Meet Dyra Rimpf | Traveling Wedding | Elopement Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dyra Rimpf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dyra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest, I never imagined being a business owner or a photographer, I actually went to college for Criminal Justice. Growing up, I can’t say that I had a wonderful childhood, it was actually very traumatic but my sweet, hard working, single momma did everything she could to take care of us. It wasn’t until later in life as I got older that I realized how traumatic my childhood was and how much it actually affected me. I had so much anger built up and somehow I still let my addicted father have a hold over me, that was the whole reason I was going to school for Criminal Justice. My ultimate dream at that time was to become a narcotics federal agent to help anyone I could not have to grow up like I did. I was in my last year at college and was in the process of becoming a correctional officer to get some experience under my belt related to my field of study. It was not until they were taking me on a tour of the jail that I realized there was no way I could wake up and stare at my childhood trauma everyday for the rest of my life. Covid hits. Almost everything shuts down. Hours were cut and just like everyone else I had to find something to occupy my time. I started to try to find myself again, I felt so lost, and unsure of who I was anymore so I took time to dig deep. I couldn’t even tell you things I actually liked , made me happy or brought me joy. When I started to try to think back to what I enjoyed as a little girl, I remembered those old yellow and black disposable cameras and I always had one in my hand. I loved catching people off guard, trying taking some horrific selfies, and of course all of my animals. I decided to purchase my first camera that September just as a hobby, I loved it. Many of my friends and family let me practice and take photos of them when I started and then I began to get interest from others, I realized maybe I could do this as little side hustle and make a few extra bucks but I stayed so busy I decided to take a leap of faith and go full time which lead me to create my own photography business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to think my style of photography is a little different. I try to achieve a more true to color | slightly warmer aesthetic and I like to capture more candids, real emotion, and documentary style images. I would say my favorite things to shoot would probably be detail photos, couples, receptions, and creative shoots. There is no way I could have gotten to where I am today without the constant support and encouragement from my friends, family, clients and the photography community. The saying “community over competition” in this industry is so important because there are so many other creatives around the world and we all need that support from one another, rather than tearing each other down. As creatives, 9/10 times we are our own worst critics. It was challenge for me but its so important we remember to give ourself grace, we are human. Finding something that makes you happy and brings joy to your heart is crucial and I am so thankful I took the leap of faith to do just that and start my business. Coming from working in the service industry for years and always having that cash flow of tips and consistent income was one of the hardest transitions. I am impulsive and trying to figure out how to budget and balance my work and personal life was extremely hard, I am in no way perfect at it but I am getting better and better the more I work on my self discipline. It has not been easy for sure but so worth it in my opinion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually just moved back home to Baldwin County and there so many options around us. I personally, am not a big beach fan unless I am going for the Flora Bama, that is my very favorite place. I love to listen to live music and two really good friends of mine are actually musicians. One of the best times of the year in my area is Mardi Gras. It a huge deal where I am from and love to celebrate Mardi Gras as much as we can when that time of year rolls around. Something else that may shock you is that I do not like seafood and I worked in a seafood restaurant for 6 years but I love Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with some cheese dip and a margarita.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have encouraged, and supported me that I am forever grateful for. I am especially thankful for two wonderful ladies who have helped me get to where I am today.

I can not thank Danielle Hickman enough, she is a photographer I have followed on instagram for forever and absolutely loved her and her work. I actually did a mentorship session with her when I was first starting out and the rest is history. She became one of my very best friends and took me under her wing. Dan is actually the one who encouraged and pushed to take the leap of faith and go full time. I even traveled to Utah to attend a photography workshop of her’s and it completely leveled up and changed my business.

When my parents divorced and I changed schools, I was given the option to sit beside this little girl Kaitlyn Conway or this other sweet little girl. I chose to sit by the other little girl and Kaitlyn was so upset, I do not think I will ever live that down lol but we have been best friends ever since. She actually took up photography as a hobby years before I ever did and when I decided I wanted to try it she was so excited, encouraging and supportive. We worked at the same little restaurant for years, they tried to give me the nickname “salty” because I had a terrible r.b.f. so when Kaitlyn started she was nicknamed “Pepper” and it stuck. I seriously could not ask for a better friend than Pepper, she has always been my go to girl but getting to share our passion for photography and shoot wedding’s and session’s together has only brought us even closer.

Website: www.dyrarimpfphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dyrarimpfphotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dyrarimpfphotography