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.

Susan Trezise, 66

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

Wendy Marvin, 55

"You are made of stardust and the world is your...

Jennifer McLaughlin, 50

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

Vicki Giampietro, 64

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

Jardima Kroeker, 57

“It does not matter if people do not like you....

Danette Buchanan, 64

“Advanced age has brought out the beauty I didn’t recognize...

Leea Voetberg, 63

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

Stephanie Parish, 50

“I was taught that I needed to look a specific...

Kim Boaz, 50

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

Ann Scott, 56

“As a younger person, I felt being attractive had mostly...

Patti Liljestrom, 71

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

Margaret Smith, 50

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

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.

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...

“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...

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...

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.

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

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...

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...

“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...

“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...

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...

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...

“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,...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

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.

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...

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...

“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...

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...

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.

“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...

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.

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...

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...

Lani Faith, 58

“The things that are most attractive to me now are more about what's on the inside vs. the outside. A person's presence that exudes self awareness and acceptance, emotional safety, a hint of playfulness and being comfortable in their own skin rather than having to achieve some model of perfection...

Margaret Smith, 50

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

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.

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...

“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...

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,...

“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...

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...

Laura Beth Weinberg, 54

“Beauty is always there. You just have to look for it.”

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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,...

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....

“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.

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...

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...

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.