Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca McCallum.
Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually started my career on a different creative path music was my first love. But over the years, I was always “the friend with the camera,” the one documenting life’s little moments. That hobby turned into a real passion when I worked at a children’s art museum, surrounded by artists and creativity every day. It reignited something in me and reminded me how much I love telling stories visually.
What started as photographing friends, families, and small sessions eventually grew into capturing weddings, which felt like the perfect fit a blend of artistry, emotion, and storytelling. I built RKM Photography on the idea that wedding photography should feel both editorial and personal: like your love story belongs in a magazine, but also like your truest selves were seen and celebrated.
Today, I get to travel all over (from Houston to destination weddings around the world) photographing couples who value connection, creativity, and a little bit of edge. It’s been a mix of grit, community, and following what lights me up and I wouldn’t trade the winding path that got me here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most creative journeys, it definitely hasn’t been a straight or smooth road. Building a photography business means wearing about twelve different hats not just being an artist, but also a marketer, accountant, editor, travel agent, and sometimes therapist. There were seasons where I was hustling non-stop, questioning if I’d ever find my footing, or wondering if clients would ever come consistently.
Weddings also come with their own unique pressures high stakes, long days, and the weight of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments flawlessly. Learning how to balance my creative vision with running a sustainable business was one of the hardest (but most rewarding) lessons.
But those challenges shaped me into the photographer and business owner I am today. Every struggle forced me to grow to streamline my client experience, refine my editing style, invest in education, and lean into the parts of this work I truly love. It’s not always easy, but the reward of handing over a gallery that feels timeless and true to each couple makes the bumps in the road more than worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a wedding photographer — but I like to think of what I do as more than just taking pretty pictures. I document love stories with an editorial edge: a mix of candid, documentary moments and magazine-worthy portraits. My couples often tell me their galleries feel like them, just elevated like their wedding day could live in Vogue, but without losing the messy, emotional, real parts that make it unique.
I specialize in weddings and destination celebrations, but I also love capturing engagements, families, and those milestone seasons of life. I’m known for creating an experience where people feel comfortable, confident, and like themselves (even if they swear they’re “awkward in front of the camera”).
What I’m most proud of is the way my work balances art with authenticity. It’s not about stiff poses or cookie-cutter photos it’s about intentional storytelling, thoughtful details, and documenting moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
What sets me apart is the way I blend my creative background with a personal approach. I don’t just show up with a camera; I invest in my couples, their people, and their story. That connection is what allows me to deliver work that feels timeless, cinematic, and deeply personal.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give to anyone starting out is this: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” You’ll never feel 100% prepared and honestly, the only way to grow is to jump in, make mistakes, and learn as you go.
I wish someone had told me earlier that being a successful photographer isn’t just about taking great photos. It’s about building relationships, learning how to run a business, and figuring out what makes your voice and style unique. Comparison will steal your joy fast, so focus on honing your craft and serving your clients instead of measuring yourself against everyone else’s highlight reel.
And finally — don’t underestimate the power of community. Connect with other creatives, second shoot as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from surrounding myself with people who challenged and encouraged me.
It’s a wild, winding road, but if you love it and keep showing up, it’s worth every step.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rkmphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rkm_photography_
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/rkmphotography
