Meet Regine Rae Bell | Photographer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Regine Rae Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well…. I’m an artist. Which never loses its ambiguous feeling no matter how many times I say it. I am a Photographer, Writer, Illustrator/Designer, and as of recently Plus Size Model/Influencer. I am a creative. I see the world in all its art and beauty and feel it is my purpose to help those around me see it too by bringing those visions to life. I am a storyteller with the power to freeze time and the voice to reiterate it back to you. I am art and art is me; I was created to create it.

My first drawing was when I was 6. I drew a family portrait and my mom had that turned into a painting (which still hangs on our wall today.) That was the first time I had seen my art looking back at me. That love for drawing turned into sketching, which led to illustrating and Design. My love for words, reading, knowledge, and my mother made me writer. My love for tech, software, cameras, and my father made me a photographer. The gifts my parents instilled in me combined with my adaptation, growth, and life experiences made me a visionary. I not only see the vision, I interpret it and I can bring it to life in many different ways.

I got to where I am today by trusting God, myself, and the support of those around me. When my father passed…I threw myself into my work, with a heavy focus on Photography. I had to hyper fixate on something since everything else felt numb and I knew that choosing in this life I would feel closer to him. I invested everything I had into my business. EVERYTHING. Now, I feel like every time I pick up a camera, I am honoring the gift he gave me. So, every project I take on is personal – and I’m going to give my all because I put my all into this.

I don’t think this journey will ever be “easy” deciding to pursue a career as an artist is going against everything you’ve been taught to follow your heart. And we live in a world where your heart is not considered a voice of reason, just a vital organ. Some people who are called to follow their hearts become Cardiologists; others become Artists. Both are journeys you must choose every single day. Both are a necessity in the society we live in. So, it’s never going to be easy, but I overcome that fear by implementing different mental practices and reflecting on my where I am now is vs. when I first started. In my experience, A lot of being an artist is overcoming the mental struggles to believe in yourself enough to push yourself to the places you need to go. For me that looks like journaling, therapy, and being kind to your mind enough to stimulate your craft. That also looks like having a life and enjoying it through new and fun experiences. Inspiration comes from living, so how are you going to be inspired of you don’t go outside? ( Lol @ me who also REALLY enjoys my living space.)

What I want the world to know about my story is that I’m an artist because it’s the only way I know how to turn my pain into happiness. Transparently, everything I do is connected to my heart and art in that name. I’ve been blessed with gifts to be able to translate that into things people love and enjoy and leave them with moments of enlightenment. Through my art is where I get to see my own light.

While I’ve heard that what sets me apart is because I’m kind, talented, and fun to work with, I personally think it’s because when we meet, I’m seeing you. I work with a lot of creatives. And when they come in front of me, i actually see them. Like egos left at the door, this is a creative therapy session. We’re talking about life. We’re talking about struggles, mental health, we’re talking about love, we’re opening up. It’s in those deepest parts of you I can see the root of your passion. And I capture that. And in that moment – those candid milliseconds of in betweens; when light shines and you are reminded why you are here and I’m putting you in some awkward position that I’ve modified from some karma sutra book I read – you remember why you are an artist, and I remember why I am one too. I think that’s where the magic happens. And I wear the hat and be pulling a bunch of bunnies out of it and then use the hat as a prop.

Despite everything we’re going through, we still find the magic to be creative, and that’s just so beautiful. Our traumas, fears, anxiety, all our struggles, art somehow absorbs that and turns it into pretty pieces. Through words, through photos, through drawings, it heals me. Therapy helps, but nothing like crying through a breakthrough piece or seeing someone’s light on the other end of a lens. I need it. And I’m good at it. My art is about finding rays of light through my many lenses – hence my name Raesrays. It’s literally me sharing my light through my lens. And I am so proud to be able to share that with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Firstly, I would take them to Ground Hideout Coffee in Long Beach and suggest they try the Matcha Rose Latte w/ Lavender Syrup. Not only is it a gorgeous drink, it tastes like Heaven! From there I would like to get them high. High up that is. Usually an elevated park that overlooks the city so we could take in just the beauty this place is from a different perspective. If we get hungry, I would take them to my favorite Ethiopian spot in L.A., Merkato Ethiopian market. There we would indulge in the deliciousness that is kitfo, veggies, injera, and a glass of honey wine (and whatever else they order, thats just what I’m getting). Then we would go get some drinks at a rooftop bar and dance the night away….and that’s just one day. The great thing about living here is there is a PLETHORA of experiences to have. Museums, Concerts, Movies, Parks – I’m down for everything except the beach! (Sorry, I’m that friend who hates the sand lol ) Even though everyone is different, there is truly something here for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am dedicating this shoutout to every single person I have had the pleasure of working with. I have learned from you, created with you, been inspired by you, and everything in between. I love what I do because I get to capture all of you and give you moments that last a lifetime! And for that I will forever be grateful. Please continue to be passionate in your dreams and keep hiring me to bring those to life.

I would also like to shout out my family (Mom, Alicia, and Aliyah) and friends (Especially best friends Amari and Geena) because y’all talk me off the ledge Every. Damn. Day. Nothing about this journey is easy. Is it fun sometimes? Absolutely! But it’s hard as hell. And being an artist who struggles with anxiety…everything’s heightened to a degree of unattainability. Your support and belief in me and my craft fuels me to continue to pursue my dreams and reminds me that they ARE attainable, and I am right where I need to be. Thank you so, so, so much, I love each one of you so dearly!

Website: http://www.raesrays.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raesrays/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginebell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Raesrays

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raesrayss/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8elLtlRvxvAkl05P181RmQ

Image Credits
Horizontal first pic of me (0ver the shoulder) is by @xjaunjr657 Last picture of me (White Dress with greenery) is by @Giannasnapped All the others are pictures I took.