Blog on Rachel Konsella Photography

Olympia Business Headshots: Professional Photos for Your Staff

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Professional Business Headshots & Staff Photography in Olympia, WA

When someone visits your website for the first time, your photos are often part of their first impression of your business — and for a counseling practice, feeling approachable matters.

I recently photographed this counseling team for a new collection of professional headshots and group photos for their office. The goal wasn’t to create stiff, overly corporate portraits. We wanted images that felt polished and professional, while still showing the warmth and personality of the people behind the practice.

Fall Family Photo Session in Washington

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fall Family Photos

Some of my favorite family photos happen when we stop worrying about getting everyone to look at the camera.

For this fall family session, we wandered through the trees, played by the lake, threw leaves, blew bubbles, gave piggyback rides, and let the kids have some fun. We still made time for the classic family portraits (and photos of Mom and Dad together!), but so much of the magic came from everything that happened in between.

Wedding at Castle at Summit Lake in Olympia WA

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Castle at Summit Lake Elopement

A Romantic Foggy Sunrise Wedding at Castle in Summit Lake in Olympia, WA

Some mornings give you more than you planned for.

Family Photos at Tolmie State Park

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fall showed up right on time for this one.

We met at Tolmie State Park on a gray October afternoon, which around here is basically the ideal lighting setup — no squinting, no harsh shadows, just soft even light and a whole lot of yellow bigleaf maple overhead.

Wedding at Lacamas Lake Park in Camas WA

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A Fencing Love Story at Lacamas Lake Park | Camas, Washington Wedding

Some love stories begin with a spark — theirs began with a sword. Andrew and Isabel met through fencing lessons — Andrew was the instructor, and what started as teaching technique and timing slowly transformed into something far deeper. Years later, they returned to one of their favorite places — Lacamas Lake Park in Camas, Washington — the very spot where they got engaged, to celebrate their wedding surrounded by family, their dog, and the soft glow of the Pacific Northwest forest.

Senior Photos at Tumwater Falls in Olympia WA

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Senior Portraits in Olympia: A Recent Session Highlight

Senior year is such a big milestone — full of excitement, change, and a little bit of reflection. I recently had the joy of photographing Jonah for their senior portraits at Tumwater Falls Park, and I couldn’t help but share a peek at this session.

A Personal Touch

What I love most about senior sessions is capturing personality. For Jonah, that meant blending natural candid shots with a few classic portraits. Tumwater Falls gave us the best of both worlds — flowing water, lush greenery, and those winding trails that make for such a dynamic backdrop.

High School Senior Photos in Olympia, WA

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

High School Senior Photos at Tumwater Falls: A Perfect Blend of Nature and Personality

There’s something truly special about photographing high school seniors—the excitement for the future, the joy of celebrating accomplishments, and the unique personality each student brings to their session. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a senior session at Tumwater Falls in Olympia, WA, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Location: Tumwater Falls

Tumwater Falls is a dream location for photography, offering a mix of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and charming footbridges. Nestled in the heart of Olympia, it provides the perfect backdrop for senior portraits—balancing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a variety of natural and architectural elements.

Do I Really Need a Second Photographer for my Wedding?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

So, you’re planning your wedding and wondering—do we really need a second photographer? Or is it just an extra expense?

Do You Really Need a Second Photographer for Your Wedding?

Here’s When It’s Worth It

The truth is, while not every wedding needs a second shooter, in some cases, it’s a total game-changer. If capturing every little moment is important to you, keep reading to see when having a second photographer is definitely worth it.

Wedding Venues in Olympia, WA

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Wedding Venues in Olympia, WA

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting yet challenging things you’ll ever do, and finding the perfect venue often sets the tone for the entire event. Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Olympia, WA, offers a variety of beautiful wedding venues, from rustic barns to elegant ballrooms. In this blog, I’ll highlight some of the top wedding venue options in the Olympia area to help you find the perfect setting for your big day.

