Accolades
"These are absolutely the best photos I've ever had of me."
"Honestly, it was just a lot of fun. I think I often don't spend enough time focusing on just myself. I was surprised that I started feeling much more confident in front of the camera."
Lori
“I was afraid that I would freeze up and not speak up for myself, and be completely awkward the whole time. Instead what happened, is that Rachel's warm and welcoming space and self made me feel right at home. The glorious conversation throughout the whole session was also a plus! Go to Rachel! She is THE BEST! She is completely open, listens and is fun to work with. She empowers you and tells you the truth and somehow manages to get the real you to shine through.”
Cristi
“it was a wonderful, empowering experience from start to finish.”
Photini
"I felt completely comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that I was able to allow authentic emotions to surface and even tears. I will absolutely recommend - I will say that it's important that we document our physical selves at every stage of life and that Rachel has a gift of seeing the mature person in a flattering light without judgment or protocol."
Jardima
“Rachel captures your essence, who you truly are. Respectful, creative and easy to work with. A wonderful experience.”
Sherri
"My photo session was a fun, unique, and freeing experience. I've been needing a change of pace, a fresh start - and this was a great way to kick off a new year and a new aspect of how I see myself. Rachel has a knack of helping you feel comfortable and supported 100%. It felt like - and was - a safe environment where you can relax and be your best self. Rachel, on top of being very organized, is highly creative and professional."
Linda
"It’s incredible what Rachel brings out of us as she stands in witness of our pain and power."
Shellie
“I recommend - Rachel is great. Super down to earth, creative and caring about her clients’ experience. Her work speaks for itself!”
Jamie
"I felt comfortable from the moment I met Rachel- she’s very authentic and comfortable, confident, encouraging. Rachel invites the Goddess warrior's vulnerable strong parts to come out and express our inner selves in a delightful way! She and the stylist were so welcoming and nonjudgmental. It felt like I was coming into their home, and they were so excited that I showed up to visit. Sharing vulnerability and special moments of your life were a gem, a blessing.”
Leea
“Rachel captured my soul in images that made my heart sing!”
Sarah
"Rachel’s attention to detail, how special she makes the person feel, how excited she gets while doing it, her depth of getting to know people before, during, and after is what makes this experience unique."
Danette
“I enjoyed the one-on-one time with Rachel. She is a true artist and very playful which put me at ease and made the day truly enjoyable."
Jardima
"After two Zoom meetings with Rachel and viewing her work online, I felt that I was meeting with a friend. I didn't want to forget anything I needed to do or bring with me. The reminder emails were so helpful getting me ready for the big day. You will have such a good time working with Rachel from the initial interview to the Big Day! You will feel so special and beautiful.“
Mary
“I have done a few photo sessions before and Rachel is by far the most relaxed artist I have worked with. That was the most fun, most empowering day I’ve had in a very long time. I am in no way my ideal weight or form, but that was so far from my head in this session. The vibe was relaxing, encouraging and so very fun! Thank you.”
Stephanie
“Rachel is willing to try new things to create fun backgrounds that bring out the real in people."
Christine
"Thank you for allowing me to go out of my comfort zone & feel comfortable in being a queen for the day!”
Kim
“You will love Rachel, she is kick in the pants funny, and 100% professional."
Brenda
“Rachel’s attention to detail is her signature approach. I also love how excited she gets when the pose is just right!”
Danette
"It was a wonderful day and I can't say enough good things to express what a monumental experience it was for me that I'm still unpacking! Thank you so much, Rachel."
Jardima
“I felt so relaxed and at ease with Rachel and she was really easy to converse with. She was also so dynamic and willing to try fun things"
Danielle
“I would say to take the time to invest in yourself and feel special. Rachel is so easy going, thoughtful and puts you at ease. I loved feeling like the studio session was a special time just for me. I was surprised at how easy it was."
Jenn
"I enjoyed coming up with creative ideas of what to do in the photo shoot as I LOVE to plan & see it come into fruition. I hadn't visualized myself as the center of the plan, but I was and I embraced it!”
Kim
“There was nothing uncomfortable. It felt professional and easy going. Chatting with Rachel and the stylist about various issues and interests was wonderful. I was surprised, and grateful, that they were able to take the time to listen."
Maggie
“I don't like having my picture taken but Rachel made it so easy to forget I was the center of attention.”
Linda
"I felt special having all that attention which as an older woman and parent I don’t get very often anymore. I really enjoyed the makeup and hair being done for me. It made it so nice and easy to just get in the car with my stuff and go!"
