Photographer for the Creative Arts

Rachel McCarthy is a photographer based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, becoming known for her compelling portraits and intimate visual documentation of individuals working across the creative arts.

Rachel has the ability to capture not just the likeness of her subjects, but the essence of their creative practice and personality. Her portfolio spans a diverse range of artists, including musicians, actors, writers, visual artists and designers. Her style is characterised by its authenticity, evocative lighting, and deep connection with the subject. She often utilises natural light or simple, deliberate set ups, steering clear of overly manipulated images. This approach allows vulnerability, and the focus of the creative individual to shine through.

Rachel has a distinct talent for putting her subjects at ease, resulting in images that feel both profound and and genuinely personal. She views her portraits as a collaboration - a visual dialogue between her lens and the artist’s story.