Rachell Smith is a force behind the lens, but her journey to becoming one of the UK’s most in-demand photographers hasn’t been straightforward.
In this episode, we talk about how she broke into the industry, the reality of building a career from the ground up, and the creative identity she had to fight to reclaim. From sending thousands of cold emails to walking away from portfolio work that no longer felt aligned, Rachell shares what it’s really taken to get to where she is today.
She reflects on her time assisting Rankin, and how she’s gone on to shoot front covers for Vogue, photograph at the BAFTAs, and work with some of the most recognisable names in the industry. Rachell also opens up about launching her own magazine, Defined, navigating the emotional toll of working solo, and why having her portrait of Twiggy accepted into the National Portrait Gallery has been one of the proudest moments of her career.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever questioned whether they can make a living doing what they love. It’s about backing yourself before the world does, staying true to your style, and building a creative life on your own terms.
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Key moments include:
✔ Assisting Rankin and learning on the job.
✔ Breaking into the industry with no connections.
✔ Getting front covers and shooting for Vogue.
✔ What it’s really like behind the scenes at the BAFTAs.
✔ The creative reset that changed everything.
✔ Letting go of people pleasing and finding her voice.
✔ Launching her own magazine Defined.
✔ Her portrait of Twiggy being accepted into the National Portrait Gallery.
✔ Balancing motherhood with a demanding creative career.
✔ Navigating AI as a working photographer.
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Connect & Follow
Follow Ellie McKay:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official/?hl=en-gb
🔗 On a Mission Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onamissionpodcast2.0/?hl=en-gb
Follow Rachell Smith:
🔗 Website: https://www.rachellsmith.com
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachell_photo?igsh=a21uM2pjaWk3cWJw
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachell-smith-b6191430/
🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@definedmagazine
🔗 Defined Website: https://www.definedmagazine.com
🔗 Defined Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/definedmag?igsh=dnAyYXM3Mjh0NWxu
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