Ann
"A very uplifting experience."
Patti
“I was worried that I would be terribly uncomfortable due to the self-image shame loop I've been in. Instead, you made me feel VERY comfortable and I was able to "pretend" that I was comfortable being photographed. Hahaha!”
Anastasia
“I enjoyed the new experience, getting out of my daily rut, challenging my body and mind (in a good way), and feeling open to experiment. I was surprised by how smoothly the process went and how easily Rachel guided me into positions that would normally make me balk. I felt natural and more free. The time flew by and it was a fun experience!"
Linda
"Rachel is the best photographer I have ever ever worked with. She gives her all and is a true artist and a true professional. I'm excited to have some photos that really expressed what I wanted to communicate."
Kerry
“I was worried about my comfort level and my ability to relax. Definitely not a problem! Rachel made me feel comfortable right from the start and helped me with clothing choices when I needed it. Rachel will help you feel comfortable with the whole process and will work with you to make sure it all works for you. Go for it!"
Louise
“Rachel was extremely down to earth, compassionate, and very empowering throughout the shoot. Everything about the session right down to the music and drinks was amazing, I will absolutely do this again."
Pam
“Thank you so much. You and what you do are a gift."
Diane
"Rachel doesn’t just have a fabulous, artistic eye; she has a friendly, comfortable demeanor that puts you at ease almost instantly. Spending the day with Rachel is like hanging out with a funny, cool, and ridiculously talented friend. And then you get amazing photos. A double win!"
Jennifer
“I felt like a GODDESS!”
Sarah
"Rachel was a great collaborator--she listened deeply and then translated my hopes for the shoot into reality. The space she curates is welcoming, warm and expansive--I felt celebrated just as I am!”
Joellen
"Rachel’s work is amazing - so beyond creating images, but capturing individual essence and inspiring others along the way!"
Chris
"I am so glad I did this. It was amazing."
Sherri
“Getting photos done by a kind, non-traumatizing photographer who has an eye is part of the healing for me. You’re making it easy to step into the fun of it. And owning the space, and go ahead and flaunt it a little. I think it’s a wonderful process. The process is really what is touching me. Pictures that memorialize moments of that knowing who we are."
Christina
“Rachel was so upbeat and encouraging that it didn't take long for me to relax.”
Mary
"She has a comfortable vibe that instantly puts you at ease. She's attentive, fun and gave me a powerful feeling during our session that surprised me. I felt beautiful, sassy and sexy all at the same time. I highly recommend Rachel and her team."
Wendy
“Rachel’s gift is to intuit and bring out one’s personality and inner light with incredible photographic brilliance besides!”
Diane
"I've had head shots taken in NYC and she is the best person I've ever worked with. She's a delight and knows how to create an excellent experience! If you are looking for a new look for yourself, a portrait, business photos, great photos for online, or family photos - Rachel Hadiashar will give you exactly what you want and need."
Linda
“You knew exactly what I wanted to do with the photos. These are the best photos I have ever had. I wanted something that looked professional, yet pensive. I wanted to be realistic but also flattering. You did that and more. I’m really happy with these, thanks for really listening to what I wanted to express and coming up with something I could truly be proud of."
Kerry
"It's so interesting how potent it is to see pictures of oneself, done by a kind witness! I actually see myself differently now, or more clearly perhaps. Such a great process. Though it was about the studio, and career, super nicely done, and there are some really neat peeks into that process, I was surprisingly very touched by your portraits of me and SADIE! My little partner in crime! Especially after newly moving to Portland and getting her, her being the studio dog on a daily basis, me being sequestered with ONLY her during Covid, and her being my first pet just for me, we are really attached. Thanks for being willing to capture that too."
Christina
"I was so afraid that I would "freeze up" and that I wouldn't "perform" and that I would feel silly. NONE of that happened! The entire day I felt pampered, loved, honored and respected and I gave myself permission to relax and just BE Myself! In ALL my glory!!! I felt gorgeous and I loved that the whole day was dedicated to me!"
Sarah
"I have worked with many photographers over the years. Rachel was the first one who showed me how to angle my body in front of a camera and I actually started to feel comfortable in front of one. As she was shooting, she shared what she was seeing, how to wiggle out the poses, straighten my head and have soft eyes. She also had such great sound affects that made me smile. The combination of all of this, gave me the faith she was doing everything she could to make sure I had amazing photos being taken."
Kim