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.

Sheryl Cooksley, 59

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

Michelle Mackey, 51

“I don't have to look like anyone's idea of beauty...

Margaret Smith, 50

Margaret Smith was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the...

Michelle Nakoa Medeiros, 53

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

Christine Moses, 60

“Attractive is for me, not for anyone else. Looking professional...

Maggie Maggio, 67

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

Jennifer McLaughlin, 50

“I would like to bust the myth that we are...

Lani Faith, 58

“The things that are most attractive to me now are...

Sarah Kearney, 51

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

Susan Trezise, 66

‘Every single person is dealing with something at some time....

Leea Voetberg, 63

“Yes, beauty comes from within, it makes a person beautiful...

Sherri Beach, 57

‘True peace is possible within ourselves. All decisions are made...

“Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.” Robyn Bilyeu was photographed in 2021 at age 56 by Rachel Hadiashar in Portland, Oregon.

Robyn 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Sari 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...

“Don’t waste life. Don’t put things off. Enjoy every minute that you can. Make the best of whatever comes.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar photographed and interviewed Jerry Corbin in 2021, at the age of 92 at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Jerry 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...

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...

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...

Sue 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...

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...

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.

Andrea Kreiner of Red Cedar Forest Therapy

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

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.

“Now I've learned to accept my wrinkles as a road map of life.” Margaret Auffert was photographed in 2022 at the age of 59, in Portland by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar.

Margaret 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...

“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...

“I no longer want to waste time on people, plans, or projects that are not enjoyable and/or fulfilling in some way.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed Lorraine Williams in Portland in 2021 at the age of 61.

Lorraine 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...

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

Michelle Gallinger, 50

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

“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,...

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...

“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....

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.

Marlene Kendrick, 64

“Attractive now is personality and trustfulness.” Marlene Kendrick was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the age of 64 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in the Sherwood Oregon portrait studio.

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...

Robyn 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.

Marcia 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...

Stephanie Parish, 50

“I was taught that I needed to look a specific way or wear makeup or fit in with societal beauty types. I went from sneaking makeup and putting it on at my friends house before school (took A LOT of work!) to finding college life had no place for that...

Chris 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...

“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...

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…...

Wendy Harris, 64

“What matters cannot be measured in dollars. It should be measured in the people we love, the friends we nurture and the way we treat strangers.” Wendy Harris was photographed in 2022 at the age of 64 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

“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...

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...

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...

5889

5889 years of collective life experience and wisdom. I am thrilled to announce that my portrait campaign featuring 100 vibrant women over 50 will be showcased at the Hillsboro Library at Brookwood. The gallery will run throughout the month of March in honor of Women’s History Month! This exhibit is...

Kimberly Williams was interviewed and photographed by Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar in Portland, Oregon in 2021 at the age of 58.

Kimberly 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...

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!...

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...

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...

Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar photographed Joyce Lindsay in 2021 at the age of 62. "In the worship of security we fling ourselves beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone." - Sterling Hayden, Wanderer

Joyce Lindsay, 62

“In the worship of security we fling ourselves beneath the wheels of routine – and before we know it our lives are gone.” – Sterling Hayden, Wanderer “Love is a verb” Tenacious, resourceful, and funny, a significant driving force behind Joyce’s life is a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. After...

“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...

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.

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...

“I have never liked getting my picture taken, but I'm finally comfortable with my body and confident in who I am.” Jimi Couture was photographed by Rachel Hadiashar in 2021 at the age of 57 at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Jimi Couture, 57

“I have never liked getting my picture taken, but I’m finally comfortable with my body and confident in who I am.” A confident, fair, and decisive leader, people are attracted to her integrity. Jimi also finds herself spiritually in tune with nature and the universe. People just like her. Jimi...

“Have a passion. I don’t care what it is, just have a passion. It will save you.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed Joy Shenk in 2021 at the age of 88 at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Joy Shenk, 88

Loyal, positive, and energetic, Joy finds great happiness in the blessings she has received throughout her life. Joy loves being around people and enjoys caring for those around her. Those who know Joy admire her for her compassion, energy, and passion. Outspoken, you always know where you stand with Joy....

“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...

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...

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.

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.