Rachel Cabitt
Rachel Cabitt
Photographer / Designer / Music Marketing
New York, NY
www.rachelcabitt.com
instagram @rachelcabitt
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“This probably isn’t the first thing I should say- but I’m a lady of the night.”
I love to photograph in the dark when the lights from neon signs and bars flood into the streets, creating a dreamy and intimate atmosphere. I almost exclusively shoot on film, which allows the colors to become super saturated contrasted against the dark sky. When I’m not busy with photography, I also try to translate my way of color through code and design.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of steps that weren’t necessarily in the “right” direction. Growing up, both my parents were self-employed so I always knew I was going to be as well. While I was part time at a magazine for a little bit post college, going freelance was the best decision I could’ve made.
How do you stand out in your field?
Finding colored lighting wherever I go.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m experimenting with mixing painting and photography together. Before I got into photography, my first love was painting and drawing. During college I lost touch with that part of me, so this project is primarily exciting just to be bringing these two parts of my creativity together. Since my photographic work focuses on light amidst darkness, I’m trying to translate that to painting by layering photochromic paint onto black canvases (photochromic paint changes color in different light circumstances). I have no idea what it will turn out like, but that’s what I’m looking forward to.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style really revolves around the nighttime and colored lighting. I love for my photos to be a little bit dirty and rough, not always so clean and pristine. I published my first zine last March called “I Like You Better At Night” which included an excerpt of my personal work while going out at night with my 35mm film camera.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I’ve recently gotten into both film and design, which I’d love to have more time to experiment with. For gigs as well as the art forms themselves.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Feeling like I’ve cornered myself into a niche with my style of photography.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I’m honestly super independent… I don’t know if there would be a point, they would just be sitting around all day! Actually, maybe making sure that there’s always a full supply of chocolate in my apartment.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would travel back in time to tell my newly graduated self that there is no direct path to get to where you want to be. The destination might also change too.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to present yourself and your work outside the online world.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Editorial work as well as travel gigs.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Stevie Nicks, colored lighting, moody, witchy vibes. All shot on film.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
When you break it down, my photography rate sits around $100/hr, both shooting and editing, and my web and design rate sits around $50/hr. But I'm always willing to negotiate based on the scope of the project and what is needed at the end of the day.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Call me, beep me if you want to reach me. Kim Possible style or any style works for me. Budget is always nice, as well as the scope of what you’re looking to do. But a blank slate is also exciting- collaboration is a super important part of any project to me.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Trying something I’ve never done before.
This member profile was originally published in October 2018, Updated September 2024.