Rachel Southard Photography

05/11/2026

As the year winds down, it’s so easy to get caught up in the holiday rush and forget to pause. On Saturday 28th November (4pm–6pm), Nisha and I are hosting our final Mindful Moments event of 2026: Bright Seasons: A Mindfu

We’re meeting outside Costa Coffee on The Hayes, just as Cardiff’s Christmas market and city lights illuminate the streets.

It’s a dedicated time to shake off end-of-year anxieties, reflect on how far you’ve come, and celebrate what’s triumphantly evolved this year.

I’ll also be sharing tips on how to use your smartphone's hidden settings to capture stunning low-light and festive photo details!

What is one achievement from 2026 that evolved into something even better than you planned?

Book your festive spot here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bright-seasons-a-mindful-gathering-tickets-2004379183093

Step into a bright new season of confidence and leave your personal and professional anxieties behind as Cardiff lights up for the holidays.

04/11/2026

Penarth seafront is ready for us this Saturday!

We’ll be meeting up for three hours of hands-on, practical black and white photography.

All levels are welcome, and there's plenty of time to ask questions as we explore.

Tip:Keep an eye on horizon lines—make sure they are straight in your viewfinder to keep coastal black and white shots feeling balanced and grounded.

Any questions about meeting points or gear for Saturday morning? Drop a comment below!

Facebook: Check the pinned post for links to book, or scan the QR code on the picture!

Instagram: Tap the link in my bio to book, or scan the QR code in the image!

04/11/2026

Newport Market and the surrounding city centre have such a cool mix of historic brickwork, modern renovations, and metallic architectural details.
It’s a brilliant spot to practice turning everyday urban buildings into clean, striking photos.
Tip:To avoid buildings looking like they are falling backward, keep your camera level with the horizon rather than tilting it sharply upward.
Do you prefer photographing historic, traditional buildings or modern architectural designs?
Facebook: Refer to our pinned post for direct booking links, or scan the QR code in the image!
Instagram: Head to my bio for booking links, or scan the QR code in the picture!

04/11/2026

Newport Market and the surrounding city centre have such a cool mix of historic brickwork, modern renovations, and metallic architectural details.

It’s a brilliant spot to practice turning everyday urban buildings into clean, striking photos.

Tip:To avoid buildings looking like they are falling backward, keep your camera level with the horizon rather than tilting it sharply upward.

Do you prefer photographing historic, traditional buildings or modern architectural designs?

Facebook: Refer to our pinned post for direct booking links, or scan the QR code in the image!

Instagram: Head to my bio for booking links, or scan the QR code in the picture!

02/11/2026

There's nothing quite like wrapping up warm and taking photos down by the sea with a friendly group.

We’ll be practicing how to evaluate light, tonal range, and contrast while taking in the fresh air along Penarth seafront.

Tip: Look for repeating patterns—like wooden pier pilings or beach stones—to create balance and rhythm in your black and white compositions.

What’s your biggest challenge when trying to convert digital photos to black and white?

Facebook: Booking links are available in our pinned post, or scan the QR code on the image!

Instagram: Link in bio to book your ticket, or scan the QR code in the picture!

30/10/2026

I used to rush through my day barely noticing my surroundings until I started bringing a camera along to force myself to slow down.

Photography quickly became my favourite way to recharge and find quiet headspace in a busy world.

Our upcoming November sessions across Penarth, Newport, and Cardiff offer a welcoming, fuss-free space to do just that.

From striking black & white tones to architectural shapes and seasonal nature trails, there’s a relaxed session waiting for you.

How do you usually like to unwind and reconnect with your creative side?

How to Book:

Instagram: Click the link in bio

Facebook: Scan the QR codes on the image or check our pinned post 📌

29/10/2026

Coastal light in November has a really distinct quality to it.

Heading down to Penarth seafront with a camera lets us explore the textures of the pebble beach, the pier structure, and the sea mist—all of which translate incredibly well into timeless black and white photographs.

Tip: Coastal scenes often have bright skies and dark water/pebbles; use your camera's exposure compensation to balance contrast so you don't lose detail in the shadows.

Have you ever taken photos down at Penarth pier in moody weather?

Facebook: Refer to the pinned post on Facebook for booking links, or scan the QR code in the image!

Instagram: Head to my bio for booking links, or scan the QR code in the photo!

22/10/2026

A lovely piece of news to share!

I’m really pleased to share that Rachel Southard Photography has received two awards from SME News:

🏆 Best Portrait Photographer 2026 (South Wales)
🏆 Engaging Education Excellence Award 2026 – South Wales

Doing what I love every day—whether taking outdoor portraits or teaching photography classes—is rewarding enough on its own.

But having both sides of the business recognized like this is a lovely bonus.

A big thank you to all my clients, class participants, and supporters across South Wales. I appreciate you all!

19/10/2026

The leaves are looking beautiful in Newport right now, and our Bellevue Park session is almost here!

If you want to spend two fun hours learning how to get the best out of your camera in natural light, come join us this Saturday.

Tip: Get low to the ground and shoot through scattered fallen leaves near your lens to create a natural, colourful frame around your subject.

Got any questions about weather or what to wear/bring for Saturday? Fire away in the comments!

Facebook: Refer to our pinned post for booking details, or scan the QR code on the image!

Instagram: Head to my bio for booking links, or scan the QR code on the photo!

14/10/2026

Autumn photography is best enjoyed with company!

We'll be strolling through Bellevue Park, spotting golden light patches, swapping tips, and enjoying a relaxed, practical session where every skill level is welcome.

Include a fallen log, stone path, or park bench in the foreground to give your autumn landscape photos a sense of depth and scale.

What camera gear are you planning to bring along for our park session on the 24th?

Facebook: Check the pinned post for booking links, or scan the QR code in the image!

Instagram: Link in bio to book, or scan the QR code on the image!