making joyful and badass photos for creatives and the sentimental

photos should make you feel.

welcome

hello friend.

I'm glad you're here. 

I'm River (she/her) and I am passionate about providing outstanding  photojournalism-inspired portraiture to Atlanta and beyond.

As an artist, I'm into sentiment, poignancy, adventure, laughter, honesty, and playing with light. I love and search for the unexpected. Even the mundane has a certain sort of surprising beauty to it. My work seeks foremost to honor the people in front of my camera. Nothing matters more to me than creating something epic and perfectly "you." 

I love the places and moments photography takes me to. I view all my work as a collaboration between myself and the individuals who step in front of my camera. Shall we make some magic together?

5M
cups of coffee
15
sessions photographed
800+
states visited
8
cameras gone through
13
years in business

"River has a real knack for bringing people’s authentic selves to the surface for photos. I am never comfortable in front of a camera but I felt totally at ease and had a great time."

- Ellen

kind words

"An amazing photog with style and client feedback skills. Never forceful but not a pushover either. It was a long day and she kept a smile the whole time. by the end, it was almost like we all knew her for years."

- BK

- Jeremy

"river has this amazing magic for getting the perfect shots without taking a million photos. It’s incredible."

"River has a real knack for bringing people’s authentic selves to the surface for photos. I am never comfortable in front of a camera but I felt totally at ease and had a great time."

- Ellen

kind words

- BK

"river has this amazing magic for getting the perfect shots without taking a million photos. It’s incredible."

- Jeremy

- BK

"An amazing photog with style and client feedback skills. Never forceful but not a pushover either. It was a long day and she kept a smile the whole time. by the end, it was almost like we all knew her for years."

"Once we got the photos back my family no longer thought I was a crazy person for getting an Atlanta photographer for my Maryland wedding! People can't stop raving about my photos."

- Lauren

- Jeremy

"river has this amazing magic for getting the perfect shots without taking a million photos. It’s incredible."

"Our pictures always exceed our expectations. River is patient with our family and kids, while capturing incredible moments in our lives. We love her and truly believe she’s the best!"

- Emily

©template by Birdesign. photos by RIVER G. WEST.

thoughtful portraiture
based out of ATLANTA georgia