Bio

“When I was about seven years old I took some snapshots of our family pets, two German Shepherds…Teddy and Tasha. The dogs were standing on their hind legs, and were actually taller than I was. My mother took a picture of the same dogs on that same roll of film. From my perspective, under the dogs, they looked huge and had light colored coats. From my mother’s perspective, they were black and about knee height. Looking at those photographs was the first time I realized how the art of photography can shape the view…that the same item could be described in very different terms…all because of perspective.”

The image that has developed, Rachel Elizabeth Bradley is one of desire. As we progress desire consistently resonates throughout life, over time it is this desire and will that gives us purpose of what we hope to eventually become. The desires of our hearts are deeply rooted and fundamentally who we are.

Born in Dallas, TX. September 12, 1981 Rachel is the personification of a visual artist. As a child she had an interest in photography which initially developed as a way of having fun and preserving memories by taking pictures of her family and friends. From the young age of 3 she was involved in dance, theater, and drawing which established a firm appreciation for the arts. As a 16 year old graduate from Quincy Senior High School in 1998 she realized that she wanted to major in photography. Being accepted into the Block Photography program at the University of Houston helped broaden her scope and perspective of images and their impact on society. While a student at the University of Houston she interned for independently esteemed Rap-A-Lot records. In 2005 she graduated with honors from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelors degree of Arts in Photography.

Currently as a freelance portrait photographer and contract photographer with Image Magazine Chicago she is building on her already expansive view of the world. With her photographs Rachel helps her subjects capture and define their image through the scope of a lens. She believes that as a photographer all images taken have to be considered for their impact on society. Some photos have major impact on the world, others may have minor influence or sentimental value, but in essence the image will capture and freeze a moment that not only tells a story but also has the power to bring about change.

As we expose ourselves to the visual artistry and communicative form of photography let us remember the image. Regardless of vantage point the image of life is the desire to set and achieve goals. Rachel’s desire to produce the images that capture the essence of life for her clients is the driving force and motive for her Lyrical ImagIZ Photography company. Pictures are synonymous with mirrors in that they give the viewer a reflection and retrospective view of what was. As the Indian Philosopher Mahatma Ghandi stated “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. Through the lens Rachel hopes to bring about change and continue the dialog through the unspoken language of photography.