About - Rae West Photography

Rachel here :) photographer, artist, and memory-keeper.

Based in Pensacola, Florida—but always ready to travel wherever your story takes us. Whether it’s a local session or a destination wedding, I’m packed and ready to go.

Let’s be real—most people don’t love being in front of the camera.

Trust me, I get it. You're talking to someone who needs a good ol’ fashioned (bourbon-soaked cherries required) before I even think about stepping in front of one. So if you're feeling a little nervous or awkward, you're in good company.

But here’s the thing: we all deserve to be seen. Whether you're celebrating a new engagement, embracing the beauty of motherhood, or simply soaking up time with your grandbabies—your story matters, and it’s worth preserving. Every chapter. Every season. Every little detail.

That’s where I come in.

Photography is deeply personal, and I believe you should feel a genuine connection with the person capturing your most meaningful moments. Someone you trust. Someone you vibe with. So let me tell you a little about me—and if you feel that spark, let’s make some memories together. I’m a mother and a wife—two roles that mean everything to me. Maybe that’s why I feel so deeply about documenting the lives of others. Our moments matter. They shape us, ground us, and deserve to be remembered. I'm a God fearing Florida woman who loves warm coffee in on the hottest of days. Rae West Photography is more than a business name—it’s a piece of my heart. "R" stands for Rachel (that’s me), "A" is for my firstborn Ava, and "E" is for my daughter Eden. And the nickname? All the little ones call me Rae Rae, so it just felt right. Perfect, really.

My playlist? It’s a soulful mix of Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Badu, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sade, Stevie, Jimi, Beethoven, Billie, Cash, Teddy… you get the idea.

I’m also a big fan of essential oils, rainy days, a dozen candles lit around the house, and losing myself in Sense and Sensibility or a Star Wars binge under the fluffiest blanket I can find. Art has always been my sanctuary—whether I’m throwing clay on a wheel, sketching, cross-stitching, painting, or most of all, photographing. I’ve been taking photos since I was a kid and fell in love with the darkroom back in high school. I studied photography in college, and I’ve been capturing people’s stories professionally for over nine years now. I don’t plan on putting my camera down anytime soon—because this, right here, is what sets my soul on fire.

I want to photograph the sparkle in your eye, the way your smile lights up a room, the soundless beauty of your laugh frozen in time. I want to capture you the way your people see you—fully, lovingly, truly.

And listen—I know what it’s like to hesitate. Maybe you feel like you need to lose a few pounds, wait until next year, or until life slows down. I’ve been there too. But I’m here to tell you: don’t wait.

Don’t wait to reach a certain size. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time.

Take the photo.

This season of life—whatever it looks like—is worthy of being remembered. You are worthy of being remembered. Your story matters to your people. Let me help you preserve it.

Whether it’s the moment you walk down the aisle toward the love of your life, or quiet cuddles with your child on a rainy afternoon—I’d be honored to capture it for you.

Much love. xo

Rachel

My Approach

I don’t just show up with a camera—I show up to feel the day with you. I’m there to catch the subtle glances, the deep breaths before “I do,” the hand squeezes, the laughter, the tears, and everything in between. I blend in like a trusted friend, capturing the moments you felt and the ones you didn’t even know were happening. Because this is more than a wedding—this is your story, and it deserves to be remembered in full.

Emotion

the sweet moments

Storytelling

Through composition

Natural Light

And real skies

Meet my lovely family

They ground me and fill my life with purpose and light.

We are shaped by the people who walk beside us, and I’m endlessly proud and grateful for those who surround me. It’s an honor to have such strong, loving souls in my corner. My tribe is bigger than what you see here—and they know who they are. I couldn’t do this life without them.

1.

Ashley

My Husband

my heartbeat

2.

My Kids

nieces & nephews included (some not pictured)!

Rae Rae loves the kids

3.

My Ma

the woman who made me who I am

It’s so important that we vibe and see beauty through a similar lens. Before anything’s official, we’ll hop on a call or meet up to make sure it feels like the right fit—for both of us.

Let's document your story

Contact me