The historic district of Charleston holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I visited the Holy City. I was in awe that this place even existed in the United States! That short trip forever changed me and I knew at some point I'd end up living in this dream spot. I love taking strolls through the cobblestone streets, learning about southern architecture, trying new restaurants and enjoying the gorgeous sunny weather.

A recent trip to the south of France (more photos on Magnolia Rouge) sparked a renewed desire to see the edges of this beautiful planet.  If you have a favorite travel destination, please share and we'll put it on our bucket list!

I don't know what to say y'all. My dogs are my kids. Da fluff. Can you even handle the cuteness?! They are the best part of my life, truly.

Have you ever gone from hating something to loving it? Baking is a joyful stress relief for me, but it hasn't always been that way. Even five years ago, I never would have been able or wanted to attempt any of these creations. I was absolutely dreadful in the kitchen until a few years ago when something clicked for me. I have always had a deep love for ice cream and doughnuts, though. A deep, deep love.

Interior Decor, Set Design, Flat Lays, Art Directing, Website Design (I designed the Rachel Hamden site!) and Stock Photography - all have a common thread. An eye for design is one of the greatest things that sets me apart from any other photographer, but it's not a conscious effort. 

At the risk of sounding hokey, I think therapy saved my life. I went through an experience that I don't wish on anyone. Therapy kept me steady and strong and able to get into a safe place physically, but it took a decent amount of time to pull myself out mentally. Through this experience, I've learned a bit about mental health, but I'm no expert. I could choose to hide this part of my past, but instead, I choose to be a light.

It's not an obsession or anything, but the color yellow has always been a running theme throughout my life. The sunshine hue makes me feel happy and confident, so I have at least one yellow item in each room of my house. It's why I sign my emails with "walking on sunshine" as well as why a good friend of mine suggested I change my business name to "Rachel Yellow". 

Understanding privilege and the innate fact that we are more similar than we are different from one another has driven me to volunteer work in Ghana, rural Jamaica, parts of Mexico, Belize, and inner-city America throughout my life. I'm always interested in volunteer work, so if you have a connection to someone I can help through photography, please do reach out.