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Two women in pink outfits laughing and holding champagne glasses at a pink balloon party celebration. Mothers. Mom. Charlotte

Portraits that inspire

shining your light Through Photography

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A woman in a floral outfit laughs joyfully in front of a vibrant colorful flower mural.

A creative way to unwind

Ministry Through Photography

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Black and white photo of a womans hand with diamond engagement ring resting on a mans suited shoulder.

A simple world

Observing the details that create beauty

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Photographs Embedded with Light & Love

Portrait, lifestyle, and event photographer, based in north carolina

I’ve been gifted with the ability to see people and moments from a unique perspective. Through the lens, I capture more than just images; I capture emotion, connection, and truth. Photography has become a way for me to love others by preserving their stories with care, intention, and grace.

A Black woman with locs wearing a brown corduroy shirt poses confidently against a white background.
my only rule is

Let your light shine!

since 2023
Stylish man in white tuxedo jacket dancing at festive party with black and red balloon arch backdrop.

 

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Beautiful bride in white wedding dress with veil, tattoos, and pearl necklace holding white bouquet.

 

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A woman in a black Ray of Sunshine Photography NC t-shirt holds a Canon camera while smiling.

Hi! I'm Rachel

the person behind the lens

A portrait, lifestyle, and event photographer, based in Concord, North Carolina

Hi, I’m Rachel Thompson, the photographer behind Ray of Sunshine Photography NC. I'm here to celebrate your light.


From the very first click of the shutter, my goal is to see you fully; to honor the beauty, emotion, and truth in your story. I believe photography is about more than just pretty pictures; it’s about preserving real, sacred moments.


Ray of Sunshine Photography NC is my way of helping you embrace the now. Every session is approached with warmth, intention, and love. Let’s create something beautiful together.

More about me

 

Take a quick look at


My recent work

 

Joyful Black family of five women and children posing together in white tops and jeans.
Stylish man in navy blue suit with orange tie using smartphone in retail store.
Bride in white gown poses with two guests at blue and orange balloon wedding arch.
Confident woman in black blazer with arms crossed in professional headshot portrait. Headshots
Professional woman in black blazer and white top seated in formal portrait pose.
Bearded man in purple shirt speaking at podium with star-decorated blue backdrop. Non profit. Fundraiser. Denim and Dreams. Author
Group of professionals networking at an indoor event in a brick-walled venue. Non profit. Fundraiser. Denim and Dreams. Charlotte
Two women sharing a warm hug on stage at a sponsored awards ceremony. Non profit. Fundraiser. Denim and Dreams
Four-generation Black family portrait with women stacked vertically in denim and white outfits. Charlotte
Black and white portrait of four Black women holding hands and smiling together. Family.
Happy Black couple laughing together outdoors in elegant white and beige attire. Freedom Park
Black and white romantic portrait of a couple facing each other on a stone wall outdoors. Freedom Park. Charlotte
Black women seated at a decorated table during a pink-themed gathering or workshop event. Moms. Mothers. Community
Two Black women laughing together at a pink balloon-decorated party event. Moms. Mothers. Community
Black and white portrait of a smiling young Black woman in a white crop top and cargo jeans.
Black and white photo of smiling woman holding number 30 candles toward camera.
Smiling Black woman in tan satin outfit seated on white background with gold accessories.
Two women embracing warmly, one wearing a blue sequin ball gown holding a white gift bag.
Two women sharing an emotional hug near a white tablecloth table with gift bags.
Two women speaking at a Northlake Mall podium, one holding a microphone and pink gift bag.
Three women engage in conversation at an indoor vendor event, with teal fabric and a laptop visible nearby.
A woman with long black braids sits beside a Valentine's Day decorated table with flowers and XOXO tablecloth.
Two women examine Valentine's Day gifts near a heart-shaped wreath display with festive red decorations.
Two people clasp hands warmly, with one wearing a gold bracelet, in a close-up handshake photo.
A dark-painted home entrance decorated with red and silver balloons flanking a glass arched front door.
Two women share a warm embrace, smiling joyfully, inside a well-decorated home interior.
A casino dealer places green chips on a red craps table during a live casino game event.
Two women in elegant black evening gowns pose together in front of a gold and black draped backdrop.
Volunteers exchanging items at an outdoor orange tent community event table.
Enthusiastic woman in orange MS Walk gear smiling and cheering at outdoor charity event.
Woman wearing an orange MS awareness shirt reading I Wear Orange for my Sister-in-Love at charity walk.
Smiling woman in orange Blessed Everyday t-shirt at an outdoor MS awareness fundraising event.
Two people sharing a warm hug, one wearing a red cap with a Puerto Rican flag patch outdoors. Multiple Sclerosis. Walk MS
Woman in blue MS awareness shirt raises fist at outdoor rally, wearing orange earrings and sunglasses. Survivor. Multiple Sclerosis. Walk MS
Two women share a warm embrace at a community event, one wearing glasses and a white blazer.

Clients say

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I am deeply grateful for every testimony and the opportunity to serve through the gift placed on my life. I want us to connect.

"Rachel did an amazing job capturing my event. The pictures were great."

Chemise-  Faith Geek

Charlotte, north carolina

 

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