Director born in Addis Abeba, Rachel SAMUEL left Ethiopia in 1992 to attend the University of New Orleans where she studied business administration. Following her graduation she began a career as an advertising account executive, working for agencies both in New Orleans and San Francisco. Five years ago, Rachel became a portrait photographer and through this medium she is able to express her love of people and exuberance for life, taking photographs all over the world, including doing documentary work for clients such as the Annenberg Foundation, and the City of New Orleans.