BEHIND THE LENS
Who is Raquel?
Journalist turned into photographer and coffee shop roastery owner
I believe in the power of dreaming. When I first held a camera in my hands, I dreamt of things impossible. A world filled with beauty, so many opportunities to create, so much to discover - photography intrigued me and gave me the gift of capturing life.
When it came time to choose a career, journalism and communication seemed like the perfect path—leading me to places where I could constantly be surrounded by stories to tell through visuals and writing. After getting married, leaving tropical Costa Rica behind, and moving to Switzerland, I faced the challenge of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment. With the encouragement of my husband and a new camera in hand, I launched my photography website in 2015.
Since then, I have captured hundreds of weddings and events, exploring a wide range of photography styles. Along the way, I’ve learned to treasure the art of being present. Telling stories with dedication, sincerity, and attention to detail feels like a secret power—freezing moments in time through a single image. I seek to capture with genuine intention, so that you can recognise the most beautiful side of yourself in each photograph.
When it comes to my inspirations, they come from diverse places: the dreaminess of Tim Walker’s photography, the Japanese life philosophy of pursuing one’s “ikigai,” the nostalgic hues of analog photography, the timeless beauty of impressionist art, sinking my feet into warm sand, moments of prayer, or sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. This colorful blend of experiences constantly re-inspires me to explore new ways of translating creativity into photography.
In 2016, my husband and I embarked on a bold venture: “Maillardos,” our very own coffee roastery and café, right here in Rheineck, St. Gallen. This opened a whole new world for me—now, I could tell stories not only through my camera but also through the aromas, flavors, and origins of coffee.
IIn 2023, I took an exciting step forward by opening my first photo studio in Altenrhein, St. Gallen. After years of traveling across Europe for photography, it felt right to create a dedicated space of my own.
Today, my studio embraces a minimalist approach, filled with natural light—perfect for portraits, maternity sessions, and branding photography. I also take on a limited number of weddings and engagement shoots each year.
Let’s Create Together
If you’ve made it this far, it’s time to share your story with me! How can I help bring your dream photo session to life? I can’t wait to hear from you.
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Words that resonate
If I could describe my style in a few words I would say: natural, dreamy and romantic.
for more moments to dream about
And what is your story?
Lets talk more!
hello@raquelphotography.com