Conversations with Rachel Catherine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Catherine

Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2015, my parents bought me my first big camera for Christmas originally because I wanted to be a YouTuber but that didn’t really pan out so I started taking pictures of anything I thought was worth photographing from nature to candid family moments, street, landscapes, and occasionally some portraits and I did that for a few years. In 2021, I attended Harry Styles’ first leg of Love On Tour and the pictures I captured just on my phone were probably my best and favorite concert photos I had ever taken, then I had discovered his photographer he had for the tour, Anthony Pham’s, work. Something about his photos from the tour and learning that tour photography was an actual job drew me to wanting to possibly pursue that as a career. It wasn’t until July 2023 when I discovered Harry’s second tour photographer, Lloyd Wakefield’s online workshop which led me to taking my photography more seriously. And knowing that I couldn’t bring my big camera into shows, I started taking pictures with my phone as well as my small compact digital camera that majority of American venues allow. Now I’ve only had the chance to obtain one photo pass in the past year of taking my photography seriously and as discouraged I’ve felt along the way with this being a tough industry and as hard as it is to feel like I’ve gotten anywhere, I don’t give myself enough credit in making it as far as I have even if progress has been little.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not being a smooth road. I’ve had a lot of times where I felt absolutely discouraged and wanted to quit because I felt as a photographer/creative I wasn’t good enough and there are still moments today where I feel this way. When you’re in your mid-20s and you had a set timeline on how you wanted your life/career to pan out, seeing everyone passing you by whether it’s people your age or even people younger than you, you feel like you’ve fallen so behind and I wish I had gotten a start into this sooner. Comparing yourself to other photographers as well as having imposter syndrome happens a lot in this industry. I’m always comparing myself to other photographers and always wishing I was where they were at or wishing I was as good as they are but everyone’s paths are different.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I shoot basically everything from mainly Portraits, Small Events, Landscapes, Street, Product, etc. I’m still trying to figure out what my niche is since it’s a mix between everything. What I would love to do is shoot for more concerts. I’m not sure if I’m proud of anything yet, maybe my ability to figure out my camera settings and how to edit I guess haha. I think right now I’ve just kinda tried to just blend in. I’m still trying to find my way through the photography industry before I set myself apart from other photographers.

How do you think about happiness?
Photography wise, when I’ve noticed my improvements, it’s the small wins. Also, when I feel I’ve taken a really great photo that I love and when I don’t care about how others feel about it.

In general, Music, I love music and it’s definitely one of my favourite ways of expressing myself. I also think when I capture emotion and the energy that is felt during concerts, it’s pressing pause on the memory and holding onto it forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://rachelsgalleryy.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rachsgalleryy
• Twitter: https://x.com/rachcatherinee3
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rachelcatherinee
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelcatherineee

Image Credits
Rachel Catherine
[@rachsgalleryy on instagram]