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.

 
“Life keeps coming with the gifts.”  Cammi Vance was photographed and interviewed in 2021 at the age of 50 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Cammi (Chamomile) Vance, 50

“Life keeps coming with the gifts.”   Chamomile is a thinker and has always been. She doesn’t want to follow the line for its own sake. She’s looking for the truth, and for the experience that’s made for her. Nature always shows her the way.  Cammi finds joy in relaxing,...

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Barbara Shelton, 54: “Treat others the way you want to be treated. Love others and be kind. I'm not perfect at that but I strive for it.”

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...

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Anne Crispino Taylor, 63

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.

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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...

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Norma Lewis was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 63 by Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood.

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.

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“A coward dies a thousand deaths.” Catherine Schindler was photographed in 2021 at the age of 53 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Catherine Schindler, 53

“A coward dies a thousand deaths.” Catherine deeply loves her family and grandchildren, and embraces the time she gets to spend with them. Compassionate, loving, and caring, Catherine has enjoyed her career as a nurse and loves that she gets to learn something new every day.  Intelligent and sarcastic, Catherine...

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Danette Buchanan at age 64

Danette 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...

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Lori Watkins at 56

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.

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“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 the 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...

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“Wisdom is attractive, sexy, beautiful!” Diane Solomon was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 62 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.

Diane Solomon, 62

“Wisdom is attractive, sexy, beautiful!” Diane Solomon was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 62 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.

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“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....

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“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.

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.

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“As you get older you have lived a larger percent of your life already -- even if you don't really know what the percent is. If I were to live to be 100, I've lived 59% of my life already. You get to thinking more about getting to those things that you want to do before you die. You watched your children and grandchildren and other children in your life -- grow up, graduate, get married, have babies of their own. This all happens in a couple of blinks of the eye.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed Camie Pugsley in 2021 at the age of 58.

Camie Pugsley, 58

“As you get older you have lived a larger percent of your life already — even if you don’t really know what the percent is. If I were to live to be 100, I’ve lived 59% of my life already. You get to thinking more about getting to those things...

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“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 characteristic.” Michelle Rios was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 55 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

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...

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“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....

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Margaret Smith was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 50 by Rachel Hadiashar in Sherwood, Oregon.

Margaret Smith, 50

Margaret Smith was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 50 by Rachel Hadiashar in Sherwood, Oregon.

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Laura Bellamy at age 60

Laura Bellomy, 60

“A woman truly is in her prime when she’s over 50 and drops the weight of other people’s expectations.” Laura follows her guiding philosophy of “walk purposely; carry a magic wand, and make things happen,” allowing herself to follow her curiosity throughout life. Described as smart, strong, and loyal, she...

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“Mistakes make us better. There are very few wrong decisions in life, just alternatives: choose your own adventure.” Stephanie Nicolai was photographed and interviewed in 2021 at the age of 54 at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Stephanie 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...

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“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 at the age of 57 by Rachel Hadiashar at the Sherwood Oregon portrait studio.

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...

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“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 good about yourself.” Louise Davis was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 61 by Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood.

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...

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Margaret Hill at age 60

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...

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“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.

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“I’m curious and good at following up on it. Voracious, Adventurous and well-read. And messy.” Val Cashman, 66

Val Cashman, 66

“I’m curious and good at following up on it. Voracious, Adventurous and well-read. And messy.” With an adventurous spirit, Val loves exploring her wide variety of interests and experiencing new things. Endlessly curious, she has allowed her life to blossom throughout many career and educational paths and is currently in...

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“I've been around long enough now that it's so much easier to see what deserves my time and energy and what doesn't. My biological clock has shifted from making babies to death and that clock just keeps getting louder. I don't have time for nonsense anymore. I want the good stuff. All of it. I'm eating cake for breakfast if I want to.” -Kitt Cowles, Age 53

Kitt Cowles, 53

“I’ve been around long enough now that it’s so much easier to see what deserves my time and energy and what doesn’t. My biological clock has shifted from making babies to death and that clock just keeps getting louder. I don’t have time for nonsense anymore. I want the good...

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Renee Brouse at 52

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...

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“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 Sherwood, Oregon portrait studio.

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...

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“‘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.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed Cathy Ricketts in Portland in 2021 at age 50.

Cathy 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...

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“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 in Sherwood, Oregon.

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...

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Ann Scott at age 56

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...

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“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

Jardima 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

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Sherri Beach at age 57

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...

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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...