Tips for Having my Dog in my Wedding

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Dogs are great, aren’t they??

Including your beloved dog on your wedding day can be a wonderful way to make your day even more special. Here are a few tips to help make it a successful and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Plan ahead: Make sure to plan out your pup’s role in the wedding well in advance. Even if they are just attending, you’ll want to make sure they are comfortable with their surroundings and have their own space if they get overwhelmed.

Can you and your dog visit the venue before your wedding? This will add the location to its sniff bank.

Wedding on Vashon Island, Washington

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Pat and Michelle decided to have their wedding on Vashon Island in Washington State, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful!

They had their wedding ceremony in among the trees and beautiful lush ferns, making it a truly Pacific Northwest Wedding.

Ecotrust: Portland Wedding Venue Team

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Heather from the Ecotrust, first worked with me at a wedding in their Portland, Oregon wedding venue, theIrvine Street Studio .

She was the venue event coordinator, and enjoyed working with me so much that she thought I’d be the perfect photographer to update their business team headshots and group photos.

The photographer for their last set of headshots was a male, and she felt that he just didn’t quite bring the same powerful, creative energy that’s created when you bring impactful women together.

Senior Photos in Bonney Lake, WA

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Congratulations on your senior year! I’m here to help capture this special milestone in your life with some amazing senior photos.

I’m great at making my clients feel comfortable while taking photos, and I’ll work with you to find the perfect setting that bring out your personality.

Engagement Photos at McMenamins Edgefield

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Alexis and Even decided to have their engagement photos at McMenamins Edgefield in Portland, Oregon.

Alexis LOVES flowers and has a flower garden of her own, so taking pictures within the flower gardens only made complete sense!

Family Photos at Point Defiance Park

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington , is a large urban park that’s great for family photos.

The 760-acre park includes Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium , the Rose Garden, a boardwalk, Rhododendron Garden, beaches, and miles of trails.

A Sailboat Wedding in Olympia, Washington

Fri, 27 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

When I first met Bob and Jen at Swantown Marina in Olympia Washington, I thought to myself… WHAT a couple of love birds!!!

Seriously… they were both just glowing in love.

Their sailboat happens to live in the slip next to ours, and we couldn’t have asked for better boat neighbors.

5 Ways to Honor Passed Loved Ones at a Wedding

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This is an emotional topic, but an important one.

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of ways that passed away loved ones can be honored at weddings, and I wanted to share with you, what I’ve seen if you need ideas for your wedding.

If you’ve lost family members or friends who can’t be with you on your wedding day, it can be incredibly difficult.

So here are 5 ways to honor deceased loved ones at your wedding.

How my photo booth business changed me

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

As I was selling my photo booth business,The Couve Booth , I was bitterly reminded of the original voice inside my head…. “You could never do it.”

In Feb 2018, I made the decision (somewhat impulsively) to just go for it. I had been wanting to make a photo booth for over 5 years… and seriously, one day, I was just like… ok, it’s time!

I remember FINALLY ADMITTING to myself, “Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen?” I realized I had nothing to lose EXCEPT an opportunity to fucking try.

"I just caught my doubt creep in”

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Today I’m starting a personal challenge.

My goal is to write.

(At least) a paragraph every single day.

There are no parameters.

Except to write EVERY day.

When I was a kid, I scribbled down on the “bucket list” piece of paper “write a book.” And truthfully, someday I still would like to be a published author.

Recently I’ve been realizing that to be an author… to write to that magnitude… to that amount… I’m going to need some practice.

Engagement Photos at WSU Vancouver

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

WSU Vancouver is 1 of 6 campuses that are part of the Washington State University system.

WSU Vancouver has:

351 gorgeous acres 3 mountain views 6 miles of trails

We planned McKinzee and Derek’s engagement session for golden hour / sunset in October.

Wedding at Thunder Island, Oregon

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Thunder Island in the Columbia Gorge is an absolutely beautiful place to have a wedding!

