It all started

in middle school. Every birthday and every Christmas, I would ask for a new camera. Photography quickly became my creative outlet, a response to the beauty around me, a way that I could relate to the world and express myself. Every day, I would take my camera to school, and when people weren’t around, I would set up still-life photo-shoots in my room with lamps and whatever I could find.

In high school, Dottie White, who was 60 years my senior, became my mentor. An avid photographer and lively woman, Dottie had a head full of thick, white hair and dark skin from years of living in Panama. She had the best stories and wore a huge grin and decorative necklaces. Even in her 80’s, she enjoyed conversation and could always be found out and about, walking or volunteering.

Dottie was always encouraging me in my photography, letting me borrow photo books, and showing me her old film prints from when she lived in Panama. When I decided I wanted to pursue photography, she helped me look into different programs and majors, leading me in the right direction and giving me the confidence of someone who had gone before me. In 2010, I received my degree in photography and launched my business.

When I got married in 2011, Dottie was there. My last memory with her is going through my wedding album together that next year. With joy and pure delight, she looked at each page, and when we got to the end of the album, she wanted to go through it again. Dottie is no longer with us now, but I will always remember the power of her words and insight: "You know, I think photographs help us realize how beautiful the world is. Because sometimes we seem to forget."

Dottie

My late mentor that I met through church when I was a teen.

Film scans of Dottie and her husband. I photographed them for a personal project when I was in photo school. — Film Scans

Dottie and her husband, Bob who enjoyed a long marriage. I photographed them for a personal project when I was in photo school.

Nashville

I was born in Nashville, grew up in a small town right outside of the city, went to college in Nashville and have been here ever since. My family lives 30 mins. away and I love having them close and seeing them often!
We bought a house in town right after we got married and have enjoyed updating it and making it our own over the past ten years. I have the cutest little home office with built-in shelving and great light. It’s where all of the photo-editing magic happens!

Family

I met my North-Carolinian, guitar-and-mandolin-playing husband Brett in 2008 at Belmont University. On the first day of a math class, our professor had us go around the room and introduce ourselves. After class I went up to him, tapped him on the shoulder and said “Hey, are you the mandolin guy? My name’s Rachel and I play fiddle. We should jam sometime!” The rest is history.
We got married in 2011 and just celebrated 12 years of marriage! We’ve been blessed with our son, Henry (6), and our daughter, Caroline (1).
Marriage has taught me the power of being fully known and fully loved. Brett knows all of my flaws and all of my shortcomings and has grace for them. We look for ways to serve the other, encourage each other and work as a team daily. We have hard conversations, life-giving conversations, we laugh, we apologize, we forgive, we show gratitude.
We choose friendship, we choose unconditional love, we choose each other.

Motherhood

Motherhood is strengthening and softening me. It’s teaching me the value of being resilient and adaptable. My faith is an essential part of my life, and I know that I cannot rely on my own strength, patience and grace, but have to tap into the well that never runs dry. Through my children I’ve been encouraged to play more and to slow down. Motherhood has reminded me of the value of pouring into another life and starting your own family tree.

Personal

When I need an outlet, I love to get outside for a walk or practice yoga. Yoga helps me embrace the mind + body + spirit connection which I deeply resonate with. Keeping up my practice at home has helped me keep my calm amidst the chaos.
Playing the fiddle is my other artistic medium. I grew up playing classical violin in orchestras, and always loved the beauty and form that the instrument required and the full sound of a group of musicians playing together. Over the years, I became drawn to bluegrass music and its more approachable nature. I met a group of players at one of Nashville’s Full Moon Pickin’ Parties years ago and have been jamming with them ever since. While I play just for fun, Brett is a professional guitar player in The Wild Feathers. We are both thankful to be able to pursue what we are passionate about.
I’m a type 1w2 on the enneagram which means I’m a reformer, always reaching toward the true, good and beautiful. I’m detail oriented and value community, empathy and showing up for my family and friends.

“Rachel makes you feel so beautiful, comfortable, and dare we say natural in front of the camera. Her eye, direction, and demeanor made for such enjoyable time in front of the lens. Honestly, we felt like friends with her which kept us relaxed! Rachel pays so much attention to detail and it shows. ”

— Jane Wiegand