A Journey Through Film Photography and Finding Creative Community in Tofino
- Rachel Smith
- Oct 28, 2024
- 3 min read
My journey into photography started in Tofino, a place that feels like a hidden gem where the ocean meets the edge of the world. It’s the kind of town that calls you back even after you leave, filled with salty air, rolling waves, and a sense of unfiltered life. Back then, I had no plans of becoming a professional photographer—in fact, I didn’t really have any plans at all, like most people in their early twenties. The only thing I did know was that I loved it there and wanted to remember everything. I wanted to capture moments, and film felt like a natural extension of who I was—a blend of vintage, raw honesty, and a focus on the little things that make life feel real.
In those early days, my camera was there for everything, from laughing with friends to quiet, reflective moments by the ocean. I’d shoot surfing, sunsets, and little pieces of everyday Tofino life that felt so alive and untamed. My photos were just for me, a way of holding onto memories in a town where time itself seemed to slow down. Even then, Tofino was more than a place; it was a community, a family of creatives, especially female creators who turned their passions into powerful, thriving businesses.
Tofino has this unique spirit that fosters creativity, especially among women who carve out their own spaces and build inspiring lives on the coast. Whether it’s running surf schools, crafting art, or building sustainable brands, women are at the heart of Tofino’s creative pulse. Living there, I learned from these women who balanced strength with grace, entrepreneurship with artistry. Seeing them chase their dreams was a daily reminder that I could do the same.
As I grew in my photography journey, there were stretches of time when my camera would sit on a shelf gathering dust. But each time I picked it up again, I felt that old connection, like rediscovering an old friend. That’s what photography has become for me—a way to reconnect, to slow down, to capture the feeling of each moment. Eventually, I found myself sharing my work more intentionally, not with the idea of making a career but because it simply felt right to let people in on my view of the world.
Somewhere along the way, my work became something more. I started collaborating with brands, many of which aligned with the values I’d found in Tofino: authenticity, a love for the environment, and a desire to create with purpose. Today, I’m lucky enough to work as a film photographer, and yet, at its heart, my photography is still a way for me to ground myself, to stay rooted in the small details and moments that give life its beauty.
Tofino will always be part of my creative DNA, influencing my work in ways I don’t think I’ll ever be able to shake, and I don’t want to. It’s a place where memories of surf sessions, bonfires, and endless inspiration from the coast come alive in my work. The creative energy of Tofino and the strong, independent women I met there are constant reminders that art isn’t just about what we create, but also about where we’re from and who we’re with.
For anyone finding their own creative path, my advice is this: find a place that fills you up and a community that pushes you to grow, like Tofino did for me. Because when you look back, those moments and places will become part of your journey, woven into every image, every project, every chapter of your story.
Love Always xx,
Rachel Alexandra @rachelalexandradesigns
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