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Mary Davis at age 76

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...

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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...

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“I'm exactly where I want to be and things just keep getting better." Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed Deborah Bice in 2021 at the age of 64 at the photo studio in Portland, Oregon.

Deborah Bice, 64

“I’m exactly where I want to be and things just keep getting better.” Thoughtful, loving, self aware, and open, Deborah aims to help her clients live their lives consciously and intentionally. As a relationship and sexuality coach, Deborah greatly values connecting with others through conversation, authenticity, and growth. She enjoys...

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Ann Wetherell was photographed and interviewed in 2021 at the age of 64 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the photo studio in Portland Oregon.

Ann Wetherell, 64

“Trust your gut.” A creative optimist, Ann has an insatiable desire to learn new things. She’s a lover of gardening, dogs, singing, habitat conservation, and history.  Ann finds joy in pursuits that require her to learn and be creative. As a professor, she finds she is most confident and in...

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“I can do it myself if I have to!” Portland Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed Melody Krantz in 2021, at the age of 56.

Melody Kranz, 56

“I can do it myself if I have to!” Described as outgoing and compassionate, Melody prides herself on being able to talk to anyone. With her bubbly personality, Melody finds joy in countless aspects of her life, with particular regard to her granddaughter, husband, and friends.  A lover of experiencing...

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“I fall in love with people's brains - to me, that's where to find beauty. As I’ve gotten older, I value intellect and perspectives. I rarely make a life decision or business decision without first bouncing it off of a few loved ones.” Dawn Tyree

Dawn Tyree, 50

Using her voice and story to change legislation and influence social change, Dawn speaks out for causes dear to her. She believes in fighting for what is right – she is a human rights activist fighting to end child marriage in the United States and ensure equal rights for adults...

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“I do not feel old at all. In fact, I feel younger inside because I don't sweat the small stuff anymore at all!” Stacey Kohler was photographed in 2021 at the age of 54.

Stacey Kohler, 54

“I do not feel old at all. In fact, I feel younger inside because I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore at all!” Laid back, easygoing, and real, Stacey embraces being sure of herself and not caring what other people think of her. Her inner spirit and her four boys...

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“I have always been one who is attracted to good, kind people with good hearts. This is even more important to me now. Life is too short to be around people who are not the kindest of people.” Pam Meisinger was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 59 by Sherwood Portrait Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.

Pam Meisinger, 59

“I have always been one who is attracted to good, kind people with good hearts. This is even more important to me now. Life is too short to be around people who are not the kindest of people.” Pam Meisinger was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of...

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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, 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.

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Kay Ferguson, 80: “What you can accomplish at any age all depends on your health. Eighty is not the end of your life if you’ve taken care of yourself!"

Kay Ferguson, 80

“What you can accomplish at any age all depends on your health. Eighty is not the end of your life if you’ve taken care of yourself!” Empathetic, caring, and honest, Kay is an incredible friend and is very family oriented. She and her BFF have been friends since second grade!...

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“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 63 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

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...

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“I have never really been concerned with being attractive. I like to look nice, but not worry about being attractive. I just want to be me and dress comfortably. I guess what is attractive to me is being happy, being physically in shape, and in good health.” Marie Wright was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 71 by Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

Marie Wright, 71

“I have never really been concerned with being attractive. I like to look nice, but not worry about being attractive. I just want to be me and dress comfortably. I guess what is attractive to me is being happy, being physically in shape, and in good health.” Marie Wright was...

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Susan Trezise at age 66

Susan Trezise, 66

‘Every single person is dealing with something at some time. You can’t avoid the tragedies of life. And many, many have a much heavier load in life. So be kind. Be helpful.’ Susan is described by others as kind, compassionate and fun loving. She has a deep-seated inclination to be...

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Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar photographed and interviewed Nicole Corbin Lawson in 2021 at the age of 52 at the studio in Portland, OR.

Nicole Corbin Lawson, 52

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” A lover of supporting and caring for others, Nicole aims to help people live full and beautiful lives. Described as loving, loyal, and enthusiastic, Nicole works to make Oregon a place where people with substance use and gambling disorders...

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Wendy Marvin at age 55

Wendy Marvin, 55

"You are made of stardust and the world is your playground." Wendy Marvin in 2022 at the age of 55, interviewed and photographed by Portland Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.

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“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 was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 58 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

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...

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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...

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Darcy Burke at age 52

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...

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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.

 

If you would like to be photographed in the studio, please contact Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.