We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Dunn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Hi, I’m Rachel from Perfectly Imperfect, a natural light photographer originally from Alaska and now based in Virginia. I’m also a proud mom to three amazing boys. I’ve been capturing stories through my lens since June of 2016—eight years of chasing light, emotion, and real, unfiltered moments.

My photography style is raw and honest. I don’t use Photoshop because I believe the most meaningful images come from what’s real. The wind in your hair, the messy giggles, the quiet in-between moments—that’s where the magic lives. I love helping people see the perfect imperfections that make their story beautiful.

I’m also currently learning American Sign Language so I can better serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. My goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone—where communication flows freely, and every client feels truly seen and heard.

Inspired by Alaska’s wild roots and grounded in Virginia’s rich, everyday beauty, I bring both adventure and authenticity to every session. Whether I’m photographing families, couples, or individuals, I’m here to help you capture your story—just the way it is.

Rachel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always loved capturing moments—freezing time in a way that lets us look back and feel what we felt all over again. But photography became more than a passion when life took a difficult turn. After leaving an abusive marriage, it became a lifeline—a way to support my family, reclaim my strength, and connect with others through something deeply meaningful. Every session I shoot carries that heart and healing with it.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to honesty. I don’t use Photoshop because I want you to see yourself in your photos and know it’s really you—unfiltered, unedited, and beautiful just the way you are. There’s so much power in seeing the truth of who you are and loving it. No guessing, no comparison—just real life, frozen in time with all its perfect imperfections.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

At that time, I had just left an abusive marriage. I was a single mom to my two oldest boys, trying to rebuild a life from the ground up. Photography, something I had always loved, became my anchor. It gave me a way to support my family and regain my confidence—one photo, one session, one brave step at a time.

What started as a necessity quickly turned into a calling. Through my lens, I found healing—and I discovered a gift in helping others see the beauty in their own stories, too. I’ve been capturing raw, honest moments ever since, and I pour my heart into every single frame.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

To save up for my first camera and get my business off the ground, I worked at a local pizza restaurant in Alaska. Every shift, every tip, every dollar was one step closer to building something of my own. And eventually, that dream started to take shape. Photography became not just a way to provide for my family, but a way to heal and grow. It gave me confidence, purpose, and the chance to give others something truly meaningful: the gift of being seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://perfectlyimperfectphoto.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: PerfectlyImperfect_moments
• Facebook: Perfectly Imperfect Photography