Rachael Pony Cassells is a photographer specializing in film photography and portraiture. Her portraits have been published in numerous publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, ID, Dazed, Violet and Russh. She frequently works with musicians including Mary Lattimore, Bat for Lashes, Julianna Barwick, Shannon Lay and Walt McClements. As a former editor for Doingbird magazine she edited photographic features with renowned photographers David Armstrong, Joseph Szabo, Bea Nettles, Jamel Shabazz and Jeff Burton. She brings a deep appreciation for photography as both a technical craft and an expressive medium. Her classes foster a collaborative and supportive environment where students of all levels can explore their creativity, develop their unique vision, and engage with photography as a personal and artistic practice.
Film Photography: Intended for absolute beginners and those interested in deepening their practice, in these lessons we will discusses the history, science and basic nuts and bolts of film photography. You'll be encouraged to explore your own creative expression on film and examples of photographers work will be shared to compliment students interests.
Self Portraiture: Explore the art of self-representation, identity, memory, and personal narrative. Students will develop a deeper understanding of self-portraiture as both an artistic practice and a form of self-exploration. Open to all skill levels.
I was very fortunate to have some extraordinary photography mentors like Joseph Szabo and David Armstrong in my early twenties living in New York, while photographing and editing photography for magazines. I really enjoy connecting to people of all ages who share this love and curiosity of photography, and am happy to see an interest in film photography. I love seeing the world interpreted through other photographers eyes.
I began my path as a portrait and documentary based film photographer before digital photography! Working often with musicians, my collaborations have evolved to include music videos and full album visual scores. My love for the tender exchange and experience of trust in a portrait session on film has endured for three decades.
I am interested in teaching as a collaborative experience with students. I am always curious to learn what sparks an interest in photography as an expressive medium in a person, what draws a student to this experience. I want to ensure the class is a supportive experience where exploration is encouraged and everyone is welcomed and celebrated.
I am inspired by the work and courage of many of the artists in my community, and inspired by the people I photograph and collaborate with.
