Ask a Member: Rebecca Gosselin Photography
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 5:00AM 
At the moment photographer Rebecca Gosselin is gracefully balancing family life {she just had her second child, Leda} and running her own business. While we know her best for her beautiful wedding imagery, Rebecca also shoots lifestyle, babies and architecture. We must say, she is doing a fine job. She grew up in Sonoma, a place she still calls home with her husband Christian and their two children, Milo and Leda. "We made our family here, we both own businesses here, we love it here!" she says. Before shooting weddings, Rebecca put her photojournalism training to use capturing the latest news stories on film, however tragic they may be. "Your picture lives and dies for one day in the media," she says. "But with weddings, your pictures live on for a really long time— and your work brings people so much happiness." Congrats to Rebecca for her real wedding feature in the latest issue of Sonoma magazine. She landed the cover!
We're so happy to have you as a member of The Collection. What is it about The Collection that inspires and excites you?
I am so excited to be part of The Collection. The concept of putting a selection of top industry vendors together and creating a one-stop shop for bridal clients to piece together their special day is a brilliant idea. I’m thrilled to be grouped with such a talented pool of wedding professionals. I’m especially excited to share the beautiful space in order to meet clients, show my work, and host photography events.
When did you shoot your first wedding? Was it love at first sight?
The first wedding I photographed solo was about seven years ago for a friend of my moms. I was so excited to land my first wedding after being a second for so many before. I totally love photographing weddings and using my roots as a photojournalist to tell a story of the couples special day.
Are there any photography rules that you live by?
The only rules I live by when it comes to photography is to be flexible, expect the unexpected, try something new, and have fun creating stunning images.
The modern-day debate: Film or digital?
Although I still shoot film from time to time for personal projects, professionally, I am a digital photographer.
What bridal trend are you sick to death of?
I’m not a huge fan of trends, in general. I’m a strong believer that people should do, act, and be who they genuinely are and not follow a trend just for the sake of following the pack. As far as photography styles go, I prefer to keep things bold, fresh, and timeless without a lot of fluff.
Is there a particular bride that gravitates toward your work?
I have a pretty wide variety of brides that gravitate toward my work. I tend to shoot with a documentary approach but also like to create some beautiful portraits, so I’m generally attracting the bride that enjoys a combination of portraiture and storytelling.
You are literally shooting in one of the most gorgeous locations in the world. Tell us about your favorite venue.
Wow! This is a hard question. There are so many breathtaking spots in Wine Country. I’ve photographed several weddings at private estates and love the intimate settings that they provide. One of my favorites was a wonderful destination wedding set in the lavender fields of Sonoma Lavender in Kenwood. Gosh, every location from state parks to wineries offers something so unique and beautiful, I have to say they are
all my favorite. I love the variety our location has to offer.
What are your local favorites in Sonoma and Napa Valleys?
By far my favorite eats in the valley is our local Taqueria La Hacienda. On the rare occasion that my hubby and me get dressed up and hit the town, you’ll usually find us enjoying an Italian meal at Della Santina's. As a family gal, you’ll catch me at Sonoma Market with my kiddos getting some grub to enjoy in the park.
If you could have anyone cook you dinner and dine with you, tell us who and what’s on the menu?
Uncle Henry and Aunt Karen! By far the best vegetarian meal that was ever whipped up in two hours notice was one created by my husbands uncle who made an amazing array of dishes with ingredients fresh picked from his garden. I’ll never forget that meal and wish I could have it once again.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
I’m all about my family and my day is centered around my children, Milo and Leda. You’ll often find us at the Plaza feeding the ducks and burning some steam at the playground. In between feeding, diapering, and entertaining I’m shooting, editing, emailing, blogging, and everything else that it takes to operate a photography business. The perfect day would probably include a trip to the spa somewhere in all the craziness.
In terms of fashion, complete this sentence, "I can’t live without..."
Flip-flops!
Rebecca Gosselin is a member of The Collection Event Studio. To contact her, click here.
Reader Comments (2)
-Hermes replicas Before shooting weddings, Rebecca put her photojournalism training to use capturing