my life on the south coast
& in THe new forest

Hi, I’m Rachel,

It’s lovely to virtually meet you!

I picked up a camera back when I did my A-levels and ended up photographing my first wedding at 18 (slightly terrifying at the time, but I was hooked). In 2015, I swapped the 9-5, as a graphic designer, to become a full-time photographer. Over a decade later, I still feel just as lucky to do this job.

I’m quite a calm person by nature, which turns out to be a useful trait on wedding mornings. I’d call myself an extroverted-introvert. I completely relate to people feeling awkward having their photo taken, so I know how important it is to feel comfortable enough to just be yourself.

I met my husband Chris when I was 18, at our local pub’s quiz night. We got married in 2021, after our wedding plans were postponed three times thanks to lockdowns. We ended up having a small “legal day” at our local registry office with a meal for our immediate family, then later celebrated properly at Syrencot with a relaxed, humanist-style ceremony and an unforgettable day with all our loved ones. We topped it all off with an incredible honeymoon road trip through California.

In November 2023, our little boy Leo arrived. Slightly earlier than planned, on Bonfire Night, while I was mid-export on a wedding gallery. Since becoming a mum, photography has taken on an even deeper meaning for me. I’m far more aware of how quickly phases pass and how the smallest, everyday moments become the ones you treasure most. It’s made me slower, more observant, and even more intentional about capturing real memories.

I’m also a tortoise owner, a fair-weather cyclist, prosecco lover and a firm believer there’s ALWAYS room for pudding. I have recently started adding yin yoga & spirit classes into my exercise routine, as well as making time for weekly meditation – something I’m trying to be more consistent with.

That’s enough about me, I would love to hear your story!