As part of our series on wedding photographers from the ONA community, today we're proud to profile Rachel Birkhofer (@rachel.b.photo), an early ONA customer who we met first through Instagram. Read our full Q&A and see selections from her portfolio below.
Rachel carries the Bowery in Antique Cognac
Name: Rachel Birkhofer
Hometown: Oxnard, CA (shoutout to the 805)
Go-to gear: Canon 5D Mark III ; Prime Lenses 24mm, 35mm, 85mm.
ONAs you use: The Bowery bag in Antique Cognac and the Leather Presidio Strap in Antique Cognac.
Describe your aesthetic in five words or less: Pure, passionate, personal.
Rachel carries the Bowery bag in Antique Cognac and the Leather Presidio Strap in Antique Cognac.
Biggest creative influence: Elizabeth Messina.
What motivates you: One day hearing my children talk about their mom and saying she did such inspiring things.
Biggest challenge: Focusing on one thing at a time. My heart desires many things and without focus, I'm scattered accomplishing nothing.
Mistake you’ve learned from: Failing to remember that your best is not always your best. You can always be better.
One piece of advice that stuck with you: Leave a piece of you with the people you photograph.
Time of day are you most creative: Morning. After food and coffee. Before the toddler wakes up.
One thing most people wouldn’t expect about you? I can watch ESPN until my eyelids start to slowly close at night. I'm a big NBA and MLB fan.
Thing you can’t live without: I should say my husband and child but those are given, right? So, I'm going with music.
One piece of work you are most proud of: My first ever shoot. In the first month of me starting photography, on the Oregon coast. Work I never re-edited, work that still makes its rounds on social media, still on my business cards.
Most recent “a-ha” moment: Too many. You will judge me if I mentioned any of them.
Dream project: An opportunity to photograph non-profit work at orphanages in either the US or overseas.
Goal for this year: To photograph things that matters and influence change.
Lightning round:
Cats or dogs: DOGS.
Sweet or savory: Savory.
Childhood celebrity crush: But how could I choose just one - Benny " The Jet" Rodriguez from The Sandlot.
Favorite album: Every single Frank Sinatra album.
Most used phrase: I didn't think I had one but first comes to mind is "you know what I mean?"
Favorite book: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Biggest fear: My children growing up not living out their purpose.
Earliest memory: The Northridge earthquake (look it up). I remember my dad leaving to get supplies and thought he was never coming back. During the earthquake I remember being under our dining room table praying to God my family wouldn't die.
Hidden talent: I can get teary eyed on command.
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