Conversations with the Inspiring Rebecca Turrigiano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Turrigiano.

Rebecca, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always loved photography.

You could say I was born into it as my great grandfather was a professional portrait photographer.

At 17, I left San Fransisco for Paris to start my career in the fashion industry where I spent all of my time in front of a camera.

Now, I am obsessed with being behind the camera.

For the past seven years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve families in Phoenix as a DONA certified birth doula. It was a natural progression to start offering birth photography, simply in hopes of giving these families a vivid image of their experiences.

Storytelling, memory making, life-celebrating moments whether it be Portraits or Documentary is my passion. In 2019, I hope to be offering Documentary Family Films as well.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have always been pretty determined when I set my mind on something.
I see a vision or get inspired by other artists or entrepreneurs. The problem is finding reliable and trustworthy relationships and mentors in a world where everyone is afraid of losing business if they give you too much advice or information. My role as a birth doula was really the first thing I tackled. I determined that with a high level of professionalism and unwavering integrity I would be satisfied and successful. I was delighted that it became much more and bigger than I could have imagined, A friend/colleague of mine who is also a Doula was also offering beautiful birth Photography for clients and it seemed such a wonderful way to marry two of my strongest passions. My photography business followed soon after my doula business and it has continued to grow. The most difficult thing is dealing with unrealized dreams or insecurities among others in my fields. It can be very lonely at times. Most people who have an artistic or eccentric work schedule find it hard to seek the approval and validation they need to keep going. That’s why I challenge anyone, do what you do because it is your passion. Protect and value your time appropriately and never waiver on your personal boundaries. I was told once by a very famous actor to never change or snuff out the essence of who I am. Everyone might not like my photography, and not everyone will pick me to be their doula but I know that I offer the best of who I am to every person who hires me. I value my time and talents and only surround myself with people who feel the same way about me and expect me to do the same for them.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a professional photographer, I am most proud of being able to make my subjects feel beautiful in vulnerable moments like birth and also empowered, I strive to capture moments in time that tell a story or celebrate a season in someone’s life. Showing them through portraits how I see them which is often very different than how the see themselves. Being a voice to help retell a version of a moment that otherwise may not be seen. I want to be known for my unique way of capturing and celebrating these moments in time, and desire to surround myself with equally passionate photographers who value what they do as an expression of art. I have such a widely varied exposure to photography, having been in fashion for so many years, I hope to offer a very different perspective through my shots.

As a DONA certified birth doula, I support Phoenix families by educating them about their choices for labor and delivery, provide emotional and physical support before during and shortly after giving birth which leads to a more satisfied and empowering birth experience. I also offer certified Placenta Encapsulation to Birth Doula Clients should they so want it. I have some of the highest levels of training possible for this field and believe that I can never learn too much. I have an excellent reputation with both my clients and providers as well as with my other Doula sisters. I am proud to be certified with both of these services which not many are.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I am inspired by the women I have met who have not only survived but risen up and used their ‘winter season’ to enjoy and celebrate it when spring comes. Those who make beauty out of ashes and remain hopeful, inspiring and grounded. ‘Radiance is the true beauty that lies within’ and those who reflect that reality are those I am the most attracted and inspired by. Real women who know their value and worth. Women who don’t pretend to be someone other than who they are and celebrate every bump and line. Women who celebrate and lift up other women to be all they can be without being worried that their light will be dimmed because of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rebeccaturrigiano.com/ and https://lovingtouchdoulas.com/
• Email: rebeccaturrigianophotography@gmail.com or lovingtouchdoulas@gmail.com
• Instagram: @rebeccaturrigianophotography or @lovingtouchdoulas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovingTouchDoulas/

Image Credit:
Rebecca Turrigiano Photography©2019

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