Absolutely meets photographer Rachell Smith to discuss icons, collaborations and Princes Risborough
Buckinghamshire photographer and director Rachell Smith is renowned for her clean, glossy studio imagery that seamlessly merges portraiture, fashion, and beauty. Her work radiates confidence and authenticity. Born with an inherent desire to empower others, Rachell firmly believes in the transformative magic that occurs when individuals feel confident in front of the camera. In her photoshoots, she places a premium on creating a comfortable and happy environment, ensuring positive vibes on set. Rachell thrives on collaboration, valuing the uniqueness of each person she photographs.
Her portfolio features campaigns for renowned brands and appearances in publications such as Vanity Fair and Vogue. Rachell’s vibrant, approachable personality infuses life into her subjects, cementing her as a photographer who captures empowerment one frame at a time.
In 2024, Rachell launched DEFINED Magazine, an intimate collaboration with the world’s most talked-about talent. What’s more, Rachell’s recent Vogue cover with the iconic Twiggy has been accepted into the National Portrait Gallery – so Absolutely decided it was time to discover more about the unique local talent.
Rachell Smith on her Early Photography Days
Do you remember the very first time you picked up a camera?
I can remember the first time I picked up a camera and was really interested in it. I was 12, and my Grandad showed me how to use it. He always had his camera with him, taking pictures of the family. I have so many amazing memories of him showing me his cameras and photo albums, it’s where I started to truly appreciate photography.
When would you say you properly started to catch the bug for photography?
I properly caught the bug when I was at school, around 14-years-old. I started taking pictures of the local town and people and would get them printed and pick one to paint in watercolours. I can vividly remember painting a local market scene – lots of hustle and bustle happening. I was very arty at school. Over time, I realised I enjoyed the interaction of taking pictures with people far more than sitting alone in a room painting all summer long. That was the turning point and I started exploring photography more seriously.
Was there a particular moment when you saw a career in it?
When I was at college, I was really just enjoying the art environment – learning about art history and the practical techniques of photography. But it was during a few internships that I started to see a career in it. I loved being around professional photographers, seeing their work, and hanging out in their studios, taking it all in – it felt like home. A place of creativity I knew I wanted and needed to be in. It made me realise what I wanted to do in my career.
What was some of your earliest work and how do you look back on it?
Some of my very early work was thanks to my sister, Rebecca May, who now runs the PR agency RM Publicity. Back then, she worked for a fashion PR company and I was interning for a big photographer. The brand my sister represented at the time needed a photographer to shoot some lookbooks and she pitched me and the client said yes. I look back on those shoots with such fondness… they remind me of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career. And I still love being a photographer now just as much as I did back then.
Reflecting on Her Career Highlights
When would you say your career properly took off?
It’s hard to pinpoint because my career has had highs and lows, like a rollercoaster. But if I had to choose a moment, artistically, I’d say right after the pandemic. That period made many of us stop and rethink our lives. I had the chance to refresh, start test shooting again, and just fully go for it… the art of photography, I mean. Going back to seeing it as art made me hone the style you see today, my signature style that every creative has.
You have photographed some amazing people – have you ever been starstruck?
When it becomes your job, and you do a lot of research on people before photographing them, it feels quite normal to meet famous people now. I often feel like I’m a part of their journey in some way. I wouldn’t say ‘starstruck’, but I’ve definitely been very excited about meeting certain people – too many to list, but a few include Cate Blanchett, Stephen Graham, and Twiggy.
Who have been some of your favourite subjects and why?
Most recently, the iconic Dame Twiggy Lawson. Twiggy is one of my favourite subjects because she is truly, authentically herself. I love her honest, down-to-earth qualities. She’s a true British icon.
Your shot of Twiggy has recently been accepted into the National Portrait Gallery. How does that feel?
It’s quite overwhelming, to be honest, and there’s also a real sense of pride in my career to date. To be part of The National Portrait Gallery is definitely a major career highlight. It feels like a form of acceptance.
How do you like to work?
Collaboration is at the heart of what I do – working with stylists, hair, makeup, art directors, picture editors, my agent (the list goes on). It’s all a team effort. It’s important to me that every single person involved – on set or off – feels valued. When your team feels good and respected, good, creative things happen.
Do you think you are renowned now for a certain style?
Yes. I often get messages from people saying, “I knew this was your shoot before I even looked at the credits”, which is a massive compliment. It’s hard to define my style in one sentence, but I’d say it’s creating beauty portraits in the studio with a timeless quality. I’m interested in exploring sculptured light and abstract forms. I prefer to photograph people with empowered energy, and I always strive to make sure that shines through.
Launching DEFINED Magazine, Living in Buckinghamshire and What’s Next
What is DEFINED Magazine and why did you launch that?
DEFINED is a one-to-one collaboration between myself and the talent, creating cover shoots with a difference. I ask each talent what they’d like to do first, and then I build a creative around that. It’s quite unique in that sense. It’s an amazing creative outlet for me, and it’s becoming the same for the talent featured in it. We have no constraints.
What do you have coming up with that?
I really can’t say – so sorry – I have to keep every story exclusive until it’s released. But what I can say is that I am working with some really interesting talent who have big projects going on. Everything is timed to coincide with their projects for maximum publicity.
Is there someone you haven’t photographed who you’d love to have in front of you one day?
I have a big list of people I’d love to photograph. A few are Pamela Anderson, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford.
Whereabouts do you live in Buckinghamshire and what do you love about the area?
I live near Princes Risborough in a beautiful village. I love all the nature spots, especially when walking my dog, Rodney. Right behind my house are fields with the most amazing view – you can literally see for miles. After living in London for 15-plus years, I can’t stop looking at it. I love the area because you get easy access to London and the major international airports for work, but at weekends or evenings you can escape to the beautiful Bucks countryside. Some of my highlights include the local pubs, walks, and farm shops. It is also a great area to bring up kids – my daughter and niece absolutely love all of the play cafes, caves, and walking the dogs. We also love popping to Marlow for a spot of shopping!
Where are some of your favourite picture perfect spots?
I love walking my dog at Bradenham as the views are incredible and there is a big field and track. We also like having a drink in the summer at The Lions of Bledlow pub when the sun is setting on a Saturday afternoon – it’s magical.
See more of Rachell on Instagram at @rachell_photo or visit rachellsmith.com
