in August 2022. I was nervous about what would happen to my business, but I stayed dedicated, often traveling back home for weekend shoots. Despite the challenges, I learned so much during that time, and by the end of the year, I had graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Digital Marketing from Appalachian State University.
2022 was a pivotal year in my personal and professional growth. I purchased two new cameras and sold my first one, which I had bought with my high school savings. I took my business to the next level by creating my website and booking 119 sessions, weddings, and events. Rebecca Blanton Photography officially became an LLC in September. It was a busy year—I even worked part-time at a local marketing company—but all my hard work paid off.
Looking back, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I hope my story serves as a reminder that you can achieve your dreams, even when the path is uncertain. I’ve learned that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. There were moments when I didn’t believe in myself, but the support from family, friends, and clients kept me going. I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful connections, and I’m grateful for each one.
One of my favorite memories is from a couple I’ve photographed before. Emma reached out, saying she wanted their anniversary session to have a total fall aesthetic inspired by Zach Bryan’s songs. She told me, “I want you to take full creative liberties—I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect to photograph us.” During the session, she shared how much it meant to have the same photographer capturing their special moments over the years. Fast forward and this past week I just captured their proposal.
Photography isn’t just a job for me—it’s a way to serve others, to help them preserve the memories that matter most. Every emotion—whether joy, sorrow, or love—is frozen in time through a photograph. I’m so grateful to be able to capture those memories for my clients. They become part of my story, just as I become part of theirs.
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