Stephen Rauch is a photographer based in Washington, United States. He photographs a diverse range of subjects that include Fine Art, Landscape and Street.
My Story
Looking back, I can still picture the trips to my grandfather’s house with my parents, where the kitchen buzzed with friendly penny card games among my great aunts and uncles. Meanwhile, I’d sprawl on the living room floor, flipping through National Geographic magazines, captivated by the vast and diverse world beyond my own. This sparked my curiosity, a curiosity that grew as I explored my neighborhood and town, hopping on my bike early in the morning and returning home only when the dinner bell rang. Family road trips across the U.S. gave me a deeper sense of how different people, cultures, and places can be—even within the same country.
It was during work travel that I bought my first camera. My trips to Europe and Asia further fueled my curiosity, and photography became my way of capturing the memories of the people and places I encountered. To this day, a single photograph can transport me back to the sights, sounds, and even the smells of those moments.
Seeking What Counts
"The best thing about a picture is it never changes, even when the people inside of it do." - Andy Warhol
Though I still photograph my travels and adventures, I’ve become more intentional with my work. I now focus on creating series centered around specific themes, capturing the essence of both places and people. As the world evolves—through challenges like climate change, migration, and technological advancements—I feel a responsibility to document the people and places around me. My hope is that these images resonate with you, stand the test of time, reflect our shared humanity, and, in some cases, reveal moments of beauty.