A Partial List of Rebellious Women
Over 50 - A Collective of (Extra)ordinary Women
In 2021, Rachel Hadiashar set out to photograph 50 women age 50 and older. Recognizing the impact women have on the structure of our communities – and the level of experience and self-knowledge we gain as we age, Rachel combined studio portraits and interviews to format a snapshot of 50 different women intended for a village-level community audience. The project blossomed into a larger body of work. Rachel found herself photographing 100+ women in the Portland Metro area over two years with participants’ ages representing more than 6,000 years of lived experience and wisdom. A glimpse into the theme of aging and beauty emerged, providing a breathtaking opportunity to see women as women see themselves, claiming and re-claiming confidence and power.
If you would like to be photographed in the studio, please contact Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.
Diane Solomon, 62
“Wisdom is attractive, sexy, beautiful!” Diane Solomon was photographed and...
Read MoreMarlene Kendrick, 64
“Attractive now is personality and trustfulness.” Marlene Kendrick was interviewed...
Read MoreRosie Carter, 67
Rosie’s hobbies include making jewelry, scrapbooking and jigsaw puzzles. She has a personal motto, “stick with me you’ll get things free.” Her friends would describe her as a very caring and loyal friend, but according to Rosie, family ALWAYS comes first. Rosie has been known to take people in to...
Read MoreSue Dixon, 60
“Life is so fragile- live with no regrets!” “I was thrilled about participating in this project, though the photo session came shortly after the death of my mom, which now looking at many of my photos I can see the grief in my face, and especially in my eyes. Her death...
Read MoreAnn Scott, 56
“As a younger person, I felt being attractive had mostly physical qualities, however now that I am more mature I feel attractiveness is much more personality than physical qualities.” Ann finds pure joy in retirement and life with her husband; she is dabbling in almost anything she can get her...
Read MoreRobyn Knox, 51
“I’ve spent 50 years getting really comfortable in this body!” Robyn Knox was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 51 by Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.
Read MoreDelila Olsson, 58
“My perceptions have changed with awareness of the societal conditioning at the root of my self-criticism and body shame, though I’m still working on it. The 50 over 50 photo shoot experience, for which I am so grateful, positively impacted my ability to see and accept my body and myself....
Read MoreLori Watkins, 56
Lori Watkins was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 56 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at Zing Studio in Sherwood, Oregon.
Read MoreJeanne Buschart, 63
“I’ve always found that the most attractive people are wicked smart, kind and interesting.” Jeanne Buschart was photographed in 2022 at the age of 63 by Sherwood Photographer Rachel Hadiashar
Read MoreShauna O’Neil, 50
“I don’t need to please others. I just need to do what is right and speak my truth with kindness.” “I strive to find peace and joy no matter where I am. And when I stop feeling those things, I move on.” Dedicated to her children, faith, and community, Shauna...
Read MoreKimberly Williams, 58
Kind, compassionate, and loyal, Kim has a deep love for people. She values family and finds value in the ways family can be formed, whether through bloodline or choice. Seeing her children and grandchildren enjoying life is a great source of joy for Kimberly. Described as ‘the world’s mother’ by...
Read MoreIris Ireland, 55
“I care about everyone and the world. I want to do my part to make the world a better place. Not just from an environmental place, but from the way we treat one another as human beings.” Dedicated to serving and supporting her son, friends, and family, Iris’ greatest joy...
Read MoreVicki Farace, 56
“Growing up in the 70’s-80’s, I used to think that I had to have the perfect face and big hair. I would never think of going anywhere without looking just right. Now, I think the less makeup the better. Embrace your natural look!” “Oh, there’s one more thing that’s great…...
Read MoreKristine Shigley, 53
“I see others as beautiful because of their character.” Aiming to redistribute as much kindness, joy, and love as possible, Kristine lives her life filled with compassion for the humans and animals around her. When asked about the best life lesson she has learned, she states: “There is so much...
Read MoreJardima Kroeker, 57
“It does not matter if people do not like you. Trust your intuition.” Jardima Kroeker was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 57 by Sherwood photographer Rachel Hadiashar
Read MoreJulie Kick, 57
“Life is too short to spend one single minute with someone who doesn’t think you’re the most amazing person in the world.” Julie is an optimist with a huge heart and an unfailing belief in the human spirit. Julie is a singer, actress, and writer – recently publishing her first...
Read MoreKim Boaz, 50
“Don't look back - you're not going that way.” Kim Boaz was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 50 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in Portland, Oregon.
