A Partial List of Rebellious Women - Photographer Rachel Hadiashar

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.

Sarah Kearney, 51

“Confidence looks good on me! I'm still releasing the need...

Maggie Maggio, 67

“I do define attractive differently now. I think of attractive...

Loyal, compassionate, and kind, Julia Alicia loves spending time with her family and friends, as well as making a difference in her community. She believes in living life to the fullest, loving passionately, and that one should always keep laughing. Throughout her life, she has found wisdom in the ability to not worry about gaining the validation of others and instead has focused on her accomplishments and demonstrating to her children that anything is possible.

Julia Alicia Galicia, 54

Julia Alicia Galicia believes in living life to the fullest,...

Debbie Johnson, 63

“A happy person brings joy to those around them. A...

Michelle Nakoa Medeiros, 53

“My perception of beauty hasn't changed much over time. I...

Diane Solomon, 62

“Wisdom is attractive, sexy, beautiful!” Diane Solomon was photographed and...

Andrea Kreiner of Red Cedar Forest Therapy

Andrea Kreiner, 58

“I see more things as attractive now, my view of...

Renee Brouse, 52

“Attractiveness is not so much about the outside it is...

Patti Liljestrom, 71

“I’m 71 and rocking and rolling.” Patti Liljestrom was interviewed...

Vicki Giampietro, 64

“I've pretty much always felt that being in shape is...

Jeanne Buschart, 63

“I’ve always found that the most attractive people are wicked...

Sheryl Cooksley, 59

“We're treated as if we ‘don't understand’ yet we understand...

Michelle Nakoa Medeiros, 53

“My perception of beauty hasn't changed much over time. I still love to see women dressed to the nines without having to throw out their body parts to attract others.” Michelle Nakoa Medeiros was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 53 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in the...

Linda Cahan, 73

Linda Cahan was photographed in 2022 at the age of 73 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

Brenda 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...

Jennifer 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...

Shauna 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...

“My perceptions have absolutely changed over time, as I discover the societal conditioning at the root of my self-criticism and body shame. I'm still working on it, but I will say that the 50 over 50 photo shoot experience was profoundly positive for my body image, and my overall sense of seeing myself. I am profoundly grateful for this experience. I discovered a deeper love and appreciation for my middle-age, curvy, bumpy, imperfect form; and came away with deep gratitude for this body that carries me through the world.” Delila Olson was photographed in 2021 at the age of 58 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in Portland, Oregon.

Delila 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....

Kymberley 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...

Vicki Farace was photographed in 2021 at the age of 56 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Portland Oregon. “Oh, there's one more thing that's great… not giving a damn about trying to impress anyone and being ok in your skin.”

Vicki 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…...

“I find that people who try too hard to look good usually don't, and people who show up with a smile look much better.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed Colleen Johnson in 2021 at the age of 60 at the photo studio in Portland, Oregon.

Colleen Johnson, 60

“I find that people who try too hard to look good usually don’t, and people who show up with a smile look much better.” Friendly, humorous, trustworthy, dedicated, and a lover of mornings, Colleen loves getting up each day to start tackling problems or working on the day’s to-do list....

Michelle 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...

“There is nothing that I cannot overcome.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed Tonia Martin in 2021 at the age of 54 at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Tonia 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.

Lori 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.

Iris 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...

Norma 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.

Linda Lagraff, 58

“For me personally, I think I was most attractive when I was thinner and younger. As I have gotten older and bigger, I tend to criticize myself more when I look at pictures. This isn't true of other people. Attractive is more in the way people hold themselves.” Linda Lagraff...

Carol Gunn, 63

“Attractive is put together, confident, and open to new experiences.” Carol Gunn was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at age 63 at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.

Kim 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.

Anastasia Lipske, 61

“I now believe attractiveness is so much more than what's on the outside. It's the confidence and love for others on the inside that is much more attractive.” Anastasia Lipske was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 61 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood,...

“Damn, I've had a good life. And I am still having it.“ Oregon Photographer Rachel H interviewed and photographed Sherill Roberts in 2021 at the age of 74 at the photo studio in Portland, Oregon.

Sherill Roberts, 74

“A lot of freedom can come from being my age- freedom from expectations of society… freedom from things that I should do – maybe I don’t want to do them! It’s very freeing.” “I like that I am a realist: I am not afraid to recognize problems and I am...

Margaret 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...

Kristine 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...

Ann 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...

Barbara Shelton, 54

Caring and loving, Barbara is one of those people that welcomes you with open arms, will lend a shoulder to cry on, and listen closely when you need a friend. She loves her family and friends and finds great joy in their presence. Barbara finds the positive in tough situations...

