Rachel McHaffie
Rachel has over three decades of experience in the photography industry, beginning her career in 1994. She is recognised for her in-depth documentation of the 1990s–2000s dance music movement, starting at Manchester’s The Haçienda club, where she worked as a staff photographer. Her work captures the energy, communities, and defining moments of the scene, with commissions from leading platforms including DJ Magazine and Ministry of Sound.
Working across editorial, fashion, and music photography, Rachel brings a distinctive visual language shaped by strong narrative insight and cultural awareness. Alongside her creative practice, she has over 20 years’ experience in higher education, specialising in curriculum innovation, academic leadership, and the mentorship of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her research-led practice explores photography, constructed memory, and visual culture, underpinned by a diverse portfolio spanning photojournalism, portraiture, and music imagery.