Christchurch-based portrait specialist Rachel Dunning delivers professional business portraits and headshots with careful art direction, considered styling and expert retouching to represent your brand.
I’m Rachel — a Christchurch-based creative, designer and portrait photographer with over a decade working across brands, agencies and small businesses. I specialise in portrait and brand photography for professionals: business portraits, professional headshots and LinkedIn images that reflect who you are and what your organisation stands for. Why choose me? My approach is rooted in design-led thinking and collaboration. Having worked as a brand consultant and art director, I don’t just press the shutter — I consider composition, colour, tone and how each image will live within your wider brand. That means the portraits I create are not only flattering and authentic, they’re strategically tailored to support websites, social channels, press and marketing materials. What makes my portrait work different is the blend of calm direction and creative intent. I aim to put people at ease, coaxing natural expressions with simple, conversational direction, while bringing considered art direction to styling, backgrounds and lighting. Whether you need a confident corporate headshot, a relaxed founder portrait or cohesive team imagery, I focus on capturing honest, professional visuals that communicate personality and credibility. How I work: projects start with a conversation to understand your brief, brand values and how the images will be used. From there I plan the shoot with clear art direction — mood, styling notes and a shot list — so every session is efficient and purposeful. On the day I prioritise a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere so clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. After the session I provide careful retouching and final assets optimised for your intended channels. My practice is shaped by thoughtful creativity and a commitment to helping eco-conscious and ethical brands tell their stories — but I work with a wide range of clients from local professionals to creative agencies. If you’re in Christchurch, Dorset or London and need portrait photography that’s design-led, professional and impactful, I’d love to talk about how we can create imagery that truly represents you and your brand.