“Life is what we make it!” Carrie Keys was photographed and interviewed by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in 2021 at the age of 50.

Carrie Keys, 50

“Life is what we make it!” Open-minded, caring, and resilient, Carrie finds the positive in challenging situations. She believes the most rewarding thing about getting older is the ability to look back at all life’s experiences, to learn from them, and to know that there is so much more to...

Joy Mesick, 60

“Now, I appreciate the individuals: those who have their own sense of style, exude self confidence, and have an air about them that is open, relaxed, and curious.” As a lover of Mother Nature, Joy loves yoga, hiking, road trips, traveling, and just generally being adventurous. She feels most alive,...

Julia Alicia Galicia, 54

Julia Alicia Galicia believes in living life to the fullest, loving passionately, and that one should always keep laughing. Julia Alicia was photographed in 2022 at the age of 54 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the Sherwood Portrait Studio.

Maggie Maggio, 67

“I do define attractive differently now. I think of attractive not in the conventional sense of beauty of body or face but more in the sense of enthusiasm for life in whatever form it takes.” Maggie Maggio was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 67 by Photographer...

Photographer Rachel Hadiashar photographed and interviewed Angela Braxton-Johnson in 2021

Angela 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...

Robin 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...

Debbie Johnson, 63

“A happy person brings joy to those around them. A smile is the most attractive trait available to each and every person.” Debbie Johnson was photographed in 2022 at the age of 63 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in Sherwood, Oregon.

Sarah 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.

Leea Voetberg, 63

“Yes, beauty comes from within, it makes a person beautiful on the outside. Attractive is a person with kind eyes, wrinkles, laugh lines, who is fun, good, quirky, dry, and a sense of humor - who can laugh at themselves.” Leea Voetberg was photographed in 2022 at the age of...

Anne Crispino Taylor, 63

“Live your life, not someone else's - don't live to someone else's expectations and don't compare your life to others.” Rachel Hadiashar photographed and interviewed Anne Crispino Taylor in 2021, at the age of 63.

Patti Liljestrom, 71

“I’m 71 and rocking and rolling.” Patti Liljestrom was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 71 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

Colleen O’Brien, 53

“I would like some photos where I look and feel my absolute best at the age and situation that I’m in. I would like to see strength and confidence and a badass attitude in my eyes – so the photos can serve as lasting proof that my health issues do...

Sharon Pollin, 62

“We can look at the time that we have as chapters, and it’s our choice what to title them.” An incredible listener, people confide in Sharon and admire her heart. She loves spending time with her family and friends and enjoys being a “good, deep friend” to those around her....

Renée Sedillo at 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.”

Renee 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...

Jenn 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...

Louise 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...

Connie Hanson, Age 51 interviewed and photographed by Rachel Hadiashar in 2021

Connie Hanson, 51

“Don’t waste a second of your life thinking you are inadequate: get out there and shine your light in the world” is something Connie would tell her 20 something self. Ambitious, courageous, and outgoing, fearlessly showing up for life is something that Connie deeply believes. Approaching life with love and...

Rosie Carter was photographed and interviewed in 2021 at the age of 67 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Rosie 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...

Michelle Rios, 55

“Absolutely my perception of attractiveness has shifted. Attractiveness is not a physical characteristic, it's an energy that someone emanates. It has a magnetic quality and it causes you to want to lean toward that person, lean in, listen deeper, see clearer, understand more thoroughly. It's all encompassing versus one tangible...

Mary 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.

Darcy 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...

Mary 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...

Sherri 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...

Andrea Kreiner, 58

“I see more things as attractive now, my view of beauty and attractiveness has broadened. I see the intrinsic beauty in things now, not just the external.” Andrea Kreiner was photographed in 2022 at the age of 58 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in Portland, Oregon

Renee Brouse, 52

“Attractiveness is not so much about the outside it is more the character of an individual, the kindness that is displayed. The laughter. There are some outwardly beautiful people who are mean, nasty and unkind.” Renee Brouse was photographed in 2022 at the age of 52 by Rachel Hadiashar in...

Michelle Gallinger, 50

“When I decide to do something, I give it 100% and nothing less.”

Robyn Beisell was photographed and interviewed in 2021 at the age of 64. “Kill your inner critic. She's wrong about everything.”

Robyn Beisell, 64

“I do not support society’s narrow definition of physical beauty. Personality, passion, experience, heartfelt conversation, interaction with the world, integrity, personal ethics, humor, and individual gifts combine to create interesting people. I find that complexity fascinating and attractive.” “I would love for society and all media to portray older people...

In 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.