Interview with Rachel Trudelle

Hello, and happy October!

Last month I got in touch with Rachel Trudelle of re.collected to see if she would be willing to share her wonderful photos and thoughts with us. I'm so glad she was, because I know you all will enjoy the following interview!

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Kristen: What is your name, age, and location?

Rachel: I’m Rachel Trudelle, and I’m 26 (almost 27!). I live in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle with my husband of 2 ½ months, Steve. I’ve been a special education teacher for a little over 4 years.

photo by Jamie Hammond

K: How long have you been participating in the Ten on Ten photo project, and how did you first hear about it?

R: I joined the Ten on Ten project in April, 2009 after admiring Rebekah’s photos. I am so glad I jumped in too.


K: What inspires you about the Ten on Ten project?

R: I love looking to see which day of the week the 10th will be each month! Will it be a relaxing Sunday, or maybe a non-stop Wednesday? I love to document different days of the week, various times of the day, and all the seasons. There’s something inspiring about keeping track of life this way, and getting glimpses into the lives of others.


K: What do you find yourself taking photos of when capturing your day for Ten on Ten?

R: Lots of coffee and shoes. Two of life’s little pleasures I guess! I also find myself searching for snapshots of the season, or things that can be shot from unique angles.



K: Do you have a favorite Ten on Ten set from the past year? Why is it a favorite?

R: Last August’s set. The sunlight was amazing that day, and it set the tone for a perfectly relaxing summer vacation day.


K: Has this project influenced how you see your daily life in any way?

R: I’ve noticed that when you look around through the lens of finding something beautiful or meaningful, you have a different kind of day. You notice more, and appreciate more. It’s this posture of appreciation that I hope to carry throughout every day!


K: Why might you encourage someone to participate in this project?

R: Not only is it fun to look back on your sets, but sometimes you’ll also surprise yourself with a photo you really love! It doesn’t matter if you’re not a photographer or the owner of a fancy camera (I use a Canon Powershot and one really great effect in Picnik—Realia 400) Kind of like exercise or writing, when you show up enough, every once in awhile awesome things happen!


K: What does an average day look like for you?

R: Wake up early and grab coffee, prepare for a day of teaching. Teach. Come home and force myself to put on running shoes and head to Greenlake. Eat dinner, relax and repeat.



K: What does an ideal day look like for you?

R: There would be a delicious breakfast and of course, good coffee. A ferry ride, or just exploring a pocket of the city. Definitely some kind of treat. Back at home, we’d walk to a neighborhood restaurant with friends. Lots of good food and lots of laughing.



K: Who inspires you currently? Who are your favorite photographers?

R: I have many favorites right now. Kristen Marie is a young and talented local, traveling in Cambodia. Jessica Kettle is a family and wedding photographer with an amazing eye for beauty.

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Thank you so much, Rachel, for sharing these glimpses into your world with us! And many blessings to you as you settle into your new life as a newlywed, and as you enter into this school year ahead of you as a special ed. teacher!