"Keep doing it. Believe in your dreams, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the better you'll get. At the end of the day, pursue what excites you, stay authentic, and the journey will be worth it." 

Rahmat and Shafira are the creative couple behind some of Eartha's most loved campaign imagery. Based in Bali, they have shot with us three times since our early days as SLOW RITUALS, and every collaboration has felt seamless. Beyond their craft, they are genuinely warm people, and catching up with them whenever I am in Bali is one of the quieter joys of building this brand.

In this portrait, we sat down with them to talk about life in the creative field, working as a married couple, becoming parents, and what slow living actually looks like when you are living it.

All photos courtesy of Rahmat and Shafira.
Rahmat: @rahmat.96
Shafira: @shafiraliya

01. Tell us a little about yourselves.

R: Hi, I’m Rahmat, a photographer from Bali. I’ve been chasing the raw and real since 2014, drawn to those imperfect, fleeting moments that tell a story without trying too hard. My work captures life as it is — gritty, honest, and unfiltered.

S: And I’m Shafira, originally from Bandung. I’m a stylist, photographer, personal assistant, and a full-time mom. I’m also an explorative creative strategist and digital marketer. These days, I oversee the creative and strategic direction of Rahmat’s work, ensuring every client is satisfied.

R: We first met when Shafira was exploring Bali. We had these long conversations about creativity and capturing moments with an aesthetic perspective, and it just clicked.

S: We realized we shared the same vision for creativity, and that’s part of why I decided to stay in Bali. I love this island — it’s so vibrant, with endless spots to discover, attractions to enjoy, and beautiful views I’d never seen before. It felt like my intuition was calling me to explore further.

R: And in Bali, she found the perfect place to bring her creativity to life.

S: Collaborating with Rahmat made it all even more meaningful. He’s an incredible photographer who can take an idea and execute it perfectly, down to the mood, ambiance, and even the smallest details like positioning. Working together just feels natural for us.

02. What is it like working together as a married couple?

S: It all started when Rahmat invited me to join him for a shoot in 2022. It was a jewellery campaign, and I remember watching him work — the way he executed the campaign, blended the product with the model, set, and ambiance — all while creating a cohesive story in a single frame. Honestly, I was mesmerized. That was the moment I knew we should collaborate.

R: For me, working with Shafira was a natural decision. We share the same creative vision and are drawn to each other’s energy, almost like magnets. She has this ability to make every project run smoothly and efficiently. Her creative taste, ideas, and multitasking skills make her a powerhouse behind the scenes — she’s like a director, manager, and creative strategist all in one.

S: And Rahmat’s artistry inspires me every day. His ability to translate ideas into visually compelling compositions is incredible. Together, we bring out the best in each other.

03. What is it like working together as a married couple in a creative field?

R: Working together is definitely a challenge, but a rewarding one. Communication is the foundation of our partnership, both personally and professionally. Even though we share the same creative taste and vision, discussing and refining ideas is crucial for us to execute a concept successfully.

S: Exactly. Communication strengthens not just our work but also our relationship. Like people say, having a partner you can comfortably talk to makes the bond more lasting and fulfilling. We don’t just discuss work; we share every thought, every idea. This openness helps us understand each other on a deeper level and fuels our excitement when brainstorming creative projects.

R: Over time, we’ve developed a rhythm. Creativity has become a shared passion, and collaborating on projects has made our relationship more dynamic. We inspire and push each other to grow, which adds so much depth to both our personal and professional lives.

04.  Working together as a couple can have its challenges. How do you manage the balance between your personal relationship and professional collaboration?

S: Hahaha, yes, it’s challenging, but we thrive on it. From the beginning, we agreed—informally, of course—that we’d separate personal feelings from work. If we’re in the middle of an argument or feeling moody in our relationship, we set that aside when it’s time to work.

R: It’s almost like we step into two different universes — one for work and one for our personal lives. This boundary helps us stay professional and focused on our goals.

S: Understanding each other’s roles also plays a big part. We don’t step on each other’s toes, and we avoid holding grudges during work. Instead, we make our sessions fun and goal-oriented. It’s easier to find joy in the process when you’re working toward something meaningful together.

R: Exactly. We don’t see challenges as obstacles; they’re opportunities for growth. And at the end of the day, our shared purpose and passion for what we do make it all worthwhile.

05. Congratulations on the arrival of baby Kai! How has becoming parents influenced your perspective on your craft, if at all?

S: Thank you so much! Hahaha, honestly, being parents is harder than managing professional collaborations. There are so many challenges and obstacles in trying to be “good parents” because we want the best for Kai.

R: For me, becoming a parent hasn’t really changed my perspective on my craft itself, but it has definitely made me more mindful of time. Efficiency is key now — we aim to run shoots as smoothly as possible, minimising any wasted time so we can get home and spend quality time with our son.

