About Rachel ~ Photographer
I am Rachel Elizabeth Mostofizadeh and I currently live in Arizona with my pilot husband and two children. We have dogs named Marvel and Toast and we move a lot (but maybe not anymore?). I grew up in New Hampshire with my 3 awesome siblings. My childhood was adventurous and muddy and crazy and loud. I have since lived in Seattle, Chicago, campgrounds across the US and a Toyota Camry, Tucson (twice), LA, Florida (twice), Ixtapa Mexico, Boston, Las Vegas (twice), New Hampshire again, and now Phoenix. With this, I am able to service areas all over the US and frequently do make week-long trips. Feel free to email me to see when and if I will be in your area.I fell in love with photography when I was a teenager. I got my first Pentax K1000 when I was 16 and took my first photo class that same year. At the time I was obsessed with the band REM and I was really taken with the work of Anton Corbijn, a photographer that worked with them often. My art and my photography have since largely been inspired by him and by the work of Andrew Wyeth the painter. I am constantly growing as a photographer and can often be found at my computer late at night taking online classes, reading tutorials, and watching how-to videos.
I use 35mm and medium format film for personal projects and I have a Canon digital set up for my work with clients. Occasionally, I have been known to whip out the GoPro for a few fun shots at home and with clients as well. 😉
I have a BA in Studio Art from the University of Arizona.
I specialize in lifestyle storytelling photography. My goal is to tell the story of your family. You will never see a “perfect” Instagram feed from me because each session is different. Every family and every person is different and I enjoy the challenge of showcasing who my clients are, as opposed to making “Pinterest-perfect”, matching, cheese-smile portraits. I love working with little ones, small families, big families, and growing families. Sessions with me are low-stress and involve lots of playing, hanging out, and lots of poop jokes. My assistant is named Boogers and he sometimes steals the show.
My daughter has a genetic disorder and is on the autism spectrum. She deals with ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and a variety of other challenges. It is because of this that I try to reach out to other families in similar situations and let them know that Rachel Elizabeth Photography is a safe place for them! I am IBCCES Austim Certified and accredited by Hearts & Lens.
My sessions are a bit different from what you might be used to as I try to keep them easy for everyone and involve children in the process to a point where they will be comfortable! I would love to be your photographer!
Recognition
