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The Art of Authentic Portraiture

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Portland area photographer celebrates individuality and depth through the lens

Art Expressions: Rachel Hadiashar
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media

On a planet that is currently populated by an estimated 8.2 billion people, it’s quite compelling to consider that each one of us is unique in some way. No two people are exactly alike. It’s unfortunate, then, in the realm of professional photography, that so many of us are posed and poised in such a similar fashion as to become homogenized; to look almost indistinguishable from one to the next. Whether dressed in clothing we would never otherwise wear, posed in positions  uncharacteristic of our personalities, or forced to smile awkwardly, the results are often disappointing. If this has been your experience and you seek a photographer who can capture the real you, look no further than Rachel Hadiashar of Zing Studio.

Rachel is a branding photographer. What that means is she takes the time to delve deeper, to get to know her subjects more intimately before drawing out and highlighting their unique personality traits to be evidenced in their photos. Not content to settle for producing sterile stock portraits, Rachel guides her clients toward being their most genuine and authentic selves in front of the camera. Manifestations may be subtle: a spark of mischief in the eye, a quirk of wisdom in the brow, but it’s in those details that true personalities are captured and brands are built. And nobody does that better than Rachel!

Rachel herself is a highly perceptive, mindful, and carefully considerate person. Her passion for the work is clearly evident and her approach is enthralling. With degrees in both Music Performance and Theology, in addition to her continued education in all aspects of photography, she is well-versed in the arts as well as social sciences. Her journey as a photographer began inadvertently after discovering she had a natural ability to connect with her subjects and bring out their best in photos. She didn’t make the transition overnight. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but it was well worth the effort and she has never looked back!

Currently, Rachel is working on a series called “Zones of Genius”— a collection of portraits highlighting divergent, “outside the box” thought leaders. This amazing series (which has run throughout 2024 and is planned to extend through the end of 2025) delights in the unique and beautiful brilliance that makes each of these incredible individuals such mavericks in their fields. Accompanied by short articles regarding their accomplishments, this is a fantastic exhibit that has to be experienced to be believed. And she is still accepting applicants for the 2025 series!

If you want more information regarding her work, check out her website: Zingsherwood.com, or follow her on Instagram. And next time you need a corporate headshot or photo for your novel/album cover/creative endeavor, contact Rachel Hadiashar!

@rachelhadiashar @zingsherwood