Rachel Moore shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Rachel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m in a new season that many other moms of young children can relate to: we sent our youngest to pre-K this fall, joining her big brother at elementary school.
We trust that the young years spent at home, pouring into them and building them up, are the roots they need to grow. At school, they’re problem-solving, learning, working, playing, making friends, trying new things, and surprising themselves with what they’re capable of.
I find myself trying to pack as much as I can into our early mornings together – reading, breakfast, hugs, prayer, and sometimes a quick time outside before the drive to school. Mixed in is the obvious chaos of encouraging them to get dressed, making sure we remember water bottles, packing lunches, and sometimes having to bribe them to brush teeth.
Once the dust settles and they’re off to school, the new phenomenon I’m still adjusting to: a quiet house. I turn my direction from outward to inward. What do I need to have a productive, fulfilling, inspiring day? Is it a walk outside before shifting my attention to work? Is it something that would challenge me, like trying a new class at the gym? Do I need to bring peace and order to my surroundings before I can even think about my to-do list? Do I need to make a big list to organize my thoughts and priorities?
As an entrepreneur, I seek to steward my time well with meaningful work. There’s now more margin for this, and that’s a good thing. Yes, I’m in a new season where my time, routines, and roles are shifting. I’m learning to give myself grace and room to grow, knowing that change is good, and transitions take time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rachel Moore, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Nashville, TN. After studying photography in college, I started my business 16 years ago and have photographed hundreds of families and weddings ever since. I use both digital and film photography for classic, timeless, and true images of my clients’ families and events.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was a child, my parents encouraged me in the creative arts and in leadership. I still remember the car rides with my dad to get my first violin, and later my first camera. I still remember my mom encouraging me to audition for the lead role in multiple plays at school. I was young and naive, but they saw who I could become and gave me opportunities to learn and grow. Our home was always filled with music, creativity, dance, play, family, and laughter, and I am forever grateful.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The birth of my first child threw me for a loop. I went into it with a clear plan, and nothing went as planned. Being a firstborn, having my firstborn, this is something I took seriously. I researched, schemed, and dreamed – until realizing that everything was out of my control, even if I had my birth plan itemized, copied, and stapled. It was a huge act of trust and release. I had to release my plans, knowing that God already had a plan, and that I was in his care.
I’ll save you the details, but there I was, post-partum, recovering from an unplanned, emergency c-section, and attempting to care for a baby when I couldn’t even sit up in bed without assistance. I felt powerless and disappointed. I didn’t realize at the time that the breaking of me would be the making of me. A me that would slowly learn to let go of control through motherhood.
Up until then, as a young, working professional, things were pretty straightforward. I worked hard, and enjoyed the fruits of my labor. I had time for date nights, rooftop yoga classes at the Y, home renovations and travel. I didn’t want motherhood to change my life, I just wanted it to add to the good things already going on in my life.
That’s where God had to slow me down and let me learn the hard way. Through total surrender, total reliance on him, and complete trust. Through motherhood, we’re challenged daily to serve, to be selfless, to put others’ needs before our own. Isn’t that what Jesus did? I had to put some things on the backburner to pour time into a baby who was completely dependent on me for everything.
Thankfully, it’s been 8 years since my abrupt entrance into motherhood. I have settled into my beloved role as a mother, and it’s my highest joy. I had a second child, and it was a completely redemptive experience. I let go, trusted, and everything unfolded naturally and with a lot more ease. Motherhood is a refining process, melting away things that no longer serve us, and daily choosing to pour into precious children who are such an inspiration.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family, faith, health, work, and striving toward what’s true, good, and beautiful.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
In nature, and when I’m surrounded by beauty and order. It’s just how I was made! Whether it be lush trees on a walk in the park, a clean kitchen, reading to my children, or listening to beautiful music, all of these experiences bring me peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelmoorephoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachelmoorephoto
Image Credits
all by Rachel Moore
