MEET RACHEL
A Photographer and Creative Director, Rachel is known for her candid and creative style. Her work heroes the people she's capturing - letting their emotions and interaction tell the story. Based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Rachel has been shooting weddings, portraiture and commercial assignments worldwide for over a decade. Her ability to connect with anyone leads to work that feels as candid and relaxed as if there’s no camera even there. Her love for photography began at 8 when she was handed a 35mm point and shoot. This began a natural affinity for film that’s come full circle. Although digital still has a place in her work, Rachel loves film for the raw, authentic moments only film can do justice. Whether from her fondness for film or obsession for retro surf culture, Rachel's photos often have a nostalgic vibe of decades past.
COMMON QUESTIONS
ANALOG VS DIGITAL?
For years, I have been shooting editorial and weddings on digital cameras, and though the workflow was simple and satisfying, there was always something missing. After I picked up an old film camera and rekindled with my love for analog there was no looking back. Film captures the raw beauty of life in a way that digital can’t.
Digital photography has the advantages of being able to render images instantly and the option to take as many snaps as you need to get “the” moment. Depending on the brief I work with either a combination of both digital and film to get the best of both, or exclusively on film.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I am based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, but often travel around both nationally and internationally for work. Please contact me if you’d like me to come to you – I’m always up for an adventure!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE FILES?
I work with a great local New Zealand lab for my analog files and their turnaround is pretty impressive. If you need your work ASAP I can organise this through them. Please be aware they charge a fee for rush jobs.