Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Smart.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always loved art. Especially as a child. It was the only subject in school that I was good at.
During the summers, I would play with my parents’ canon rebel and take pictures of my friends and dog. I eventually moved away from Utah to California. That transition was very hard. This is when my mental health/ depression started. My dad challenged me to start a gratitude journal. That eventually turned into photographing things I was grateful for. From there, photographing people doing the things that they love. I found that I loved photographing people and making them feel beautiful and important.
I’ve loved fashion since I was a child as well. I got the best of both worlds by photographing people and fashion. That is how I got to where I am today. I get to be in the fashion world and still wear sweat pants while doing it. It’s the best.
After high school, I moved back to Utah. This is when my career picked up. Utah is a very trendy place and I knew I had a lot of opportunities to photograph lots of cool people and outfits. I’ve been so blessed to work with almost every single notable model in Utah. Which is a very big accomplishment for me.
I went to school for photography at SLCC. I learned how to use strobe and make intentional art. I am very grateful for my education at SLCC because I learned more than just how to take a picture. I learned how to run a business and how important it is to network in this career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
it has not been a smooth road whatsoever. The decision to study photography in school was probably the biggest struggle. At the time I felt that there were so many other ways to learn photography other than going to school. This still remains true, but I wanted to have a piece of paper that proved I went through the work to learn photography (personally).
Trying to find my identity and brand in a city that holds so many photographers was very hard. Especially when I don’t photograph families or weddings. But I found that Utah had a need for e-commerce photographers which is where I found my place to be able to photograph fashion and well… pay my bills.
Lastly, another struggle because I didn’t grow up here for a time, I felt like I lacked the support from friends in the community. I lacked followers (now I see that it doesn’t prove how successful you are) but I felt like I didn’t have the credibility because I didn’t have a massive following. Growing at my own pace has been hard but it’s been worth it in the end.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a commercial fashion photographer. I have been published in British Vogue three times in 2020. I have almost been rated top 6 and top 8 fashion photographers in Salt Lake City in 2021 and 2022.
I am proud of the work I’ve been able to create with many notable models here in Utah. I am proud of the networking I have been able to do here as well. Without that, I wouldn’t have been able to be published in British Vogue. Which I would say is probably my biggest accomplishment and something I am proud of.
I was also accepted as a female photographer at Coco Rocha Model Camp back in 2019. To work with such a talented model was something I am super proud of as well.
Something that sets me apart is that I work really hard to try different things and work with lots of different people. I take pride in that.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Salt Lake City. It’s becoming more and more of a “fashion” city. I love going into town and seeing all the cool streetwear and unique pieces.
I also love how many people are passionate about photography here. There are so many groups and gatherings for photographers to network. Also so many photography stores in SLC that save me when I forget film or need to rent a lens. That is what I love most.
Least, well there are photographers that scout locations that end up being overrun by others. It’s so so important to protect locations and clean up after. Many don’t care anymore.
Contact Info:
- Email: rsmart10@me.com
- Website: www.rachelsmartphoto.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/rachelsmartphoto
Image Credits
Rachel Smart Photo
