Introducing Rachel in Edinburgh

One of my absolutely favourite highlights this year has been launching Hey Saturday in Edinburgh. I used to work for Sky TV (for my sins) and travelled to Edinburgh at least once a month to visit the staff based up there and absolutely fell in love with the city over that four-year period. I just knew the variety of locations and the cool vibe of the city completely aligned with the Hey Saturday brand so launching there was in my business plan from the get-go. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Rachel by our fab photographer, Nicole, and I absolutely love her work.

The quality of her photos are just fantastic. Technically, she is absolutely pitch perfect every time, just really gorgeous quality images but what I love most about her work is that she has a real eye for creating epic photos that stand out from the crowd, perfect for dating photos. Check out her work below and you’ll see what I mean. On top of that our clients absolutely love working with her – a must for all Hey Saturday photographers – she’s fantastic at getting them to relax and enjoy their shoot, no matter how anxious they might feel about it. Yet again, I’m lucky enough to have found a photographer who has embraced Hey Saturday and everything the brand stands for; a great client experience from start to finish.

Read on to find out what makes her tick…

What do you love about working for Hey Saturday?

I came across Hey Saturday after I met Nicole on a photography workshop day and she told me all about it. I instantly thought it was a great idea and was keen to get involved. I photograph a lot of weddings and engagements and one of my favourite things is finding out how couples meet and what their love story is, so the idea of shooting dating photography really excites me – I can help the love story actually begin! I guess I’m just an old romantic and this is why I love working for Hey Saturday.

Which are you favourite Edinburgh locations and why?

Edinburgh is so unique with some of the most atmospheric old closes and buildings yet, just a short walk away, you have great examples of modern architecture. It’s a photographer’s dream to have such varied locations to choose from. My personal favourites, that I’ve used for Hey Saturday shoots so far, include the roof terrace at The National Museum, as it’s so modern with clean lines and monochrome colours. At the same time, it has the castle looming on the horizon behind showing the history of the city. I also love Dunbars Close Garden, which is a little hidden gem off the Royal Mile perfect for more chilled out shots.

Where would you love to do a shoot in the world, if you could choose, and why?

Canada for sure, hanging from a helicopter shooting with beautiful scenery all around. Carey Nash is definitely my inspiration for wanting to try this out, his images are amazing and I would love to have a go at shooting like this. Check his work out here.

You are brilliant at making clients feel relaxed, how do you do that?

I’m not sure hahaha, I find meeting new people very interesting and hearing about what makes them tick and what they are looking for really fun. I’m a good listener so I think people really respond to that and before long I find we are chatting away like old friends and I’m asking them to keep me updated on their dating adventures. I’m pretty laid back and friendly so I think I just get on well with most people and it’s all about how I can make them feel good about themselves through their photos.

What do you love best about portrait photography?

The one-to-one personal approach to it all, connecting with a person to bring out who they really are, that bit of them that they might now show everyone. I love it when they let loose and immerse themselves in the shoot and the viewer really feels the truth behind the pictures, like they are seeing the real person.

What is your top piece of dating advice?

I think that being who you are and loving yourself is so very important, that Oscar Wilde quote ‘Be yourself: everybody else is already taken’ is spot on. Embrace the inner geek (that’s me lol) or whoever you are and rock it!

Here are some of our favourites shots taken by Rachel