Rebecca Kowalsky

I am winding down a few days in Dubai and wanted to share a quick story with you all...



I'll be honest - I was nervous about this trip. Dubai has this reputation for being artificial and overly manufactured, and I wondered if I'd vibe with it. But keeping an open mind changed everything.



One day, we had this fantastic guide named Ali who took us to the spice market - just the colors and aromas alone were incredible. Then we hopped on a traditional abra (a little wooden boat) and crossed the water to the gold market. It was vibrant and bustling.



Here's what I learned: We don't always get ideal conditions. Not perfect lighting. Not perfect locations. Not perfect circumstances. But that's exactly when creativity matters most.

So whatever you're working on right now - don't wait for everything to be perfect. Push your creativity. Explore anyway. You might surprise yourself with what you create.

What's a place or situation that ended up inspiring you when you least expected it? 👇

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3 days ago | [YT] | 25

Rebecca Kowalsky

This is the newest video - check it out!!
https://youtu.be/Mlv_WFFqd50?si=NJWSE...

4 days ago | [YT] | 17

Rebecca Kowalsky

My new video is LIVE! 🚨
Link: https://youtu.be/Mlv_WFFqd50
We often get obsessed with settings, gear, and composition. But today, we're stripping that away to answer the uncomfortable question: Who is this work really for?
In this deep dive, we explore why street photography isn't just about taking "spectacular" shots—it's about the invisible forces of Humanity and History. If you've ever felt like an intruder, this might change how you see the street forever.
Watch the full philosophy deep dive here:
https://youtu.be/Mlv_WFFqd50?si=_z4k6...
What is your biggest struggle when shooting on the street?
• Feeling like an intruder 🚫
• Missing the "decisive moment" ⏳
• Technique/Settings ⚙️
• Finding a good story 📖

5 days ago | [YT] | 1

Rebecca Kowalsky

What feels hardest in your photography right now? (I thought I had posted this, but I don't think it made it, so here it is!)

Please join our community on Skool, where we will continue to grow and learn, expanding our photography skills in a meaningful way. We invite you to invite your friends as well!

skool.com/@rebecca-kowalsky-4602

5 days ago | [YT] | 3

Rebecca Kowalsky

I'm building something I've long wanted.
A space where photographers who care about meaning, intention, and growth can actually connect, not just consume content, but learn together, share work, and grow in community.
I've created the Meaningful Photography Community on Skool, and I'd love for you to join. It is the very beginning, and I am building this up slowly and thoughtfully.

What's happening there:

Free discussions and image sharing
Live events and workshops
Direct access to me for questions and feedback
A growing library of courses (coming soon)
Connection with other thoughtful photographers

This isn't about replacing YouTube. YouTube is where I share ideas and inspiration, and I look forward to doing this consistently for many, many years! Skool is where we delve deeper, where you can receive personalized feedback, ask questions, share your work, and be part of a genuine photography community.
Right now, it's free to join. As I develop more courses and structured programs, some content will be paid, but there will always be free community access, discussions, and events.
If you've been following this channel because you want photography that matters, not just photography that looks good, this community is for you.

Join here: www.skool.com/meaningful-photography-6564/about?re…

I'm excited to connect with you there.
Rebecca

1 week ago | [YT] | 33

Rebecca Kowalsky

For years, I thought the hardest part of street photography was technical, getting the settings right, reacting quickly, and not missing the moment.

What I eventually realized was that the real challenge was something else entirely.

The fear of being seen.

In my newest video, I talk about the shift that changed how I photograph, moving from hiding at a distance to standing still and letting moments unfold. Not rushing through scenes, not stealing images, but staying long enough for expression, connection, and meaning to appear.

Street photography, for me, became about curiosity.
About presence.

🎥 The new video is now live on the channel.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/zYzNgUblNWM

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1 week ago | [YT] | 23

Rebecca Kowalsky

Some assignments stay with you long after the images are delivered.

Recently, I photographed a Bar Mitzvah for three families who traveled from overseas, three grandsons celebrating together, one set of grandparents, all in Jerusalem.

From the walk through the Old City with music and shofar, to the prayers at the Kotel, it was a reminder of why storytelling matters.

Joy and gravity can exist in the same breath. Use YOUR photography to tell stories. Stories are important. People's stories need to be told.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 14

Rebecca Kowalsky

What to look for at landmark moments:
When we photograph milestone events, it’s natural to focus on the obvious moments
the ceremony, the formal portraits, the “main” image.

But often, the real story lives somewhere else.

At a recent bat mitzvah, I found myself watching for:
• what happened inbetween the moments everyone was waiting for
• quiet concentration
• small gestures that might never repeat themselves

These moments don’t announce themselves.
They’re easy to miss if we’re only watching the schedule.

If you’re photographing an important event soon, for a client, for family, or for yourself, try asking:
What would disappear if I only photographed the obvious moments?

That question alone can change how you shoot.

Here are some moments I was so happy to catch:
(The Bat Mitzvah girl rewriting her speech since she forgotit at the hotel; The Bat Mitzvah girl folding her prayer shawl; the uncle shielding his children from the cold with his prayer shawl: small moments - big memories).

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 17

Rebecca Kowalsky

REMINDER - REMINDER - REMINDER

✨ You’re invited — YouTube Live Photo Analysis ✨

📅 Jan 8, 2026
⏰ 8:00 PM Israel time (GMT/UTC +2)

One of the fastest ways to improve your photography
is not just shooting more — but learning how to see.

In this live session, we’ll be analyzing images sent in by our community —
looking at what’s working, where the story lives, and how small shifts in seeing can make a big difference.

You don’t need to have an image being analyzed to learn;
watching and thinking along with us is incredibly powerful.

Everyone is welcome to join, learn, and feel part of the conversation.
And, I'd love to see your image in a future YouTube live!
👉 Join us live:
youtube.com/live/ng6u_KxVXgg?feature=share

💛 Members: there will be a special post-session discussion just for members.

To join the channel: youtube.com/@RebeccaKowalskyPhoto/join

I look forward to seeing you there.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Rebecca Kowalsky

New Video: 40mm vs 35mm - Does 5 Millimeters Really Matter?
After I published my 35mm video, so many of you wrote to tell me you actually shoot with 40mm—and that it's a focal length rarely discussed.
That stayed with me.
So I spent time intentionally photographing with a 40mm lens. Not testing. Not pixel-peeping. Just working—on the street, at night, during portrait shoots.
What I discovered: 40mm feels calmer than 35mm. It still lets you stay close, but it asks you to be more selective. For certain stories, especially with people, that difference matters.
In this video, I talk about:

How 40mm compares to 35mm in real-world shooting.
Why 35mm remains incredibly versatile (and I still use it).
What 40mm feels like for street and portrait work.
Honest pros and cons of an affordable 40mm lens.
How focal length choices affect your storytelling.

This isn't about choosing sides. It's about understanding how small shifts influence the way we see and work.
👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/eAfdJz2W1p0?si=qErLM...

Question for you: Do you shoot with a 40mm? What's your go-to focal length and why? I'd love to hear in the comments.

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 13