Read MoreRobyn Bilyeu, 56
“I’m a hard hat wearing, brain tumor survivor who wants to show others that it’s possible to thrive after trauma and after 50.” Empathetic, intuitive, and courageous are a few words that describe Robyn. After finding out she had a brain tumor at 50 years old, she had to manage...
Read MoreSarah Jesudason, 50
“I used to be an absolute zinger on self-deprecating comments. I claimed it as self defense; if I said the bad things about myself, they were already out there before anyone else could say them. I thought I was delivering these comments with wit, and that would balance out the...
Read MoreMary Lopez, 61
"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept." Mary Lopez was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 61 by Sherwood Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio n Sherwood, OR.
Read MoreVicki Giampietro, 64
“I've pretty much always felt that being in shape is what makes you attractive, even as I've felt that inner beauty is more important - so I've always been conflicted about this. I want to believe that inner beauty is the most important, as well as healthy fitness (even if...
Read MoreJennifer McLaughlin, 50
“I would like to bust the myth that we are irrelevant. AARP has released a study showing that 75% of women over 40 who have been displaced from their jobs during Covid have been displaced for at least six months.” Jennifer McLaughlin was photographed in 2022 at the age of...
Read MoreDeb Mrazek, 60
“My Great Grandmother inspired me to lean in and make it happen— regardless of what others think.” “I tend to hand make everything.” Deb considers recipes as guidelines and cooking as a creative outlet. She is running a cooking club as well as serving on the advisory panel for America’s...
Read MoreJenn Barker, 57
“I feel like I have always been attracted to people by their character first and not outward appearance. I think the most attractive people are the ones who can make you laugh, see the positive side and have a passion for something.” Jenn Barker was interviewed and photographed in 2022...
Read MoreMichelle Gallinger, 50
“When I decide to do something, I give it 100% and nothing less.”
Read MoreJerry Corbin, 92
“When you’re old, you still have the same feelings that you had when you were young. Family just means so much. Memories mean a lot.” “Don’t waste life. Don’t put things off. Enjoy every minute that you can. Make the best of whatever comes.” According to her granddaughter Nicole, Jerry...
Read MoreTonia Martin, 54
“There is nothing that I cannot overcome.” A lover of family, friends, and riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle with her husband, Tonia loves filling her life with adventure and surrounding herself with people she loves. Tonia and her husband love to travel, scuba dive, and spend time with their cats.
Read MoreLouise Davis, 61
“I don't believe attractive means being all made up (although it can certainly help). As I've gotten older, attractive has as much to do with how you feel, how you treat others. I definitely think personal hygiene is a help but that's just a matter of being clean and feeling...
Read MoreRobin Carnese, 50
“It is what it is! The Universe has a plan! In other words, stop wasting your time over worry and fret. Do what you can do, and leave the rest to whatever will be.” Robin is an incredibly resilient woman of 50 who has overcome so many obstacles and heartbreak...
Read MoreDarcy Burke, 52
“Beauty is about happiness and joy and that’s what my family is. I feel the most beautiful with my children.” Darcy, USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary and Historical Romance, is mother to two children, a wife of 30+ years with an array of rescue cats. She is a self-described...
Read MoreRenee Sedillo, 50
“Regardless of what is going on in my life, I believe that there is always something good out there and always something to be grateful for.” “How you feel about yourself inside will bring out the true beauty.” A fierce mama bear, Renée is a wise and loyal caretaker who...
Read MoreAngela Braxton-Johnson, 54
“I would love to show that women over 50 can be bold, beautiful and sexy at any size; that they can reinvent, rebuild and rebrand – basically start over in their careers and be successful, even more successful than they were when they were younger! That we are living our...
Read MoreNorma Lewis, 63
Norma Lewis was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 63 by Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood.
Read MoreDiane Solomon, 62
“Wisdom is attractive, sexy, beautiful!” Diane Solomon was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 62 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.
Read MoreLani Faith, 58
“The things that are most attractive to me now are more about what's on the inside vs. the outside. A person's presence that exudes self awareness and acceptance, emotional safety, a hint of playfulness and being comfortable in their own skin rather than having to achieve some model of perfection...
Read MoreLorraine Leslie, 61
“I no longer want to waste time on people, plans, or projects that are not enjoyable and/or fulfilling in some way.” Strong, independent, and resourceful, Lorraine has a variety of interests and skills across all aspects of her life. An expert in computer software and business, her day-to-day life at...
