This month we are so excited to be shining our photographer spotlight on Rachel Friedman. Rachel Friedman is a newborn and family photographer based in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.
How would you describe your photography? My photography is based primarily on connection and light. I was drawn to photography as a way to freeze moments in time, and my family jokes that it’s really because I have a notoriously bad long term memory. When I had my first child, I was so fearful that I wouldn’t remember these days that I became obsessed with becoming our family documentarian. This translates into my client work, because I believe so strongly in going beyond the posed images and capturing the essence of each child’s personality and the love that members of a family share.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? I was inspired to join the Gold Hope project after one of my past clients young daughter was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. I offered them a free photo session, and it felt so good to be putting my passion to a good use while helping someone who needed to capture these moments- now more than ever. That year, we coordinated a large fundraiser to support childhood cancer research, and while it felt wonderful to use my photography skills to raise money for a good cause, I knew that I wanted to find other hands-on ways to give back in a more concrete way to families fighting for their children’s lives. I began searching for other great opportunities to give my time and talent through photography, and found The Gold Hope Project. I’m so glad I did.
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope photographer? I love connecting with the families, getting to know the fighters and their parents and being able to capture them as they are in this phase in their life. Yes, the goal is to create something beautiful, but there’s something beautiful in the raw moments that aren’t necessarily the smile-filled moments as well.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? I find that working with families who cannot take their children’s health for granted have really taught me to pause and appreciate my own blessings. As cliche as it sounds, having three healthy kids is something that I know I cannot take for granted because I’ve now witnessed firsthand how that can change on a dime.
What is one thing you hope the families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? Because I work very hard to make sure that the session itself is stress-free and fun, I hope that our time together can be a glimmer of hope for those who need it, a positive happy experience in the midst of such intense adversity. And of course, I know that they will treasure the images themselves for years to come.
Be sure to follow Rachel online!
Rachel Friedman Photography | Facebook | Instagram
A big thank you to Rachel for choosing to give back with us. Want to follow her lead? Apply to be a volunteer photographer here.