ABOUT REBECCA
Rebecca Wilkowski Photography is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most sought after corporate event, headshot and editorial photographers. Clients include Fortune 500 corporations, public relations firms, event design companies, publicists, celebrities, governmental groups, environmental organizations and non-profits.
Experienced - Founded in 2000.
Esteemed - Here’s just a few of our latest accomplishments:
2024, 2023 & 2021 - Named a Top Portrait Photographer in San Francisco by Expertise.com2019 - Named #1 Event Photographer in San Francisco by PeerSpace
2019 - Named ”Best Photography Walking Tour in San Francisco” by SFGATE
Major Brands - Google, YouTube, Facebook/Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Salesforce, Time Inc, FORTUNE, Microsoft, MasterCard, PayPal, Goodwill, Harvard, MIT, Stanford University, Burberry, Marie Claire, Goodwill, Kaiser Permanente and more trust Rebecca to capture their images. Check out my Client List.
Variety - Whether it’s corporate events, headshots and portraits, editorial, photojournalism, live music, weddings or pets, Rebecca has photographed it. This translates into an ability to cover projects with ease, including those with strict timelines and difficult lighting or subjects.
VIP Experience - Rebecca has photographed major leaders from a variety of industries, including: Tony Fadell (Apple, Nest), Reed Hastings (Netflix), Susan Wojcicki (YouTube), Sundar Pichai (Google), Lorraine Twohill (Google), Marshawn Lynch (NFL), Helio Castroneves (Indy 500), actress Natalie Portman, Governor Jeb Bush, Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and San Francisco Mayors Ed Lee, Willie Brown and London Breed.
Published Worldwide - Rebecca’s work has appeared in cNET, FORTUNE, GeekWire, Marie Claire, National Geographic online, TIME, Time Out New York, Quartz News, Business Wire, Shanghai Daily, EcnoTimes, CCN.com, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, San Diego Union Tribune, Next Magazine, Professional Photographer Magazine, Shutterbug Magazine, Bowdoin Magazine, The Knot Magazine, Real Estate Forum Magazine, Tasting Panel Magazine, Qi Journal, Potrero View (San Francisco), Scalo Press (New York) and more.
Customer Service - When you hire Rebecca, you not only hire a photographer, but someone who will exceed your expectations when it comes to quality, communication, timeline and budget. Check out what her clients are saying.
Licensed + Insured - We are licensed by the City of Oakland and city of San Francisco, fully insured for $2M by Hill & Usher/The Hartford, and carry a full arsenal of professional camera equipment.
Respected Professional - Rebecca is active in the photographic community, where she authors articles for professional photo magazines, teaches workshops, and mentors photographers.
*portrait of Rebecca Wilkowski by the ever talented Gary Sexton
NOW, THE FUN FACTS!
Nickname: “Bek”
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (yes, I’m a Cheese Head. Go Packers!)
My Passions: Photography, travel, music, art, animals, social justice and the environment (especially Northern California big trees). On weekends, you’ll often find me standing in the pit shooting live music concerts, or laying on the floor making images of lovable dogs.
Secret Indulgences: I have a few, and they aren’t so secret: flourless chocolate cake, 80’s new wave music, and an ever growing collection of bright colored sneakers. But, my biggest indulgence is probably my love of animals, including my 3 year old blue nose pitbull “Mark” and my first love, my sweet pug “Otis” who crossed the rainbow bridge in 2016.
Biggest Strength/Weakness: I dislike having my photo taken. However, my natural aversion to being photographed has led me to become a more sensitive, intuitive and patient photographer. I take the time to speak to my clients to discuss their goals and concerns. I work to create a personal connection and level of comfort that allows my clients to relax. I guide clients with their posing and expression, helping them feel to confident. I’m often told working with me is like working with an old friend who just happens to be *really* good behind a camera. And, I think that’s one of the best compliments I could receive!
Most Humbling Moment: Missing my flight to NYC - and a scheduled visit to the World Trade Center on September 11th - because I ended up in the ER with a kidney stone. I eventually made my way to New York where I had the honor of documenting the brave members of FEMA and the NY Police and Fire Departments. Some of my photos from this trip ended up in a book that is now part of the permanent collection in the National Archives in Washington D.C.
Why Photography?: Simply said, images have the power to move people. They break down barriers and foster understanding and connection. They can make us laugh, or bring us to tears. They rekindle memories we once thought were forgotten. They help us see the humanity in all of us.
My “Approach”: My presence is warm, friendly and unobtrusive. I am able to effortlessly interact with and guide clients when necessary, while also capturing moments in a hands-off manner when appropriate.
With every client, I balance the need to accurately represent their brand/personality while telling their story in an artistic and compelling way.
I believe people are their most interesting when they are completely comfortable and able to be themselves.
How I came to be a Photographer: I first picked up a camera at the age of 10 during summer camp. In middle school, I was head of the school year book staff. My teacher often commented on my ability to not only photograph and lay out a well designed book, but also my dedication to making sure ALL students were equally represented among its pages. In high school, many of my weekends were spent photographing weddings with my photographer father. In college, I studied fine art and anthropology so I could become the next famous National Geographic photographer. After college, and a brief stint working with a Nat Geo photographer, I quickly realized this career wasn’t all glamour and globetrotting. After moving to California, I got my start photographing editorial assignments for newspapers and magazines. In 2000, I photographed my first solo wedding when my good friend’s photographer canceled on short notice, and I’ve photographed hundreds of happy weddings since. In 2010, I expanded my studio to include corporate events, live music, workshops and pet portraits. In 2023, I opened a photo studio in the heart of San Francisco at StartUp HQ - where companies like AirBnb, Lyft and Vungle got their start. Currently, I live in Oakland, California where I’m kicking ass and taking names, and hope to collaborate with you on your next project.