Meet Rebecca Steighner

We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Steighner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Rebecca with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I draw my work ethic from my parents, both of whom were business owners in the arts. My father was a lighting designer, and my mother was a floral designer, so I was fortunate to witness firsthand their dedication to their craft from a very young age. They both demonstrated a remarkable attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to doing things right. Watching them build their businesses and pour so much care into their work set a strong example for me. It taught me that true excellence comes from diligence and passion, and that the effort you put into every aspect of your work truly matters.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey in visual media began in South Florida, where I was born, from arts middle and high school to countless arts summer camps. However, it wasn’t until I moved to New York City to attend The School of Visual Arts for my undergraduate studies that I began to understand where my work would fit within the photography industry. The photo and video program at SVA provided the guidance I needed to focus my goals on an editorial career while shaping my thematic and creative practice, which revolves around fashion maximalism and drag performance, with an emphasis on queerness and movement.
I am currently building my business and artistic career as a freelance photographer, with aspirations to work on fashion editorials and campaigns. At present, I am focused on small-scale commissioned work. In addition to my freelance career, I work as a photo assistant, stage manager, art department assistant, and digital tech.
Informed by my background as a dancer, I work in both photography and video to capture moments of queerness, both visually and thematically. My fashion photography subverts conventional desires, creating compelling fantasies, while my drag work highlights intimate details that explore the relationship between performer and audience. The most exciting part of my practice is the opportunity to curate a unique artistic voice across multiple disciplines. Whether in fashion, drag, or commissioned work, I strive to carry the same sensibilities through very different frames.
I sincerely enjoy collaborating with my friends, many of whom are at the beginning of their careers. It’s exciting to grow and support each other as we navigate this journey together. I’m currently focused on expanding my network within the industry by connecting with emerging stylists, hair and makeup teams, and set designers, all in an effort to create truly exceptional work for my portfolio.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three skills have had the most impact on my journey: being involved, seeking inspiration, and trusting my intuition. From the start, I was always the most involved in class—I actively shared my work, engaged with my professors, and asked questions to push my learning further. This curiosity and willingness to go above and beyond helped me develop a deeper understanding of my practice. Inspiration plays a crucial role in shaping my work as well; I believe it’s essential to surround yourself with the kind of work you want to contextualize your own within. Even though it can feel intimidating to compare yourself to work that seems more advanced, immersing yourself in it challenges you to raise your own standards and find where your style fits in. Finally, intuition and initiative are skills I rely on heavily in my professional life. In both early and current working experiences, I’ve learned to predict problems before they arise and offer solutions proactively. I focus on finding ways to solve issues that others might overlook, which helps me stand out and adds value to any project I’m a part of.

My biggest piece of advice for those early in their journey is to stay actively involved. Whether it’s speaking up in class, sharing your work, or seeking feedback from professors, engaging with others and asking questions is key to your growth. Putting yourself out there and taking initiative is how you learn the most and make valuable connections. Surrounding yourself with others who are just as dedicated and passionate about their craft will push you to keep evolving and help you build a supportive network along the way.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to collaborating with others, especially those who are at the beginning of their careers. I’m currently looking to partner with hair and makeup artists, stylists, other photographer assistants, models, set designers, and anyone involved in the creative process who is interested in doing test shoots. I love working with others who are also building their portfolios and am especially open to collaborating with small designers who might want to partner for shoots. If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me through my website or social media. I’m always excited to connect with emerging talent and build something exciting together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://becsteighnerphoto.com
• Instagram: @becsteighner