Today we’d like to introduce you to Rene Babcock.
Hi Rene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a camera in my hand. I’ve always enjoyed capturing memories in a tangible form. Photos provide visuals to help us remember special moments from the adventures of our lives. Memories can fade, but a photograph can help bring that experience back into focus.
I really dove into the photography process during my graphic arts classes in high school. We used Canon AE-1 cameras to shoot images on campus, developed the film in a dark room, then processed the images ourselves. It was during this process I came to appreciate how dynamic light can be when it comes to achieving different results in photography.
While studying advertising at the University of Florida, I became a special event photographer in Gainesville. I had the opportunity to photograph a wide variety of subjects and events though the course of my time at UF. In my free time, I was continuously shooting pictures of anything and everything to expand my skill set. To this day the best advice I can give anyone who wants to learn more about photography is to get out there and start shooting. Playing with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO then seeing the immediate results on the image (thanks to digital cameras) is the best education anyone can get!
After graduating from UF, I was getting requests through word of mouth to photograph various events. With the encouragement from some good friends, I launched my business in 2001. I started small with family and friends, then expanded to the greater Fort Lauderdale area. This was when I finally made the switch from film cameras to digital. Learning the basics on film helped streamline my process – I wasn’t used to being able to edit images after shooting them, so I had to make sure the settings were on point at each shoot.
Writing that I can’t believe it’s been over 20 years! While I continue to shoot a wide variety of subjects (weddings, parties, family, engagement, portraits), the majority of my shoots are with families and children. I really enjoy catching those candid moments – a sweet smile or a belly laugh, a forehead kiss, snuggling a newborn, tears of joy. It brings me great joy to preserve these special moments for others to cherish.
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?
I’m a full-time teacher (middle school social studies), photography is my side hustle. The biggest challenge is managing my time in order to edit and deliver client photos in a timely manner. I love to deliver sneak peeks within a couple days of the shoot because I know how eager clients are to see the end result. Multi-tasking is my secret power so I make it happen!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in capturing candid moments that are authentic. While I take the posed pictures my clients ask for, I also wait for moments throughout the shoot where individuals are interacting genuinely with each other. Those special moments are my favorite part of being a photographer. Taking posed pictures is part of the job, however, snapping images of my clients feeling genuine emotions is the goal of every shoot.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was attending elementary school in Northern California, my sister had horses. The land where she kept her horses backed up to the land behind my elementary school. At recess, I could see her horses (and her some days too!). Being around her and her horses are a huge part of why I enjoy equine photography anytime I have the opportunity.
Pricing:
- Mini Sessions start at $75
- On-location photo shoots start at $200
- Special Event pricing is by request
Contact Info:
- Website: www.renebabcock.com
- Instagram: rene_babcock_photography
- Facebook: Rene Babcock Photography
