Rebecca Kowalsky

Most photographers shy away from shadow and darkness. But shadow isn't the problem to fix; it's part of the story. My new video is up now: a walk through the alleys with my friend Teresa, an encounter with a man named Abu Iman whose hands told an entire life story, and a visit to a photography shop that's been documenting this city for over a century. If you've ever felt like your images were missing something even when the light was technically right, this one's for you. Link to the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Lp3...

Please watch and tell me what shadow has taught you in your own work.

1 day ago | [YT] | 20

Rebecca Kowalsky

Four boxes arrived at my door a few weeks ago. I almost said no to them.
Inside was the entire photographic life of a woman named Sarit. A Nikon Z7 II. Lots of other cameras. Lenses. Filters. Cables. A whole system I never would have chosen, never researched, never saved up for.
I have barely touched my Sony since.
This new video is one of the ones I am most glad I made. Not because of the gear. Because of what Sarit's story reminded me about why we do this, what keeps the creative spark alive after 25 years, and what it means when photographers take care of each other.
Her cameras are not sitting in boxes. They are out in the world, in the hands of young photographers who are just beginning. All because she once loved photography, and someone remembered that mattered.
I hope you watch it. And I would love to know in the comments: what is the thing that most recently reignited your own excitement for photography? Big or small. I am curious.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/b8pNB5mVEp4

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1 week ago | [YT] | 32

Rebecca Kowalsky

New video is up, and this one has been sitting with me for a while.
It is about the quiet plateau that sneaks up on photographers who are still shooting, still showing up, still doing everything right on paper. And why none of that is the same as actually growing.
I share what changed things for me, including something from my professional event work that I think will surprise you.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/jdW0fkmKLf0
Tell me in the comments: when did you last come home from a shoot feeling like you genuinely grew? I am curious what your answer is.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 14

Rebecca Kowalsky

The first lighting masterclass happened — and the feedback has been really moving to receive.

Here's what Ceci Snow wrote afterward:

"Your illustrations, demos, and explanations were very well done and presented, and I think we all got some insights to take away and practice. I'd highly recommend that anyone learning about lighting and the effects of position, intensity and angle consider taking a class with Rebecca! The take-home document is comprehensive too!"

Thank you to everyone who joined. I'll be announcing the next masterclass here in the community.

Tomorrow tonight at 20:30 (GMT+3), I'm hosting a short photo analysis live on Zoom. Join here:
edu-il.zoom.us/j/4208603739

And if you'd like to purchase the recording of the first masterclass session, you can do so here:
www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4N65DAJ7Z54TQ
Once payment is received, I'll send you the recording.

See you tonight!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 30

Rebecca Kowalsky

Part 2 of the 35mm series is up.
In my last video, I said this focal length can do everything. My comments section disagreed — and honestly, the wildlife and sports photographers had a point.
This video is my correction. And my attempt to show you what I actually meant — across street photography in Tiberias, portraits of strangers, landscape at the Kinneret, and a bat mitzvah where I left my 85mm in the bag for a while and had to figure it out.
Also: I finally address the full-frame assumption that several of you rightly called out. APS-C and Micro Four Thirds shooters — this one is for you too.
AD — Sirui partnership - Link in description
https://youtu.be/TmNf_RnXYAc

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 59

Rebecca Kowalsky

A quick heads up — only 2 spots left for this Sunday, May 31st at 18:30 GMT+3.
The workshop is called More Than Just the Sun. One hour (plus Q&A) covering two lighting situations: window light, which most photographers walk right past, and golden hour, including a specific off-camera flash technique for when the light is gorgeous but your subject is squinting straight into it.
Real images, two Q&A pauses, one hour, $39.
If you have been shooting for a while and feel like your images are fine, but something is missing, this is probably for you.
Register here: www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WNPKU6GGWQH9U

Your link to join will be sent to you by email after registration.
Also, the free Zoom sessions are continuing. The next one is Sunday, June 1st at 20:30 GMT+3 (note the slight time change from 20:00). One photo or one topic each session. To join:
www.skool.com/meaningful-photography-6564/about
These sessions will be a little shorter going forward, which is intentional — more masterclasses are coming on a wide range of topics, and I want to leave room for all of it.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 9

Rebecca Kowalsky

Last night: outdoor engagement party, fading natural light, waiters crossing the frame, a background that needed a little coaxing.
The fix was simple — find the best corner, wait for the right moment, switch to off-camera flash when the sun went down. But that simplicity comes from a lot of repetition.
What's your version of this challenge? A tricky venue, unpredictable light, people moving through your frame? Drop it below — I'm genuinely curious, and it might shape what I teach next. 👇

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4 weeks ago | [YT] | 18

Rebecca Kowalsky

New video is up, and this one surprised me a little because, in some ways, it is about gear I haven't used much but have come to love.
I set out to make a video about filters. Circular polarizers and ND filters: what they do technically, when to use them, and why I have landed on the Freewell magnetic filters made in collaboration with Brandon Li (after years of trying many different options).


But what the video is really about is patience.


I am not a patient person by nature. I am always moving, always trying to capture as much as possible, always aware of the moment slipping past. And these filters, the tripod going down, the shutter staying open, the waiting, they force me into a kind of deliberateness that does not come naturally to me.

And the images that come out of that process are consistently quality.

You will see exactly what these tools do and why they change the emotional register of an image, not just the technical one.
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/PfumZH3qkdI


Tell me in the comments: Do you use filters in your photography? And if not, what has held you back? I read every single comment, and I would love to know.

1 month ago | [YT] | 9

Rebecca Kowalsky

I'm exploring a photography workshop for early November 2026 — and the location might surprise you.

Isernia, Italy. A small ancient town in Molise that most people have never heard of. Autumn foliage, Roman bridges, narrow stone alleys, a suspended bridge over a rocky gorge, and a hilltop village. Two full days of shooting together, with photo review sessions included.

I'm gauging interest before I finalize anything. If this sounds like something you'd want to join, fill out this short form, and I'll be in touch: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8rxTep6k6PNmov-…

1 month ago | [YT] | 8

Rebecca Kowalsky

Who first showed you that photography could mean something?

1 month ago | [YT] | 9