RHP 2025 Humboldt County Photographer
 
Humboldt County Photographers | About me

HUMBOLDT COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER . MAMA . WIFE . BELIEVER 

I’m Rachel, a Humboldt County Photographer, your personal cheerleader & wall art designer

Hi, I’m Rachel.

Hi, I’m Rachel — a Humboldt County photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty of motherhood, family, and every fleeting chapter in between.

As a mom myself, I know just how fast the days, months, and years slip by. One moment you’re cradling a tiny newborn in your arms, and the next they’re racing toward their next big milestone. My own photography journey began with a camera in one hand and a baby in the other — forever chasing the light and connection that make these everyday moments feel extraordinary.

That’s why I believe in slowing down and creating a heartfelt, full-service photography experience that celebrates this season of life. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, documenting milestones as they grow, or gathering everyone together for updated family portraits, my goal is to make you feel seen, cared for, and completely at ease — so you can focus on making memories, not stressing over the details.

With years of experience and a deep love for what I do, I offer personalized sessions tailored to your family’s style and story. From my cozy Eureka studio to in-home sessions and even Fresh 48 sessions at the hospital, every image is thoughtfully created with honesty, warmth, and intention.

More than anything, I want you to look back on these portraits and feel them — to see the way they fit together into a visual legacy that will live on for generations.

So, let’s freeze this beautiful chapter while it’s here. Because these are the moments you’ll want to hold onto forever.

👉 Ready to plan your session or curious what a Humboldt County session looks like? View my portfolio or come say hello on Instagram and Facebook — I’d love to connect with you!

MY CLIENTS HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN

Milwaukee Photographer

A CALEDONIA BASED PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Get to know me

Photo by: Mary Reda Photography

I’ve been married to the love of my life for seven wonderful years. I’m a Florida girl at heart, and I met my Alaskan husband while he was stationed in my home state — one look and I knew he was the one. We’ve been inseparable ever since!

In 2019, the Coast Guard moved us to Milwaukee, where I began my career as a Physical Therapist Assistant — my dream job that I had worked so hard for. But God had even bigger plans for us. In 2021, we were blessed with the most incredible adventure of all: becoming parents. Motherhood changed me in ways I never imagined — it opened my heart, gave me a deeper sense of purpose, and showed me the kind of joy that takes your breath away.

Milwaukee Newborn Photographer

Motherhood opened my eyes to the fleeting magic of this season — the tiny hands that won’t always fit so perfectly in yours, the sleepy snuggles that seem to vanish overnight, the unguarded joy that deserves to live forever. What began as a way to hold onto my own memories quickly became a calling to help other mothers do the same.

Photography, to me, is more than taking pictures — it’s a way of honoring these tender, imperfectly beautiful chapters. Every session is an invitation to slow down, to breathe it all in, and to create artwork that reminds you just how deeply you have loved and been loved. I’m so grateful to do this work, and I can’t wait to help you preserve your family’s story in a way that truly feels like home.

8+

Years experience

200+

Satisfied clients

5

Professional awards

20

The number of newborn sessions I reserve on my calendar each year

10+

Cups of espresso I drink each week

15+

US states visited

GET TO KNOW ME

Just a few of the things that are prominently featured in my life

LOVE TO EAT:

Pretty much anything and everything — especially now that I’m breastfeeding and my appetite feels never-ending! Give me all the good stuff: fresh, juicy fruit, tacos loaded with toppings, spicy buffalo wings, or my absolute favorite — a sushi night. Good food is one of my happiest love languages.

IF I WASN´T A PHOTOGRAPHER..

I’d probably still be a Physical Therapist Assistant. I truly loved encouraging my patients, celebrating their progress, and helping them live their fullest, most active lives. That passion for supporting others will always be a part of who I am.

MY FAVORITE MUSIC

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — it runs in my family, and I’m happiest when I’m humming along or belting out a favorite song. My playlist is a true mix of everything: Broadway showtunes, country, classic ’80s rock, disco funk, even a little hip hop. Some all-time favorites? Whitney Houston, Old Dominion, and AC/DC. If it makes me want to sing along, you can bet it’s on repeat.

I´M MOST THANKFUL FOR:

First and foremost, God — for His countless blessings, unwavering guidance, and the grace that carries me through every season of life.
I’m also endlessly thankful for my family: my husband, my rock and my biggest supporter, and our two sweet boys, Weston and Wyatt, who inspire me every day to slow down, treasure these fleeting moments, and grow into the mother they deserve. And my parents, who raised me to chase my dreams and trust in His plan. Every part of my journey is shaped by these incredible people, and I wouldn’t trade a single bit of it.

Humboldt County Photographers | About me

From idea to final product, the whole process was smooth and easy. Rachel had excellent recommendations on how to prepare and what to wear for the best pictures. She was upbeat, encouraging, and patient with my girls throughout the photo shoot. Her studio has beautiful lighting and is spotless. She was flexible with adding in ideas we had last minute. The end results are STUNNING! I could not be happier with how she has captured my family and daughters. Absolutely recommend her to anyone!

– MARGE KARAS –

Let me say that from START to FINISH, Rachel provided excellent service as we talked about color and outfit selections, what things I would or wouldn’t like, keeping things comfortable during photos, her staying patient throughout the shoot while managing 2 littles’ personalities and the post photo shoot process including turn around time of viewing and choosing favorites after editing completed.Thank you Rachel Harmeling Photography for capturing these memories that we will cherish forever ❤️

– ANNA BRYAN –

MILWAUKEE PHOTOGRAPHER . MAMA . WIFE

Ready for more pretty?

LET´S CHAT

LOVING WHAT YOU´VE SEEN ? LET´S WORK TOGETHER

As an exclusive Milwaukee Photographer, I only accept a few clients a month. This allows me to provide my clients with the VIP treatment they deserve for their sessions. I’d love to chat with you about your vision for your session.