Rachall’s life and career took a turn she never expected one that reshaped both her creativity and her understanding of purpose. Trained in film and cinema, she worked in Australia’s film industry while directing music videos for well-known Arab artists, including the iconic Iraqi singer Kazem Al Sahir. She envisioned a thriving future behind the camera, but life had a different plan. When her youngest son, Taym, who has autism, was diagnosed at just two years old, everything shifted.
Facing the Diagnosis: A New Chapter Begins
Rachall had always planned to return to filmmaking full-time once her children were older. But when Taym was diagnosed with autism, her priorities realigned overnight. Raising a child with additional needs required her full attention, and stepping away from her filmmaking path was an emotional but necessary decision.
Though she loved her work deeply, pausing her career left her feeling a sense of loss and longing. She needed a creative outlet something that still felt like hers.
Discovering Photography as an Outlet
During this challenging chapter, photography found its way into Rachall’s life. She began by capturing moments at family events, birthdays, and small business shoots. What started as a side activity soon became a grounding force.
“Photography became something I could call my own a place where I could be me outside of being a mother,” Rachall shares. It helped her process her emotions, reconnect with her creative spirit, and rebuild her confidence.
Finding Her Niche: Newborn Photography
As Rachall’s work grew, clients began asking her to photograph their newborns. Though unexpected, she was immediately drawn to the delicate art of newborn photography. It was a field still emerging in the region, often misunderstood as simple, but Rachall quickly realized the precision, patience, and safety knowledge it required.
She committed herself fully studying, training, and mastering every aspect of newborn posing and handling. This dedication paid off. Today, Rachall is recognized as the leading certified and professionally trained newborn photographer in the Middle East.
Her unique style, gentle approach, and deep respect for newborn safety earned her immense trust from parents and photographers alike.
Transparency and Authenticity: Showing the Real Work
One of the reasons Rachall’s audience grew rapidly was her openness. She shared behind-the-scenes moments, revealing the care, preparation, and challenges involved in newborn photography.
People loved seeing the raw process behind the polished images. This honesty set her apart and strengthened her connection with families and fellow creatives.
Passion for Teaching: Helping Others Grow
Rachall’s passion expanded beyond her own shoots. She began teaching photographers around the world how to safely and beautifully photograph newborns. Through online courses, workshops, and mentoring, she has helped countless creatives sharpen their skills.
Her long-term vision includes hosting photography retreats in different countries, where photographers can learn hands-on, share ideas, and evolve together.
Words of Wisdom: Be Yourself and Take Your Time
Rachall often encourages photographers not to follow the crowd. Instead, she urges them to develop a personal style rooted in authenticity.
“Success comes when you’re true to yourself,” she says. “When your images reflect who you really are, people can feel it.”
She also reminds aspiring artists to be patient: “Don’t rush the journey. Take one step at a time. When you grow slowly and intentionally, everything aligns.”
Balancing Motherhood and Creativity
Navigating life as a mother especially with a child like Taym who has autism while pursuing a creative career has been far from easy. But Rachall continues to find ways to honor both roles.
Photography gives her a sense of freedom, identity, and purpose outside motherhood, while motherhood itself strengthens her empathy, patience, and emotional depth.
The Future: Building a Recognizable Brand Across the Middle East
Today, Rachall is focused on building her brand, Photography by Rachall, into something instantly recognizable where one can look at an image and know it’s hers.
Her next major goal is ambitious and inspiring:
to open photography studios across the Middle East, with the very first launching in the UAE.
Her vision is to create spaces where art, safety, and creativity come together where families feel welcomed and photographers are inspired.
Why Rachall’s Story Inspires
Rachall’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the surprising ways life guides us toward our true purpose. Taym’s diagnosis, though challenging, opened the door to a creative career she now cherishes deeply.
Her message is one of hope: even when life shifts unexpectedly, new paths can lead to deeper fulfillment.
Final Thoughts
From film sets in Australia and music video productions for Arab icons, to becoming the Middle East’s leading newborn photographer, Rachall has carved a path defined by authenticity, passion, and determination. Her story reminds us that embracing change, staying true to ourselves, and trusting the process can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Do follow her on Instagram
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