Rachel | Nov. 2023

I’d like to begin a new project, one where I share previous sessions that were special to me in some way, and describe why. I've had so many precious and profound moments when photographing other people, and I rarely share much of the depth these experiences bring me. I also want to use my voice to uplift those who have impacted me in such ways, to show them they are seen and admired. So, to start off this little side project, allow me the pleasure of introducing Rachel.

This session was shot back in November of 2023. I actually asked Rachel to model for me, simply to let me have some creative freedom with someone comfortable enough to be in front of the camera. I’ve known Rachel since high school, but have only recently developed a friendship with her. Since that development, I’ve come to find such joy in my conversations with her!

There is a sense of honesty and authenticity when speaking with this woman. You know you’re not listening to any masked version of her truth. She is bold and confident in herself and I think that aspect of her personality really shined during our session. She is effortlessly beautiful, and yet doesn’t seem to take vanity too seriously. In one moment, she was breathtakingly stoic (because that’s the direction I led her for the photo), and in the next she’s laughing and relaxed and so beautifully human. Every transition from shot to shot was warm because of her presence. I loved that we could create art together, that she listened, accepted, and committed to my visions, while also being able to play and laugh and connect between shots. There was no tension with her, she made conversation easy, while also welcoming in my own authenticity by simply being herself. These people are the people I am so magnetically drawn to.

Rachel was one of the few people who has taken my book recommendations seriously, and joined me in reading ACOTAR and eventually TOG. One of my love languages is discussing books, so she might not even realize how important it was to me that she trusted my opinion on the books, chose to read them, and chose to have an open, ongoing conversation about these books that brought me so much joy. We just read both the Fourth Wing books together, and it was truly so much fun to speculate theories with her, share my emotional reactions, and know that someone else was synched up with me when it came to reading. It’s a small thing, but for me and my current situations, it was life giving. Without realizing it, Rachel made my life a little bit better.

I admire this woman for several reasons, but something that stands out to me about her is her drive. Rachel lives in Asheville, and recently endured all of what happened during Hurricane Helene. Despite the difficulties that it brought her, she has continued to pursue her goals. She is a nail technician, and although it’s a new skill, she is already working with clients, doing an incredible job, and not allowing the challenges that have risen up since that storm slow her down any more that it naturally would. I really admire that she decided she wanted to try something new, returned to school to grow and learn, and is passionately pursuing it despite any odds.

I am grateful that Rachel was so willing to shoot this session with me, and that since we have slowly built a relationship that brings more goodness to my life. Although we aren’t terribly close, and we don’t live near each other, I can confidently say she has made a positive impact on me, and inspires me a lot. I hope to photograph her again in the future, and see what other magnetic traits emerge from her! Rachel, you are a queen. You are beautiful, so smart, passionate, honest, and inspiring. Thank you for being a positive presence in my life.