Feature Friday - Rachel Marsden Photography

Q: Tell us a little about yourself; what makes you so special...
I'm Rachel and I'm 25 years young. I live in Brisbane in Australia. My heart belongs to Stanthorpe, the small country town where I grew up well known for its apples, grapes, wine and freezing winters. The love I have for this town is deeply reflected in the work I make as a photographer. I've been a professional photographer since 2002. Until very recently I worked at one of the country's most well known wedding photography studios capturing the magic moments that happen on a couple's most special day.

Q: What do you make/create?
I like to find magical things to photograph and if I can't find something I like to set up something magical and then photograph it. I especially like balloons, old things and creating things that I've had dreams about. With a degree just finished my work is oft times conceptual but always aims to be beautiful, dreamy and accessible.

Now onto the really important questions...

Q: If you were an appliance, what kind of appliance would you be? Why?
I would be an oven, always baking yummy things like cupcakes, chocolate cake and Sunday roasts. Mmmmm. It's almost winter here so warm things are appealing to me. If it was summer I'd probably say I was a fridge.

Q: Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My Dad. He rang me for photography advice. Growing up, my dad was always taking photos and that's what inspired me to pick up a camera when I got older.

Q: What's your most embarrassing moment?
This is a truly horrible story which I feel very ashamed about and still get red faced about to this day. A year or so ago I bumped into a much older relative whom I'd never really had much contact with. We were chatting away rather awkwardly as we didn't have much in common and had hardly seen each other. Luckily (or so I thought) my Dad had mentioned to me that it was her and her husband's 50th wedding anniversary that weekend so I thought 'great, something pleasant to talk about'. Unfortunately, it wasn't until I saw the tears welling up in her eyes that I remembered her husband had passed away a few years ago. I have never felt so ashamed or embarrassed.

Q: Movie star crush?
Not really a crush, but I really admire Geoffrey Rush for his amazing versatility as an actor.

Q: Black and white or a hazy grey?
A very hazy grey, like a beautiful fog on a brisk winters morning.

Q: Who's on your iPod?
Figuratively speaking: Gurrumul - the blind Australian Aboriginal singer, Zoe Keating - amazing Celloist, Sigur Ros, Sia, Run Lola Run Soundtrack (an oldie but a goodie)

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
Depends on what they were fighting for. If it was for me I'd hope Luke Skywalker would win! Harry Potter is a little young for me.

Q: Best advice you ever received?
I collect quotes but here are the ones that have helped me the most: Life is for learning lessons and gaining wisdom. Live your dreams and never, never give up.
And most importantly: Stay in the present moment, feel it, breathe it, live it.

For more amazing photography, check out Rachel's store!