Hi there! I’m Rachel Wager-Smith, the face of Violet Artichoke.

I am more than a family photographer. I am a storyteller with a talent for finding magic in the ordinary or even mundane moments of family life and using that magic to infuse a sense of wonder and whimsy into my visual stories. I take photos that show real feelings, spontaneous moments, and the happiness that comes from being with loved ones. It is in these moments that families bloom like a wild artichoke transforming into an unexpected, violet flower.

My journey as a photographer began in 2020. My husband and I honeymooned in New York City weeks before the pandemic hit. During our travels, I took hundreds of street photos, and it was there that my love of photography first took off.

In May 2021, we welcomed our son, Amias, into our growing family, and the adventure of parenting began. Today, with our baby girl, Winifred, and our tripod kitty, Lady Bezequille, our family is even more wonderful — and more chaotic! This journey has fueled my love for documenting my family’s magical moments through photography, and I'm excited to capture your family’s unique magic, too.

In addition to my passion for family photography, I am a writer, editor, cinephile, and proud nerd. My love for storytelling began at a young age, and my stories, be they written or visual, capture the everyday adventures that await around every corner. While these adventures may not mirror the daring exploits of the U.S.S. Enterprise or the thrills of The Walking Dead, they each possess a unique beauty that I’m dedicated to preserving for my clients.

If you’re interested in documenting your family’s unique blend of magic, please don’t hesitate to reach out!