Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Karch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rachel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am a composite photographer. My goal is to push the boundaries of imagination and bring my clients’ wildest dreams to life. I aim to transform everyday scenes into fantastical wonderlands, capturing the essence of your clients’ visions and creating unique and surreal artworks

I love to think of composite photography as creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind collage. It’s the art of combining two or more images to create a brand new masterpiece. With composite photography, the possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.

Through the magic of composites, you can bring your wildest dreams to life, from floating castles in the sky to mythical creatures roaming the earth. You can create the impossible, transforming everyday scenes into fantastical wonderlands that transport you to another world.

The beauty of composites is that they can be surreal, artistic, and even magical, capturing the essence of your vision and bringing it to life in a way that is truly unique. While I specialize in composites, I am also skilled in other forms of photography, including portrait and event photography.

Rachel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began my journey in the world of photography as a cosplayer myself. Cosplay is a hobby and a form of performance art where individuals, known as cosplayers, dress up and embody fictional characters from various sources such as movies, video games, anime, manga, comics, and more. The term “cosplay” is a combination of the words “costume” and “play.”

Cosplayers often meticulously recreate the costumes, hairstyles, makeup, and accessories of their chosen characters, aiming to portray them as accurately as possible. The dedication to detail can range from simple costumes to incredibly elaborate and intricately crafted outfits.

Cosplay goes beyond just wearing a costume; it involves immersing oneself in the character’s personality and mannerisms. Cosplayers often strive to capture the essence and spirit of the characters they portray, bringing them to life through acting, posing for photographs, and participating in events and conventions.

It was through my love for cosplaying and attending conventions that I discovered my passion for capturing the essence of characters through photography. Starting with photographing cosplays and immersing myself in the vibrant convention community, I honed my skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art form.

As my photography skills grew, I realized the potential to use my passion to make a positive impact. I decided to combine my love for cosplaying and photography with a philanthropic endeavor. I began organizing fundraising events and photo shoots, with the proceeds going to children’s hospitals. This allowed me to not only pursue my creative passion but also contribute to a cause close to my heart.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, as an artist and creative, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to see the beauty in people and bring their inner worlds to life through my work. When I capture someone’s cosplay character through photography, it’s not just about the costume or the appearance. It’s about seeing the passion, dedication, and artistry that they have poured into their portrayal.

Being able to showcase the intricate details, the emotions, and the essence of the character is a truly fulfilling experience. It’s a way of honoring the creativity and imagination that people put into their cosplays, and it allows me to celebrate their unique expressions of fandom.

Moreover, as a photographer, I have the privilege of helping people see themselves in a different light. Through my lens, I aim to highlight their strengths, capture their essence, and show them the beauty that they may not always see in themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the joy and confidence that my clients feel when they see the final images, realizing that they are just as extraordinary as the characters they bring to life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a creative, there are aspects of my journey that non-creatives may find challenging to understand. One of the key struggles is the constant battle between passion and practicality. Creativity often requires taking risks, embracing unconventional paths, and following one’s heart, which may not align with societal norms or traditional career paths.

Non-creatives may struggle to comprehend the deep-rooted need for self-expression and the pursuit of artistic endeavors, sometimes at the expense of financial stability or societal expectations. The creative journey is often characterized by uncertainty, self-doubt, and a constant search for inspiration and originality. It may not always follow a linear trajectory, and success is often measured by personal fulfillment rather than conventional markers.

Another aspect that may be challenging to grasp is the intensity and emotional investment involved in the creative process. The creation of art is deeply personal, and it requires vulnerability, introspection, and a willingness to expose one’s inner thoughts and emotions. Non-creatives may not fully comprehend the emotional highs and lows that come with the creative journey, including the frustration of creative blocks, the exhilaration of breakthroughs, and the resilience needed to persist in the face of criticism or rejection.

Furthermore, non-creatives may struggle to understand the importance of embracing failure and seeing it as a necessary part of growth and innovation. The creative process often involves trial and error, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. It requires the ability to push boundaries, take risks, and find inspiration in setbacks. Non-creatives may have difficulty comprehending that failure is not a reflection of incompetence but rather a stepping stone towards improvement and creative evolution.      

Contact Info:

• Website: rkarchphotography.com
• Instagram: rkarchphotography
• Facebook: R Karch Photography
• Tiktok: rkarchphotography

Image Credits
@StellaeCosplay @honeydevcosplay @nobledarknesscosplay @shatteredcosplay @rhynnareames @ms_fae_cosplay