10 Things You May Not Know About Me

Rachael Shine
Jul 28
3 min read

Here are some fun facts about me that you may or not know! My goal is to let you know more about who I am so you have all the information you need to decide if I am the right photographer for you.

Seven smiling people with medals pose before a Spartan Race banner. They're in athletic gear on a sunny day, with a grassy hill in the background. — My friends and I after we ran a Spartan Race in 2023

Personal Interests

Dancers in sparkling outfits pose with trophies and medals on red steps. A "NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS" banner is visible in the background. — My team after winning two titles at Nationals in 2016

Unusual Hobbies

I no longer partake in this hobby like I used to, but I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer. I even coached my own team of teenagers! I won multiple national titles and lead my students to do the same.

A dance team in uniforms poses with medals and trophies in a gym. Background banner reads "National Championships." Energetic mood. — One of the Youth Teams I coached

Children in leopard print outfits hold trophies, standing with two women in front of a "National Championships" backdrop, smiling proudly. — The peewee team I was an Assistant Coach for

Bookshelves filled with books, colorful spines, and ornaments, including a painting of mountains. A cozy setting with a green wall. — A portion of my books (I've collected more)

Favorite Genres

My favorite TV series used to be Supernatural, and while I still love it, Avatar the Last Airbender gives it a run for it's money. I'm not a huge TV or movie person in general though.
I prefer to spend most of my spare time reading! MY favorite genres are fantasy and thriller. My all time favorite series is Throne of Glass and I will gladly convert anyone I can to it being their favorite series as well.

Group of six people smiling by a lake with Mount Fuji in the background under a bright blue sky with clouds. — My friends and myself after we visited Aokigahara on Mt. Fuji in 2024

Smiling group selfie in a bright, bustling street with neon signs. Nighttime ambiance, a visible American flag, and lively energy. — My friends and I in the bar district of Tokyo known as the Golden Gai

Life Experiences

Travel Stories

I love to travel! The only state I haven't been to is Alaska. I've been to Japan twice, the Grand Caymans, Jamaica, Mexico, and briefly in Korea. I plan on visiting as many countries as possible. In 2024, my husband got to celebrate his birthday in Japan, which led to a vary memorable story about him sleeping in a gutter. Ballroom also allowed me to compete in Kona Hawaii, as well as perform in Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knotts Berry Farm.

Career Journey

I've had to opportunity to work in both retail and food service in my early career. I worked at Spencer's Gifts before my current job (yeah, that Spencer's). Now I work as a Mechanical Designer for an air and gas compressor manufacturer. The best way I have found to describe what I do is to say that I am a diet engineer who plays digital Legos.

Three people dressed as cats pose playfully in front of a brick wall with "EXIT" sign. They're wearing black outfits and cat ears. — A Photo from Halloween time at Spencer's

Personality Traits

Introverted vs. Extroverted

While at a session I am pretty extroverted, but outside of that I am introverted. I prefer to spend my time curled up in the sun with a good book. I do enjoy a good night out though!

Friend Groups

Thanks to my husband, I am a part of a friend group that I met just after high school. It started with my husband and his best friend when they were practically in diapers. The group is currently 11 strong and is going by the name "Besties 5evverrr".

Our annual Christmas Party for 2023

Two young women in black tops smile, arms around each other on a sunny path by a lush, green riverbank. Bright, cheerful mood. — Tylee and I back in middle school.

I have two best friends! One is long distance (if you call Idaho Falls to Logan long distance) and the other is local after moving back from Colorado. I met my best friend who was in Colorado, Tylee, back in middle school. Mikaela is the one that I met in college.

Two smiling women stand on grass under trees, one in a striped dress, the other in floral. A black car is visible in the background. — Mikaela and I at my bridal shower.

Unique Skills

Hidden Talents

I really enjoy cooking and challenging myself with new things when I have time! I've made sourdough (before it was popular) and macarons (before my mixer broke).
I used to be double jointed in both of my pinkies, but now I'm only double jointed in one. It may eventually come back, but I lost it after I broke my wrist and all the tissue in my hand was messed up.

A couple smiling in a park, surrounded by lush greenery and small white flowers. One holds a camera. They're casually dressed, enjoying a serene day. — My husband, Carson, and I in Japan. As you can see, I take my camera everywhere.

Thinking we would get along?

Thank you so much for hearing what I have to say about myself and Rachael Shine Photography! If you think we might get along and you want to work with me check out my pricing or just contact me!