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.

Renee Brouse, 52

“Attractiveness is not so much about the outside it is...

Jenn Barker, 57

“I feel like I have always been attracted to people...

Marlene Kendrick, 64

“Attractive now is personality and trustfulness.” Marlene Kendrick was interviewed...

Mary Davis, 76

“My grandmother was right. “Pretty is as pretty does.” True...

Stephanie Parish, 50

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

Colleen O’Brien, 53

“I would like some photos where I look and feel...

Darcy Burke, 52

“Beauty is about happiness and joy and that’s what my...

Chris Caldwell, 56

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

Maggie Maggio, 67

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

Linda Lagraff, 58

“For me personally, I think I was most attractive when...

Brenda Morgan, 65

“I've learned that attractiveness is a quality that shines through...

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,...

“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...

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

“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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

“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.

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...

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...

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....

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...

“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...

“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...

“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...

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.

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.

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 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....

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...

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...

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!...

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.

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...

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,...

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...

“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,...

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

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...

Laura Beth Weinberg, 54

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

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...

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...

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...

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.

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…...

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.

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.

“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...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

“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...

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...

Sheryl Cooksley, 59

“We're treated as if we ‘don't understand’ yet we understand A LOT because we have years of life and experiences to draw from.” Sheryl has a bone to pick with stereotypes of “older” women. Sheryl Cooksley was photographed and interviewed in 2022 at the age of 59 in Sherwood 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.