mother
hi there, i'm rachel
wife
hi there, i'm rachel
photographer
hi there, i'm rachel
your new bestie
hi there, i'm rachel
I’m a family, maternity, and newborn photographer based in Asheville, NC, and a mom of two. Before photography became my full-time career, I worked as an elementary school counselor for six years—so working with kids (and big feelings!) is very much my comfort zone.
I’ve loved photography since high school, when I first picked up a CoolPix digital camera, and later minored in photography at Appalachian State University (go ’Neers!). These days, I feel lucky to photograph families at every stage—from expecting your first baby to embracing the beautiful chaos of a growing crew.
I’m easygoing, kid-friendly, and always focused on creating a relaxed, fun experience. If you’re looking for someone who will help your family feel at ease while capturing genuine connection, you’re in the right place. Take a look around—I’d love to work with you.
a glimpse into my life
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meet my favorite people
my biggest blessings
Becoming a mom changed the way I see everything—including the importance of documenting this precioud season of life. Motherhood is beautiful, messy, exhausting, and fleeting all at once, and that realization inspired me to photograph the journey for other mamas. I know how easy it is to forget just how much magic exists in the middle of it all. It’s an honor to help families slow down, remember this season, and tell their story—and I’d love to do the same for you.
As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you
motherhood bliss
Isaiah 66:13
What makes
me
Unique
I have a Masters of Education in School Counseling from UNC Chapel Hill and was a school counselor for 6 years before staying at home and taking on photography full time! My bread and butter is building relationships with kids. I do this quickly by being quick to compliment, learning what their interests are and giving them autonomy throughout the session! I want them to feel like an active participant and not just a subject. I also know how to stay calm during a crisis and can still find the beauty and joy through the chaos! Busy kids, crying newborns, moody teenagers…they don’t bother me.
I am a mama of a 2 year old and 4 year old and I understand the challenges that come along with all of those cherished moments. I can relate to the moms and meet their needs in ways I didn’t know how to before having kids.
Rachel is very professional and is eager and willing to meet your individual requests. Recently she took maternity photos, hospital photos, and newborn photos of my family. The photos are beautiful and will be treasured for a lifetime.
Thank you for being so patient and taking extra time to calm and position my newborn son for photos. You have a gift!
Cammie
precious
love notes
To give families joyful experiences that capture the magic of childhood, the beauty of parenthood and the excitement of every new milestone, through beloved images that will be shared, framed and cherished for generations.
our mission
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes. Silver white winters that melt into springs.
these are a few of my favorite things
julie andrews
Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Asheville!
Coffee
I love going to local coffee shops in the Asheville area! If you're close to downtown AVL, Summit Coffee and Cooperative Coffee Roasters are fantastic! They both sell bagged coffee beans as well and will grind them for you on site! If you're closer to downtown Hendersonville, check out Black Bear Coffee! The Hands On! Children's Museum is right next door and such a fun place for kids (ages 1.5-6 or so). If you have kids with you and it's a nice day outside, head over to Ecusta Market & Cafe and let your kids play in the enclosed mulch play area or ride their bikes/scooters along the Ecusta trail! And if you're closer to the Brevard area, check out Cup and Saucer downtown! You'l find Sully Steamers (bagels) across the street, lot's of cute boutiques, and an adorable book shop just down the road!
Restaurants
For a special occasion, we love 131 Main in Arden (steakhouse) and the Sunset Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn! For a more casual, but still nice, restaurant you just have to go to Post 25 in Arden!!! Best Chicken Caesar Salad around and the Tiger Sauce is incredible! For yummy tacos, you'll find me at Taco Temple in Asheville! Parking is limited but it is SO worth it! Get the Chile Lime Tots and Churro Tots too!! For donuts, please please please go to Hole Doughnuts in Asheville! They are the best donuts you will ever eat in your life! Last but not least, if you're a big hibachi fan like me, go to Murasaki in Arden! For a sweet treat, check out Baked Pie Company in Arden and the French Broad Chocolate Factory in Asheville!
Activities
Hiking is where it's at, but you should expect to drive 45min-1hr to get to most scenic trailheads! Black Balsam Knob is on of my favorites! It's technically in Canton and has gorgeous panoramic views! I had been telling people it was easy-moderate, but I feel like moderate-heard is probably more accurate, especially if you do not hike often! There are also a lot of really cool breweries in Asheville, my husband's favorites are Burial's Forestry Camp Taproom in Asheville, Sierra Nevada in Mills River and Highland Brewing in East Asheville. The Biltmore is a super fun place to visit, beyond the house and garden there is also a playground, farm animal area, and even a creamery! Definitely weigh the costs of getting passes instead of tickets, especially if you plan to visit more than once in the year! If it's Apple Season (Aug-Oct) there are tons of cool apple orchards in Hendersonville! Justus and Stepps are our classic favorites, but Jeter Mountain Farms is fun for a more bougie experience! We also love walking around all of the small towns around us! Black Mountain, Brevard, and Hendersonville have super cute downtowns with unique shops and restaurants! And if you're looking for something to do on a Saturday morning in the Spring, Summer, or early Fall, you should check out one of the many local farmers markets! They usually have fun locally made items and activities for kids in addition to local produce!
