CAMERA SHY?  ME TOO!!
Does the idea of having your photos taken make you cringe? Do you want beautiful, authentic portraits without the awkwardness? Then you are in the right place. Being camera shy myself I can completely empathise and you will have zero judgement from me. Hopefully you're here because you want your photos to capture your beautiful authentic self and represent your true, unique story whether it's your wedding day or your family.
I'm Rachel (AKA Rachieroo/Racoon/Raquel Welsh!), a natural light photographer offering authentic, documantary wedding photography and relaxed family sessions.

" I grew up in a small village in North Wales with my Mum, Dad and big sister. We've always been really close and have strong family values. I'm a sentimental soul and have collected so many old photos and memorabilia over the years. My 'Sentimental Value Box' (where I kept old letters, souvenirs and random knick-knacks) is still stashed under my childhood bed. As well as being a home bird I also love to travel and have lived in London, Sydney and Auckland! I have a zest for life, a creative eye, a curiosity for people and a passion for shooting them (with my camera haha!).

I first discovered my love for photography during my Foundation year at art college. This photo of my mum and Nanna was taken on a 35mm film camera and I developed it myself in the dark room. "
I fell into Graphic Design after graduating but I always felt there was something missing, that I hadn't found my true calling...until a conversation I had in the Summer of 2022 lead me to an epiphany moment and I turned my passion for photography into a career. I definitely think my design background gives me a creative edge when it comes to my photographic style and helps keep it current and progressive. But what I want more than anything is for you to look at your wedding gallery and feel all the feels you felt on the day and to be unable to stop looking at them!

I shoot mostly documentary style and offer natural, relaxed photoshoots for families and couples who aren't into forced poses and may be a little camera shy. I don't operate from a studio with fancy equipment, light boxes, backdrops etc. instead I prefer at home or outdoor shoots where the light is as natural as it comes and people are most relaxed. I do offer some direction where needed, to get the best results and put people at ease, but rather than posing I prefer to use 'prompts' to encourage natural emotion and expression. Although I love to convey emotion and depth, I'm not too serious and encourage lots of smiles and laughter in my photo sessions. I 100% embrace the silliness, especially where children are involved! 
I have been described as: 
“EASY TO TALK TO”
“FRIENDLY + UNOBTRUSIVE”
“AMAZING FROM START TO FINISH!”
"
super responsive” 

"SEAMLESSLY BLENDING INTO THE BACKGROUND"
"PASSIONATE, PROFESSIONAL + PATIENT"

A few of my favourite things...
People: Husband Mike, 5yr old daughter Emma and big sis and best friend, Natalie.
Era: The Roaring 20s + Art Deco.
Music: Coldplay, Sia, London Grammar, Dua Lipa
Alcoholic beverage of choice: A hearty red wine or Belgian beer
Hobbies: Running, Pilates and Dance (Latin, ballroom and freestyle!)
Date night: Stand-up comedy (currently loving George Lewis, if you're a parent you should check him out!)

TV show: 'A Place in the Sun' (my guilty pleasure) and Strictly.
Daydream: Living in the sun by the sea
Enough about me! I want to hear about you and what you'd like to get out of your photography session.
If you have any questions about anything, drop me an email, text or Whatsapp call! If I'm unavailable, it's likely I'm being chased by my 4 year old police officer daughter or doing some other role play (lol) ;-) but I will get back to you asap.