S: I agree, but I’d add that parenting requires its own kind of creativity. It’s about finding ways to engage Kai — whether through creating games, singing songs, or even crafting little tools to make him laugh. Without realizing it, we’ve been bringing our creative sides into parenting too.

R: We’ve also started cherishing the small, everyday moments more. Watching Kai grow reminds us how fleeting time is. We want to involve him in what we do as he grows, to give him a glimpse into our world and what we’re passionate about. Capturing our family moments, from his baby days onward, feels incredibly meaningful now.

06.  What are some lessons you hope to pass down to your child about creativity, work, or love?

S: We want Kai to understand himself — what he wants, who he wants to be, and what he needs in life. It’s important to us that he feels free to choose his own path, rather than feeling pressured to follow in our footsteps.

R: Exactly. We hope to teach him that creativity is a way to express himself, and that dreams are worth pursuing. He can choose what he loves, and we’ll support him in every way possible. At the same time, we’ll teach him the importance of responsibility for the choices he makes.

S: When it comes to love, well, that’s a journey he’ll have to navigate on his own hahaha. But we’ll teach him to value respect and understanding in any relationship—whether it’s in love, work, or life.

R: Ultimately, we just want him to grow up feeling supported and empowered to create the life he envisions for himself.

07.  Living in Bali is a dream for many. How has having this beautiful island your home influenced your outlook on life and overall well-being? 

R: Living in Bali has definitely been a dream come true. The island’s natural beauty—lush landscapes, serene beaches, and vibrant sunsets — fosters a deep sense of gratitude and connection to nature. It encourages us to slow down, be more present, and appreciate the simple joys in life.

S: The slower pace of life here has reshaped how we approach daily living. Bali helps us find a better work-life balance. We prioritize self-care and well-being more than we ever did before. It’s not just about work here—it’s about enjoying life while being creative and productive. Bali really supports that mindset.

08.  What guiding philosophy or mantra do you hold dear that shapes your approach to life?

R&S: A guiding philosophy we both follow is the Balinese phrase "Rwa Bhineda" which translates to “the two opposites.” It’s the idea that life is a balance — light and dark, joy and sorrow, chaos and calm. This belief deeply influences our creativity and photography.

R: In photography, we embrace contrasts. We love playing with light and shadow, sharpness and blur, or movement and stillness. “Rwa Bhineda” inspires us to find beauty in these opposites. For example, a Balinese sunset looks even more stunning against the dark silhouettes of trees. Or, in portraits, raw emotions pop when set against a clean, simple background.

S: This belief also extends beyond our work. It’s a reminder to embrace imperfections and appreciate contrasts — not just in our art, but in life as well. It’s all about finding harmony, and that balance makes each moment more meaningful.

09. What elements of our brand or products stand out to you as photographers? How do you convey these qualities through your photography?

S: Working with Eartha has been an inspiring journey. What stands out most to us is your brand’s intentional simplicity, timeless elegance, and the strong connection to mindfulness. These aren’t just visual qualities; they evoke a feeling of calm and purpose that we deeply resonate with.

R: To convey this essence through photography, we focus on a few key elements:

1. Natural Light and Tones: We use soft, natural lighting to create warmth and serenity, reflecting the grounded, organic nature of the brand.

2. Textures and Details: Close-up shots and depth of field allow us to highlight the fine details of your products, inviting the viewer to experience them.

3. Minimalistic Backdrops: We opt for clean, simple environments that allow the products to shine without distraction. This mirrors your brand’s simplicity and elegance.

4. Storytelling Through Context: We often place your products in peaceful, slow moments—like soft morning light or cosy rituals — to capture the mindfulness that is central to your brand’s identity.

We’ve always aimed to not just showcase your products, but to bring the calm, purposeful essence of Eartha to life through our photography.

10.  Are there any Eartha products that you've personally used and stand out as your favourites, and what draws you to them?

R: Yes! One of our favourites is the Eartha Mood Oils. They’ve become a staple in our home. Paired with the diffuser, they create a calming, relaxing atmosphere that helps us unwind after a long day — and even helps Kai breathe easier when he’s sick. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in our daily lives.

S: Another go-to is the Eartha Hair Claw — it’s stylish and functional, and I use it every day. Whether I’m keeping my hair in place for work or just trying to prevent Kai from tugging at it, it’s become a daily essential. What we love most about Eartha products is how they seamlessly integrate into our routine, elevating the ordinary while bringing comfort and ease.

Shafira wearing Isla Clip in Rouge

11.  Finally, do you have any advice for those looking to pursue photography as a passion, or even as a path to entrepreneurship like you have?

S: My advice is simple: Keep doing it. Believe in your dreams, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Consistency is key, and remember that your mistakes often teach you the most.

R: Entrepreneurship in photography can be tough, but if you stay dedicated, embrace the learning process, and stay true to your unique vision, amazing things will unfold. Trust in your ability to bring your creativity to life—your passion will drive you forward.

S: At the end of the day, pursue what excites you, stay authentic, and the journey will be worth it.