Read MoreMargaret Smith, 50
Margaret Smith was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 50 by Rachel Hadiashar in Sherwood, Oregon.
Read MoreSherri Beach, 57
‘True peace is possible within ourselves. All decisions are made out of love or fear. Choose love.’ Sherri’s most cherished possession is her soul’s happiness and purpose. She has become literate in this life lesson along the path of life, with the great achievement of continual enlightenment and awareness. Sherri...
Read MoreMichelle Mackey, 51
“I don't have to look like anyone's idea of beauty anymore. I like what I see in the mirror. Even if I do have blinders on about some of myself.” Michelle Mackey was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 51 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio...
Read MoreBrenda Morgan, 65
“I've learned that attractiveness is a quality that shines through one's essence; it's far beyond skin deep. I've learned that attractiveness is something one feels, not something one visually sees.” Brenda Morgan was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 65 by Oregon Portrait Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at...
Read MoreMargaret Auffert, 59
“Now I’ve learned to accept my wrinkles as a road map of life.” Margaret hopes the world views her as beautiful both inside and out, with a heart and actions of honesty. She perceives the outward wrinkles acquired with time to be a roadmap of her life. While she believes...
Read MoreMargaret Hill, 60
“Be kind, do good, we’ve got this.” Margaret loves volunteering, lifelong learning, and supporting communities and organizations that do good for the world. Passionate about international exchange, she and her husband have hosted ten international exchange high school students since 2006. Described as kind, big-hearted, and inspiring, she has dedicated...
Read MoreKymberley Calder, 61
“Being over 60 I still feel beautiful and sexy. I am wiser and kinder. Aging gracefully yet staying young in spirit. It is a gift – not anything to fear!” Kym is a kind person who loves deeply. Coordinated, smart, and a hard worker, she believes in treating others the...
Read MoreCathy Ricketts, 50
“‘The expert at anything was once a beginner.’ I use this a lot with my children who get upset when they aren’t perfect the first time out and want to give up.” Living her life dedicated to compassion, faith, and love, Cathy is passionate about Jesus, her children, and those...
Read MoreMarcia Lovell, 58
“I mean, anything goes, really. Remember that old adage, you can't judge a book by its cover? It's so very very true. I don't let myself fall into that trap anymore... You never really know what's lurking below the surface until you take the time to jump in and find...
Read MoreDanette Buchanan, 64
“Advanced age has brought out the beauty I didn’t recognize when I was younger.” ‘Freedom to truly be yourself. Watching your ancestry come alive in real-time through your children, grandchildren, and greats. Realizing that now you are the matriarch and you carry the mantle with pride!’ For Danette, those are...
Read MoreSari Peterson, 59
“Whatever you do, do it fully. With your whole being – live fully, love with your whole heart. Don’t hold some back, or you’ll be watching your life instead of living it.” “I have learned how to be content without becoming stagnant.” “I’m also passionate about our Earth. Not only...
Read MoreSarah Kearney, 51
“Confidence looks good on me! I'm still releasing the need to prove my worth, value, and beauty.” Sarah Kearney was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 51 by Sherwood Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.
Read MoreLinda Cahan, 73
Linda Cahan was photographed in 2022 at the age of 73 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.
Read MoreMary Davis, 76
“My grandmother was right. “Pretty is as pretty does.” True beauty comes from within. I love seeing more and more plus size women who are confident and comfortable in their own skin. Attractive = pleasing to all my senses.” Not only is Mary proud of being known to others as...
Read MoreStephanie Nicolai, 54
“Mistakes make us better. There are very few wrong decisions in life, just alternatives: choose your own adventure.” Goofy, open, and huggable, Stephanie believes in the essential good in all people. She is fiercely trusting and loyal, loves good food, and loves time with her family. She enjoys being out...
Read MoreChris Caldwell, 56
“Beauty emerges from how I love and care for myself from the inside out. I can see that in other people and it shows in how they move through the world, how they inhabit their skin.” Chris Caldwell was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 56 by...
Read MoreIn 2021 and 2022, Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed one hundred women over the age of fifty.
The total years of collective experience for the 2021 Cohort equals 2,934.
2955 is the collective number of years of wisdom photographed in 2022 for the purpose of this project.
(Data set for ages was collected based on subject’s age on the day of the portrait sitting.)
Photographer Rachel Hadiashar met with each woman several times to interview and then photograph each person. The resulting set of images are of women in the Portland-ish area, with the only common denominator that they are age 50 or better. These well-seasoned women showed us all a glimpse into their (extra)ordinary lives.