Capturing the Baneful and Beautiful.

Our interview with Rachel Serruya: photographer, rocker, and showstopper.

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

She’s barely been on the scene a few months, and her work has already managed to circulate some of the most prestigious photography blogs in Canada. Rachel Serruya of Baneful and Beautiful has tapped into her own style so quickly and effortlessly that it’s no wonder why she’s doing so well. The Cowgirls sat down with this radiant rocker to learn more about her photography, and how she’s captured such raw and intimate footage of Toronto’s hottest up-and-comers.

Pony: How did you get into photography and starting-up Baneful and Beautiful?

Rachel: Actually, I got my camera as a birthday gift two years ago (a DSLR Sony) and just started snapping up shots – a lot of scenic stuff. After I got the hang of it, I took some courses at a studio on King West and went from there starting up the blog.

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

Pony: Now you’re doing more people shots, how did you transition into that?

Rachel: I get inspiration from a lot of photographers out there, and my work has always been quite raw and sexy. I’ve always loved sticking to black and white for instance, but I keep forcing myself to try colour at least once a week. You need to constantly experiment and play around.

Pony: To get that sexy look, does it take a lot of directing on your part?

Rachel: No, no. I like to put on some music and have fun. Keep them moving freely at their own pace. I just have fun with it! If they want to smoke a cigarette, then they smoke a cigarette.

Pony: Your style is so distinct. How do you create that faded vintage effect that we see on your photos?

Rachel: I take my photos into Photoshop a lot. Everything I shoot is always in colour but I render it into black and white later on. But that being said, I don’t do any airbrushing or anything – I like my photos to be as real and raw as possible.

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

Pony: Is there anyone you’re just dying to shoot?

Rachel: Nobody famous. I’m more intrigued by the people I see on the street. I’d love to get a shot of a nice, old wrinkly person for instance and hone in on their various imperfections. But I’ll be traveling a lot this summer so I’m sure I’ll get some interesting shots then.

Pony: Any challenges that you’ve faced so far? In regards to photo-shoots?

Rachel: Honestly, no. You need to have fun with what you do and I’m enjoying myself far too much! Maybe that’s because I’m still so new, and my shoots tend to be with my friends (as opposed to commissioned work) so we all just have a blast together and wind up with these beautiful photos.

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

Courtesy of Rachel Serruya

To check out more of Rachel’s work, head over to Baneful and Beautiful where she updates her brilliant photography on a daily basis.

–Emma Farquharson.