Rebecca Peloquin
Rebecca Peloquin
Photographer/Illustrator, Founder of Repel Industries
Echo Park, CA
www.RebeccaPeloquin.com
Twitter @RebeccaPeloquin
Instagram @rebeccapeloquin
What do you do?
“I take photos and I draw things.”
Generally for commerce these photos are of clothing and jewelry lines for lookbooks or marketing but have found their way into editorials, a lingerie ghost story hardcover art book, Hillary Clinton's first presidential campaign, and in self made publications though my micro-publishing company Repel Industries. I gravitate toward the dark, the odd and the spectacular.
I also have been known to show my photographs and illustrations in predominately Los Angeles based art shows.
What steps did you take to get where you are now?
I did invest in a formal education in photography after graduating from an art focused high school, but the biggest steps in my development were moving to Los Angeles, listening to anyone who could teach me something, and experimenting constantly.
How do you stand out in your field?
By being dependable, consistent and hardworking. Also I have purple hair so I stand out in most fields.
For other people in your field, what do they usually lack?
I think a lot of freelance working artists lack a plan for their futures and how to manage the stress they create.
I personally wrestle with the day to day actions of getting through the workload I have, while pursuing additional work/clients that it's incredibly easy to get lost in the process and not plan for things whether pragmatic as taxes, or a sick day budget or things less directly pragmatic that you need to manage your stress load, like a trip or a day off.
I still struggle with this, and probably will for awhile, but I'm trying to learn how much work is too much work, how little sleep is too little sleep and when to actually stop checking my email and go see a movie with someone important.
What are you working on right now?
My current ongoing project is an examination of personal history through food photography where I explore subject’s memory and comfort as tied to the meals they cook.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style changes a lot depending on the topic as you could expect since food and beauty photos are pretty different. With food I like to capture realism- the food as it authentically looks with limited styling or “tricks” and often with natural looking light, but with people I tend to prefer crisp intentional artificial lighting, and very perfected poses, more creating than capturing a look. Both are rewarding but different!
What is frustrating you right now?
Donald Trump. But also social media platforms changing the rules often which hampers our ability to connect with audiences. Wouldn’t it just be nice to be able to say hello to the people who want to hear hello?
We are all Slashies with multiple skills, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’m actually working to minimize the slashes these days after years of being a photographer/ photo editor/ illustrator / graphic designer (wow I’m tired typing that). A photography business comes with a lot of hats but the one I wish I could do all the time is just shooting!
If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would definitely hire someone to do social media for me, it’s non-stop! Good social media branding can help you stand out in the pack in a city as big as Los Angeles but it can be real tricky to navigate!
Do you have any mentors or peers? What do you chat about? How do they help you?
I am involved in a few creative networking groups in addition to my friend base of freelance artists but have never had a real mentor, though I am envious of those who do.
Generally when I talk with my freelance artist friends we speak about ways to stay productive, creative and excited about our skills while not going completely insane, or you know, we will just try to forget about it and grab a beer....
If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It would about how to get my work to a larger audience and attract the right clients.
What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I would really like to shoot a cookbook and work with more creative chefs and restaurants on an in depth project beyond just a dish or two!
What is your ideal client?
My ideal job isn’t concrete. There isn’t a Michelin star restaurant I would want to work with more than the corner tamale shop, but the perfect job to me is when everyone does their absolute individual creative best as part of a team that lifts each other up and reflects all of our vision, be it photographer, stylist, chef, model or art director, we all end up with images we are so proud of. Also if there are snacks that helps.
Do you allow yourself to say No?
I'm learning to. There is value in saying no to projects you aren't right for to allow time and space for the ones you are.
My deal breakers usually boil down to respect. If a client doesn't have the ability to respectfully communicate or offer a fair rate for fair work then I'm probably going to pass. I want to work with people who I am excited to collaborate with to create lasting and meaningful work.
What is your rate?
I have some basic pricing on my website at: www.RebeccaPeloquin.com/pricing but I price each job I get individually based on the needs and budget of the client so I am the most fair to every client I have!
How should someone approach you about working together?
The best way is through email: Rebecca@RebeccaPeloquin.com or contact through my website but I welcome calls and texts if clients prefer that method of communication. My phone number is on my site!
This member profile was originally published in August 2015, Updated January 2019.