On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with photographer, model, director, and adventurer Rachael Galipo for a conversation about creativity, vulnerability, storytelling, and the unique perspective that comes from living on both sides of the camera.

Rachael's work is driven by curiosity, connection, and a genuine sense of play.

Whether she's documenting climbers opening new routes in the canyons of Colombia, exploring the rugged landscapes of Chile, photographing tourism campaigns on multi-week road trips, or stepping in front of the camera herself, she approaches every project with energy, authenticity, and an openness to discovery.

Her creative path has never followed a traditional route.

Instead, it has been shaped by experience, movement, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

As a model, Rachael has worked with major brands including Mobil 1, The North Face, Visit Utah, and Pickler, developing a deep understanding of visual storytelling from the subject's perspective.

As a photographer and director, she brings that experience behind the lens, creating images that feel honest, intimate, and deeply human.

For Rachael, moving between roles as photographer, model, and storyteller isn't a contradiction.

It's a strength.

Experiencing both sides of the creative process allows her to better understand trust, vulnerability, collaboration, and the emotional dynamics that exist between photographer and subject.

That perspective has become one of the defining characteristics of her work.

Away from commercial assignments, Rachael remains deeply connected to personal projects and the slower side of photography. One of her favorite creative tools is a large-format film camera gifted to her by her uncle, a camera that encourages patience, intentionality, and a return to the roots of the photographic process.

For her, photography isn't just about creating images.

It's about presence.

It's about connection.

It's about paying attention.

Tyson and Rachael discuss creativity, identity, adventure, and the lessons that come from embracing both the technical and emotional sides of storytelling.

In This Episode:

• Rachael Galipo's journey as a photographer, model, and director
• Working on projects throughout Chile, Colombia, and beyond
• What she has learned from being both behind and in front of the camera
• How vulnerability strengthens storytelling and creative collaboration
• Creating tourism and adventure campaigns while living on the road
• The importance of curiosity, play, and spontaneity in creative work
• Why large-format film photography remains an important part of her process
• Balancing commercial assignments with personal creative projects
• Finding connection through photography and human experience

Rachael's work reminds us that creativity thrives when we remain open to new perspectives.

Her ability to move fluidly between photographer and subject creates a unique understanding of storytelling—one rooted in empathy, trust, and shared experience.

This conversation is an inspiring exploration of adventure photography, personal growth, visual storytelling, and the courage to embrace multiple creative identities.

Whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, model, artist, adventurer, or someone searching for a deeper connection to your creative process, this episode offers insight into what happens when we slow down, stay curious, and allow ourselves to be fully present.

Sometimes the most powerful stories emerge when we learn to see from both sides of the lens.

Follow Rachael Galipo
Instagram: @rachael.galipo
Threads: @rachael.galipo
Website: www.rachaelgalipo.com