Meet Rachel Hough

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Hough and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly? I was the kid who couldn’t draw a stick figure to save her life. My art class projects looked like a cry for help. But while I didn’t think of myself as “creative,” I was the one obsessing over color theory, mood boards, and why that one painting in art history made me feel something I couldn’t explain.

Then social media came along, and I became a sentimental sap for capturing moments—whether it was a blurry concert photo or a perfectly timed golden hour selfie. At 18, I moved to L.A., got swept up in a friend group where “creative collab” was basically a love language, and one of them asked me to model for a shoot. That one moment changed everything.

I realized that photography wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about connection, memory, and emotion. But it was also logistical. Methodical. There’s a rhythm to it: lighting, framing, timing, directing, editing—it’s a whole system of intentional choices that shape what the viewer feels. And that balance between art and structure? That’s where I fell in love.

I bought my first camera with absolutely no idea what I was doing, then hustled my way into headshots for local businesses, product shots for boutiques, and content for influencers who wanted “candid but make it curated” vibes. I eventually ended up on short film sets, watching how a camera could shape not just a moment—but an entire story arc.

And here’s the thing: I’m not just about the vibe. I love the strategy behind a shoot—figuring out the goal, the audience, the message, and building a plan that ties it all together. I live for a shot list, a mood board, and a good production schedule. It’s part creative, part puzzle-solving—and that’s where I really thrive.

And none of it works without collaboration. Some of my best shoots have been with people who brought out something I didn’t even know I had in me. Teamwork really does make the dream work—and I’m the kind of person who brings snacks to the set and keeps the energy up through the last shot.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a photographer—but now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Creativity found me when I wasn’t looking.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I mean, I could say, “I’m not like other photographers,” but let’s be real—we’ve all heard that one before. The truth? I don’t know if anything I’ve ever created is truly original, and I’m okay with that. We live in a world that’s wildly interconnected, where even the most “original” ideas are usually built on something that came before. So no, I haven’t reinvented the lens—but I do think my perspective is uniquely mine.

What sets me apart is how I adapt. Whether I’m photographing family portraits in small-town Georgia or capturing an album cover for an up-and-coming artist, I walk in with the same goal: to tell a story that feels real. I have this ability to shift into different environments and still see the heart of it—not just through my camera, but through the people in front of it. That flexibility has become one of my biggest creative tools.

That being said, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. When I was 24, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer—and life hit pause. That chapter forced me to slow down, and in doing so, I gained a whole new lens (pun not intended, but it fits). I started seeing photography as something deeper—a way to process, to preserve, and to feel grounded. I stopped chasing this idea of being the most interesting person in the room and instead focused on being the most present one.

With that shift came new clarity. Every creative concept—no matter how subtle—has something to say. And moving forward, one of my biggest goals is to use my work to say something meaningful. I’m especially passionate about health advocacy and sustainability, and I want to explore how storytelling can create change in those spaces. If I can create work that helps someone feel seen and sparks a bigger conversation, then I’m doing something right.

So yes, I’m proud of my work—but I’m even more proud of the person behind it. I’m still learning, still growing, and trying to be 1% better every day. That’s the version of success that matters to me most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, we’re staying in Coral Gables—no question. It’s got just the right mix of charm, calm, and enough going on to keep things interesting. We’d check into THesis Hotel, which has the kind of rooftop pool that makes you romanticize your whole life. We’d hit Lion and the Rambler for dinner (because nothing says trust issues like trusting the chef), grab drinks at To Be Determined, and obviously stop by Green G—my friend’s a total health nut… and if I’m being real, so am I. Catch us splitting a green juice like it’s a bottle of wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I had to trace it all back, I’d start with a YouTube video from 2018 by Indy Blue. She’s a travel vlogger who captures her life through this dreamy, cinematic lens that makes even airport layovers look poetic. That video was set to an Alan Watts voiceover about dreaming any dream you wanted—and suddenly I was rethinking my entire life path. It made me realize that storytelling didn’t have to be reserved for novels or films—it could exist in everyday life, if you looked at it through the right lens (and maybe added some atmospheric music).

That one video made me want to create, travel, document, and be intentional with how I saw the world. So thank you, Indy Blue, for jumpstarting my creative spiral—in the best way.

As for the people who keep me going? My sister and my mom are the real MVPs. They’ve seen the behind-the-scenes footage of my life (which is far less filtered) and still choose to support me. And my friends? I love them endlessly. They’re the type to send 3-minute voice notes, show up with snacks, and remind me I’m capable even when I’m being dramatic.

I’m basically a walking group project made possible by YouTube, my inner circle, and the people who remind me to keep dreaming—even when the WiFi is slow.

Instagram: @notsorhoughlife

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhough9

Other: Tiktok: notsorhoughlife

Image Credits
Photographer: Rachel Hough
Models: Michaela Carrigan, Emma Kiely, Kendal Chandler, Maya Dawn, Caitee Anderson, and Anni