Behind The Lens: Cameron Hammond

We’re not sure which is harder, finding a business partner, a creative partner, or a life partner. Somehow Rachel and Cameron found all three in each other. Together they are the creative duo behind Cameron Hammond Photography and our ultimate #couplegoals. While on location for our Spring ’18 campaign shoot in Mexico, we were able to to find out what it takes to create their signature style, how their process works, the balance of managing a business along with a relationship, and the secret to traveling like a pro (their passports have A LOT of stamps). Get inspired below.

You two run a photography business together-tell us how it started.

Cameron:
As soon as we married, Rach started running most aspects of my life. Once she started replying to my unanswered emails, we were in business.

Rachel:
Cameron and I never planned to have this business! It kind of started by accident…I have a master’s degree in arts and entertainment management and was working as a booker at a modeling agency and Cameron was working as a camera operator for a television production company. He always loved still photography and was doing quite a bit as a hobby on the weekends. Eventually, the more serious work offers started to come in, but Cam just wasn’t replying to the emails, so I took over and started managing him on the side. For a year we worked like this while still having our full time jobs, so it was really intense. One night over dinner at our favorite neighborhood restaurant, Cam mentioned he thought we should combine our passion for traveling the world with shooting for clients along the way. To be honest, I thought he was crazy, but about 6 months later we both quit our jobs and boarded a flight to Europe to give our business a go overseas, working together as a complete 2-person team. It went better than expected and the rest is history!

Walk us through the process of working together as husband and wife. What role does each of you fill and how do you complement each other?

Cameron:
Rach is incredibly efficient and single handedly runs the show. She also takes nice photos and it’s only a matter of time until I’m completely redundant. I think she’s secretly training me up to be a stay at home dad, for when we eventually start a family.

Rachel:
Cam and I are totally different…serious opposites. So, I literally do all of the “business” side and he does all of the “creative” side. Sometimes with me, there is a little bit of crossover since I love selecting images and doing layout which is quite creative, but Cam definitely doesn’t cross into my territory of accounts, logistics, strategy, etc. I think we work pretty well together considering we are away from home for 9 months a year and sometimes sharing some pretty small spaces. It certainly isn’t something everyone would be happy doing, but we love what we do and I think working together towards a common goal that we are both so passionate about helps us be tolerant and patient with each other’s differences.

Cameron, you do most of the shooting. When did your interest in photography first start?

Cameron:
I’ve always liked taking photos but I became more serious about it 12 years ago. I was operating television cameras at the time and started shooting stills in my spare time and became irreversibly obsessed.

When did you get your first camera? What kind was it?

Cameron:
My dad gave me a little Pentax point and shoot for my 10th Birthday. I found it the other day while I was moving things around the house. It still has a half shot roll of film in it which reminds me that I need to get it developed.

Meredith wears the Alia One Piece in Black EcoLux and Lana Linen Wrap Skirt in White EcoLinen

What inspired each of you the most from the location while shooting with us in Coba?

Cameron:
The cenote… and the Coqui Coqui fajitas

Rachel:
I loved the beautiful pools at Coqui Coqui and the ability to shoot them from that above angle. It was so stunning! And who could forget that bath…just so sexy! I also just really loved the vibe and ethos of the hotel, how small and personalized the experience was.

You two have been to over 60 countries together! You are definitely seasoned travelers. What are some of your travel necessities?

Cameron:
The constant travel has made me less materialistic. I pack flip flops, boardies and a few t-shirts - everything else is camera gear and women's clothes.

Rachel:
We travel so much and these days and are really used to the processes, however for me it’s always important to arrive to the airport early, so I don’t have to stress and also can have time for a red wine or two before boarding! I also need a really good book or magazine to keep my mind occupied on a flight.

You photograph so much for a living; do you have as many personal photos as you do work ones?

Cameron:
When we are scouting, I’m constantly taking photos of the surroundings and Rach while we explore. So yes!

Rachel:
Almost! Cam is always snapping personal photos with his Contax G2. We have a really lovely collection of landscape photos captured on film during our travels. Stay tuned to see some of the best up for sale as listed edition prints on his website in 2018!

Since you are both traveling so often, what is your favorite thing to do when you are home?

Cameron:
Eating at my favorite food spots and spending time with family.

Rachel:
For me, going to our favourite neighborhood restaurants. I love seeing the owners and just getting back into our little food routines. It’s incredibly comforting. Also, hanging out with Cam’s parents at their beautiful house in the northern beaches in Sydney. The birds always come to say hi and his mum always has a selection of my favorite cheeses!

In your opinion, what makes a great photo?

Cameron:
If it makes me feel great

Rachel:
The image has to grab me with its beauty… for me that’s the first criteria and I always know instantly if I am getting that feeling from an image. Also, it has to be believable and natural. I prefer to see the model in a moment that has some degree of intimacy and reality.