Hi there, friend.
I’m Rachel Waters. I like to think my last name is “Waters” because I was a mermaid in a past life. In this life, I am a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Oklahoma and Colorado. But you probably knew that by now. What don’t you know? Favorite color: Emerald green. Favorite beverage: iced honey latte; alcoholic: G+Ts. Or anything with lavender. Favorite scent: impending rain. Tattoos: 6. Hair: Currently pink. I played the alto saxophone for 8 years and still love picking it up from time to time. Jazz forever. I have a degree in English Lit, but may never use it. The world’s greatest dogs alive are mine (no offense). Ira + Poppy are their names and they bring me so much joy. My closet is 50% black and 50% stripes and I believe in dry shampoo with everything in my being. I daydream a lot, mostly about traveling to far away places and getting a little bit lost. I shout praise for Mexican + Thai food. I listen to my music as loudly as I can get away with. One day, I hope to live in a cottage in the English countryside, surrounded by wildflowers, my own garden, and more dogs. In my free time, you could find me a trivia night, practicing songs for my first-ever karaoke performance (currently practicing: Ray Charles, Rihanna, Beyoncé and JAY-Z, The National Anthem (in which I’d end with “Nazis suck!!!” before putting the microphone back), and, of course, Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard), and making the plans to write my own cookbook. I cry every time I watch Pam and Jim’s wedding on The Office. I cry when I get inquiries with the word “Rustic” in them and unfortunately, they’re not the same happy tears from the Beesley/Halpert Wedding. I wish Apple made a waterproof iMac series so I could edit and work while simultaneously relaxing in the bathtub. Sometimes I consider naps my best friend. Food is better spicy don’t @ me. I want to go to a new country for every year I’m alive. I’m a few behind right now, but hope to make up for that soon. I am drawn to light; captivated by lines, shadows, and hues of dawn and twilight. I’m one of the few photographers who hasn’t been to Iceland yet (but I wanna, so let’s go). Making people laugh is my favorite pastime, but I know my sense of humor may not be for everyone. I always wanted to be an artist-somehow-but never knew if I’d ever be able to do it for a living. So, being able to make some kick-ass photos for some kick-ass people brings me immense delight. I believe in love, kindness, and standing up for what is right and true. I am a lover of small moments and big moments, of relentless joy, of the warmth of the sun. I believe in something bigger than myself, in making each day a little magical, in mental health days, and in celebrating in gratitude all the wondrous gifts I am given.
I’m inspired by:
Human connection + the present + new places
+ morning light and golden light + good stories + symmetry + nature +
the ocean + emotions + poetry + music-especially while exploring + love.
My favorite things:
Ira and Poppy, my pups (the cuties on the green couch above (RIP, couch…thanks, Poppy) +
slow mornings + traveling + iced coffee + plants + hip hop + tacos + fresh flowers +
lavender scented things + making my brother laugh + watermelon + honeybees
+ stars + the mountains and the sea + light + black/white patterns + minimalism +
+ notebooks and making lists + cooking + Harry Potter + A1 sauce.
