Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Garoutte.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! My name is Rachel, and I’m the owner of Oliver & Zoe Photography.
My journey into photography is deeply personal and rooted in resilience. I didn’t have the easiest childhood I lost my father at a young age, and my mother, who struggled with addiction, was in and out of my life. I was raised by my incredible grandmother, who, with her old-school ways, gave me a strong foundation and sense of strength.
Growing up, school was my escape. In high school, I found a passion for photography through yearbook, starting as a photographer and later becoming a photo editor. But it wasn’t until I suffered a serious neck injury that ended my time on the drill team that I truly leaned into photography as something more than just a hobby it became a lifeline and a calling.
After graduating, I had dreams of becoming a professional photographer, but like many, I was told there was “no money in it.” So, I went a different route. Still, people continued to ask me for photos mostly maternity and senior portraits because they saw my passion and talent.
I was doing sessions here and there but never got serious enough to make it a consistent income. Then in November of 2024 I took the leap, after losing my mom and now having lost both of my parents, I was reminded just how short and precious life really is. That loss lit a fire in me, and I decided to rebrand and go full-time under the name Oliver & Zoe Photography a name that holds special meaning to me.
Today, I’m honored to capture meaningful moments for others. Photography isn’t just a job for me it’s a way to preserve memories, tell stories, and celebrate life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t help but laugh at this one definitely not! It’s been anything but smooth.
Growing up with a parent who struggled with addiction naturally came with a lot of traumas. I spent much of my 20s in survival mode, navigating life while dealing with complex PTSD from childhood trauma. On top of that, I found myself in unhealthy relationships that traumatized me more and reflected wounds I hadn’t yet healed.
For a long time, I chose the safest routes in life. Going full-time with photography always felt like a free fall exciting but terrifying. Looking back, I think what really held me back was a lack of confidence and the weight of unprocessed trauma.
It wasn’t until after my mom passed and I’d been a year into EMDR therapy that I finally found the courage to go full time with my photography. And honestly, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Therapy helped quiet the anxiety and ease the depression I lived with daily, which created space for creativity, joy, and real momentum in my business.
Since then, I’ve stayed consistent with bookings and have been having so much fun preparing for my Senior Rep Team and the exciting year ahead. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s led me to something deeply fulfilling and I’m proud of that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a queer photographer based in North Texas, and I specialize in couples, families, maternity, and senior portraits. What sets my work apart is that I approach each gallery as a unique piece of art my editing style is guided by the mood, the energy of the session, and the vibe of the location. I don’t stick to one preset or fixed style, which breaks a lot of norms in the photography community, but I truly believe that flexibility and creative freedom are what make my work special.
If a client wants a cinematic, moody session, I’m all in. If they’re going for something soft and romantic, I love that too. I’m always evolving, staying inspired, and pushing myself to tell stories more intentionally through my work. I make it a goal to do at least one creative shoot a month to avoid burnout and to keep growing as an artist.
I’ve also been told I have a knack for finding beautiful, unique locations I love to explore, and discovering hidden gems always gets me excited.
Most importantly, as a queer photographer, I’m deeply committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for all kinds of love, all kinds of families, and all walks of life. That’s at the heart of what I do and why I do it documenting people authentically and making sure they feel seen, celebrated, and safe.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways people can work with me, collaborate, or support what I do!
The easiest way to work with me is to book a session I specialize in couples, maternity, families, and senior portraits, and I truly love connecting with clients and bringing their stories to life through my lens. You can reach out through my website or Instagram to start the conversation!
I’m also always open to creative collaborations whether it’s styled shoots, content creation, or projects that align with my values and vision. If you’ve got an idea, I’m all ears.
And honestly, supporting a small, local artist doesn’t always mean booking a session. Simple things like liking, commenting, or sharing my work on social media really do help more than most people realize. Word of mouth and engagement go a long way in helping my business grow.
At the end of the day, I’m all about building community and making art that feels honest and meaningful so if my work speaks to you, I’d love to connect.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://oliverzoephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliverandzoephotography/
- Facebook: Oliver & Zoe Photography
Image Credits
Personal Photo credit: Destiny Christina Photography
Additional Photos credit: Oliver & Zoe Photography
