20 under 40: Rachel Howard

Rachel Howard, 32 

Owner/photographer, RAW Images  

Rachel Howard has been a registered nurse for 10 years and still works part time at Whitfield Family Practice, but her real passion is being behind the camera. 

“I’ve been a photographer for seven years, certified spin instructor for six years and worship leader for four years,” she said. Howard is the owner and photographer of RAW Images that specializes in wedding and family photography. 

Getting to know her clients as friends and being a part of their journey is what Howard says is her favorite thing about being a photographer.  

Howard said becoming a full-time photographer was not her initial game plan. “I bought a camera on Black Friday 2016 and thought to myself ‘this might be fun.’ It’s amazing how the Lord works in your life when you let Him.” 

She married her Junior High School sweetheart, Nick, in 2014 and the couple welcomed their son, Wiley, in December.  

Her hobbies include teaching spin at Elevate Studio in Decatur, leading worship at FBC Hartselle, listening to audiobooks and playing golf.