With views of the Bridge of the Gods, massive trees to walk through, and a mountainous backdrop… it’s easy to see why it’s an outdoor wedding venue treasure!

Healing isn't a Straight Line

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

“Healing isn’t a straight line.”

Today is a very special day.

For the past 6 years, I’ve invested (at least) 1 hour a month to healing. …my heart. …my inner child. …my relationship with self. …and my relationships with others.

And the recovery process hasn’t been a straight line.

An Elopement in Portland, Oregon

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Callie and Brian were supposed to have their wedding in the Columbia Gorge at the beautiful Thunder Island.

…and then Covid.

They decided to have an intimate ceremony in their backyard in Portland, Oregon.

And they made the most of it!

They asked just a handful of friends to be there. They live-streamed for guests who couldn’t be there

A Wedding at Hug Point on the Oregon Coast

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Hug Point is located just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast, and such a treat!

Hug Point was named so because it was necessary to hug the rocks to get around the point on the ocean front without getting wet.

A short walk north reveals a seasonal waterfall, caves carved into sandstone cliffs, and tide pools accessible during low tide.

It was the perfect place for Sam and Harrison to have their small elopement wedding.

A Wedding at Summit Grove in Ridgefield, WA

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Summit Grove is a wedding venue in Ridgefield, Washington. Summit Grove wedding venue is tucked away on five acres of private, beautifully wooded tranquil property situated just above the Lewis River, approximately 20 minutes north of Vancouver, Washington.

It has a beautiful, spacious lodge and grounds, with gorgeous landscaping, tall trees, and a water feature. They can accommodate both your wedding ceremony and reception.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Collaborative Blog

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Collaborative Blog

Rachel and Missy originally met in a local photographer’s group in Vancouver, WA called Viewpoint Collaborative. A group of Pacific Northwest professional female photographers, specializing in different photography genres and styles, but who all share at least one common theme; we believe in community over competition. Missy and Rachel are two landscape photographers in the Portland Oregon area and they adventured to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon together on April 7, 2021.

Am I Ready to Hire a Branding Photographer for my Business?

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Am I ready to hire a professional photographer?

First and foremost, not every entrepreneur is ready or at the right stage in their business to hire a brand photographer. I want to be transparent because there’s nothing worse than investing in your business at the wrong time. In our consultation meeting, I’ll help you determine when and if branding sessions are a good fit for you.

1. You are booked & don’t have time to capture your own photos.

If you are booked, it makes sense to hire a professional who knows what they are doing and already has the necessary equipment. That way you can focus on your client work and not waste precious time you don’t have.

Maui’s Adoption Story

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

How I ended up with my girl, Maui is a bit unconventional… 🐾

I had been going to the humane society for weeks looking at dogs, coming home, and showing pics to Brian… “see this one is so cute but seems a little skiddish”… “This one might have too much energy”… “Awww, look at this one!!”

What to Wear to your Branding Session

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

You’re having a Branding Session!

Deciding what to wear on your personal branding photoshoot can no doubt be overwhelming! It’s not only a question of what you feel great in but also— what message you want to convey and how well your outfits complement your brand color palette.

There’s so much potential to elevate your brand if you get it right.

How do you want to be seen?

Studies show that it takes less than a second for people to form an opinion of you, and the clothes you wear tell people a lot about who you are, and what they can expect from working with you.

3 Free Tools Your Small Business Should Know About

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

3 Free Tools for Small Businesses

Canva

Canva is a graphic design platform , used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content.

The app includes templates for users to use. The platform is free to use and offers paid subscriptions like Canva Pro and Canva for Enterprise for additional functionality. If you haven’t signed up yet, use this code to get a free Canva Credit

What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

You’re getting married! And to kick things off, you’re doing an engagement session to celebrate this special season of life, get some photos for your save the dates, and show off that pretty ring!

