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.

Kim Boaz, 50

“Don't look back - you're not going that way.” Kim...

Margaret Smith, 50

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

Louise Davis, 61

“I don't believe attractive means being all made up (although...

Marie Wright, 71

“I have never really been concerned with being attractive. I...

Norma Lewis, 63

Norma Lewis was interviewed and photographed in 2022 at the...

Michelle Rios, 55

“Absolutely my perception of attractiveness has shifted. Attractiveness is not...

Vereleta Steward, 62

“Being kind with a caring smile is the best kind...

Christine Moses, 60

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

Sherri Beach, 57

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

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,...

Pam Meisinger, 59

“I have always been one who is attracted to good,...

Chris Caldwell, 56

“Beauty emerges from how I love and care for myself...

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...

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....

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

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.

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...

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...

“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...

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…...

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...

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.

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...

“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...

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!...

“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...

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,...

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.

“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....

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...

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...

Christine Moses, 60

“Attractive is for me, not for anyone else. Looking professional is BS. Looking attractive means no makeup, my hair might be a little messy, and I don't give a shit about what anyone else thinks.” Christine Moses was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 60 by Rachel...

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...

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.

“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...

Jeanne 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

Michelle Gallinger, 50

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

Vereleta Steward, 62

“Being kind with a caring smile is the best kind of attractive! Sometimes I wish I knew more about how to ‘beautify’ myself, but that sounds too time-consuming.” Vereleta Steward was interviews and photographed in 2022 at the age of 62 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the studio in Sherwood,...

Jen Garrison, 53

Jen Garrison was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 53 by Photographer Rachel Hadiashar at the portrait studio in Sherwood, Oregon.

“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...

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...

“My Great Grandmother inspired me to lean in and make it happen— regardless of what others think.” Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed Deb Mrazek in 2021 at the age of 60, at the photo studio in Portland Oregon.

Deb 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“Life is too short to spend one single minute with someone who doesn't think you're the most amazing person in the world.” Oregon Photographer Rachel Hadiashar interviewed and photographed author Julie Kick in 2021 at the age of 57 at the studio in Portland, Oregon.

Julie 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...

“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...

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.

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...

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

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...

“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...

“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...

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...

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.

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.