Meet Reva Wilkins

We were lucky to catch up with Reva Wilkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Reva, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I’m convinced I got my work ethic from both of my parents. They’ve always worked incredibly hard, day in and day out, and I’ve always looked up to them for that. My mom manages a well-known store, and even though my dad is retired, he somehow seems busier than ever. I’ve learned that responsibility, hard work, and dependability really matter in any career—whether you’re running your own small business or working a full-time job. Growing up, I often juggled several jobs at once and managed to balance my time, energy, and focus for each of them. I really believe that having faith in yourself goes a long way, as well.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Reva Wilkins, and I’m the owner of Reva Wilkins Photography, LLC. I’ve spent nearly fifteen years refining my craft, and I still believe there’s always something new to learn. That curiosity keeps me open to fresh ideas and new projects, and it’s one of the things I love most about this work.

Serving clients across Coastal Virginia and North Carolina, I do my best to stay flexible and meet people where they are. The most rewarding part of my job is building real connections with my clients—many of whom feel more like old friends than customers. I always strive to create a relaxed atmosphere, so our sessions feel less like formal appointments and more like time spent with someone who genuinely cares. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching families grow, capturing everything from childhood milestones to wedding days for people I’ve known since I was young myself. It’s a uniquely meaningful experience that I don’t take for granted.

My specialty is outdoor photography—family sessions, portraits, engagements, and weddings. I also occasionally work in boudoir and love experimenting with styled or themed shoots that allow both my clients’ personalities and my own creativity to shine. Lately, I’ve started mentoring friends who are interested in photography, which has been a creative boost and a great way to learn new things together.

This year’s been a little unpredictable, and filling mini session slots has proven more challenging than usual—maybe the summer heat is to blame. Still, I’m staying focused and pushing forward, committed to creating the best possible experience for everyone who steps in front of my lens.

As I look ahead, I’m excited for what’s next: meeting new faces, welcoming back familiar ones, and continuing to grow alongside the community that’s supported me all these years.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities have shaped my journey as a photographer: patience, sociability, and confidence. Patience taught me that success doesn’t arrive overnight. I learned to accept that I wouldn’t become a celebrated photographer or build a thriving business instantly—and that’s perfectly fine. Running a small business has given me the freedom to enjoy photography both as a passion and a profession, without the pressure of immediate results.

Being sociable has also played a crucial role. I’ve made it a priority to network and seek out new opportunities, whether that means discovering unique locations or connecting with people in my community. Introducing myself to farmers and property owners has opened doors I never expected, allowing me to expand my portfolio and offer my clients something special.

Confidence, though, is perhaps the most transformative quality. For much of my life, I struggled with self-assurance. I was friendly but often tried to stay out of the spotlight, worried about drawing too much attention. Over time, I realized that confidence is what empowers me to explore on my own, take risks, and truly experience the world without waiting for approval or company. It’s a work in progress, but each day I strive to hold my head high and move forward.

For anyone just starting out in photography, my advice is simple: be patient with yourself and give yourself grace. The photography world is fast-paced and full of talented people, but there’s room for your unique voice. Keep putting yourself out there—advertise, socialize, go to farmers markets, talk to your peers. Let your personality shine and let people be drawn to your enthusiasm. If I can find confidence and keep going through the ups and downs of running a business, you can too.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed is something I know all too well. As a small business owner who also manages a full-time job, the demands can be intense—especially during peak seasons like the holidays. Over time, I’ve learned to remind myself that I’m only human. There’s a limit to what I can reasonably expect from myself each day, and my body isn’t as resilient as it was in my twenties; the all-nighters just aren’t possible anymore.

When things start to feel unmanageable, I focus on what I can control in the present moment. Deep breathing helps me reset, and I’m a firm believer in the power of a well-organized to-do list. There’s something deeply satisfying about checking off each task—it lightens the invisible load I carry.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to give myself grace. Nobody can do everything, not even the most capable among us. After years of dealing with anxiety, I rely on grounding techniques, mindful breathing, and narrowing my attention to what’s truly within my control. These strategies help me regain my footing whenever things start to spiral. Remember, it’s possible to stay grounded—even when life feels chaotic.

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