As a photographer, I know what photographs well and I’m here to let you in on all the info so you can forget the worries, and just focus on feeling your best in what you’re wearing and having fun!

It's ok. It's all ok.

Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It was a stream of consciousness writing session that ended up resonating with a lot of people.

It’s times like these where everything seems to be so unknown. I I don’t know about you, but I feel so powerless… and yes, I’m trying every damn day to focus on the things that I CAN control, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t still have a lot of feelings about the situation. Deep feelings, complicated feelings, feelings that I have no idea what to do with!!

Lacamas park in Camas, Washington

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

There’s no doubt, we all could use some extra time outside and in nature. I want to share one of my favorite places to photograph and hike near Vancouver, Washington. This part of the country has a crazy abundance of great hiking so this is just one spot to get you started.

Lacamas Park in Camas, WA

Lacamas Park has so many things to offer that I think often get overlooked. Lacamas Park is located in Camas, Washington, about 25 minutes east of Downtown Vancouver, WA and about 35 minutes northeast of Portland, Oregon.

Embracing Intuition

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Last week I went to Vegas for a photography conference and I’ve returned with a brand new outlook. (Which means it was far beyond worth it.) So… what was my biggest take away? It’s simple, really.

I’m exactly where I need to be. Always.

Mural by @Leftyoutthere

While I was in Vegas, I had some fun doing street photography. The funny thing?… I completely forgot how much I LOVE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY. Before I was a professional wedding photographer, I used to go for walks several times a week, to just document the world around me. The interactions among people and their environment. The beauty of things blowing in the wind. The strength of a tiny ant. I studied and photographed it ALL.

Where to Donate my Wedding Dress in Portland Oregon?

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Where to donate my wedding dress in Portland, Oregon?

Long gone is the tradition to save your wedding dress. You’re aware that your daughter, if you’ll even have a daughter, probably isn’t going to want to wear a dress with a style from years ago.

You’re most likely never going to wear the dress again, and as fun as it may seem, maybe you’re not one to ‘trash the dress,’ destroying a perfectly good wedding dress.

Best Decade Ever

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Have you thought a lot about what’s changed for you since 2010? If you’re like me, you can’t stop thinking about the changes.

Me. 10 years ago.

This year, I’m dreaming bigger than ever before. It’s not a new year’s resolution. It’s a ’new decade’s resolution.'

✨🔥✨

Giving myself a year to accomplish something is a great start, but what if I was to give myself a decade to accomplish something? Something BIG. Several somethings. Whoa. Yassssss.

Wedding Vendors in Vancouver, WA

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Looking for wedding vendors can be quite a task. Over the years, I’ve worked with some great folks, so I’ve created a list of my favorite wedding vendors in Vancouver, Washington and wedding vendors in Portland Oregon.

All of these wedding vendors provide excellent service & go above and beyond to make your day extra special.

Wedding Officiant

Heart Rock Ceremonies

"How do I Hold My Wedding Bouquet?"

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Where do I hold my wedding bouquet?

As a wedding photographer, I get asked this question all the time, so let’s talk about it.

In this post you’ll learn:

What’s the number one mistake while holding a wedding bouquet
Why it’s important
And how to avoid it.

I’ll get right to it because it’s simple, but not always easy: Don’t hold your bouquet too high.

Let’s be real for a moment. You most likely spent a good amount of time and money picking out the perfect wedding dress. And most dresses have beautiful detail on the top of the dress, that a bouquet can so quickly hide.

What do I do after I get my wedding photos?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

“I just got my wedding photos back from my photographer, now what?”

Here are my top tips for what to do after you get your wedding photos. Overall it’s important to take your time, share your wedding story, backup and print.

First, I strongly encourage you to think about how you’re looking at your photos when you first get them. Think about the size of the screen, your mood, who you’re with and how much time you have. If you can find a time when you and your spouse can look at your wedding photos for the first time together, that is the best!