Chris Wooley and his wife, Rachel Wooley created this pin up inspired fine art photograph titled, “I’m With the Banned”, and immediately we knew we wanted it as the cover for our winter issue. For book lovers, creatives, and anyone who believes in the power of storytelling, it felt like the perfect cover sharing the temperature of the region right now. When the Trending Northwest team first saw this image, we had an immediate visceral response. We believe in freedom of expression, press and independent thought, and we know that our readers share the same values. We hope that the selection brings a sense of solidarity and community to our fellow PNW’ers.
Behind the evocative image is Spokane-based photographers Chris and Rachel Wooley, whose work balances polished commercial portraiture with retro-inspired, narrative-driven art. As a fellow English major, former educator, and lifelong lover of books, this shoot struck a particularly personal chord for me as a writer, and made sitting down for this interview with Chris was an easy yes.
Inspiration Behind the Shoot
The idea for “I’m With the Banned” (Books) came from an annual tradition the photographer shares with his wife and Heads and Tails Photography co-owner, Rachel Wooley.
“We try to do something relevant or something that just made us happy during the year,” he shared. This year’s concept emerged when his wife came across a simple phrase, I’m with the band.”
“That’s when it clicked,” he said. “We knew we could do a pin-up version of that idea, but with banned books.”
From the beginning, the project was rooted in intention. The couple made a conscious decision not to use AI and instead focus on working locally and collaboratively. That choice led them straight to Page 42 Bookstore, a beloved Spokane shop that became an essential partner in the process. Plus, they are a fantastic community resource for some great reads – banned and otherwise.
“We spent hours there cross-referencing titles to make sure every book in the image had been banned or challenged at some point,” he explained. “Every single book you see in that photograph has a history.”
Defiance, Empowerment, and Rebellion
The visual tone of the shoot was equally deliberate. The goal was to create something that felt rebellious but refined, empowering rather than aggressive. The visual elements all emphasize the subject, the books, to be the main focus and the model, Kitty Goode, as their thoughtful sassy guardian in a retro librarian-esque ensemble.
“We wanted the model to feel a little punky, a little edgy, but still sexy and elegant,” he said. “There’s something powerful about that contrast, especially when the rebellion is rooted in ideas and literature.”
“This project just felt so right,” he said. “We were both immediately pumped about it.”
A Style Split Between Precision and Nostalgia
For those just discovering his work, his photography lives in two distinct but complementary worlds. On one side is clean, professional commercial photography such as branding, business portraits, and headshots. On the other is a deep love for vintage aesthetics and storytelling.
“Anything from the 1920s through the 1960s, I’m a total sucker for,” he said. “Whether it’s classic studio portraiture, illustrated pin-up styles, or rockabilly-inspired work, especially if there’s dramatic lighting and a story being told.”
Awards, Travel, and Creative Growth
Over the years, he and his wife have entered image competitions as a way to challenge themselves creatively. Between them, they’ve earned dozens of awards at both state and international levels. Despite all of the accolades, they are deeply humble and seek to inspire others in the craft and who appreciate fine art photography.
“Competition isn’t about ego for us,” he explained. “It’s about pushing boundaries, asking how we can make something stronger, cleaner, more intentional.”
That mindset fuels personal projects like I’m With the Banned Books, where storytelling, technical precision, and concept all meet.
Advice for New Photographers
For those just starting out, his advice is refreshingly grounded.
“Learn the fundamentals,” he said. “Understanding how your camera works and how light works might feel boring at first, but it gives you freedom.”
From there, growth comes from experimentation, trying new genres, collaborating with others, and pulling inspiration without direct imitation.
“Take pieces from different ideas, throw them together, and see what comes out,” he said.
And for those relying on phones instead of professional cameras?
“Embrace the gear you have,” he added. “Every tool has strengths. It’s about telling the story well, not chasing a certain look.”
Finding Focus as an Artist and Business Owner
One of his biggest challenges for Chris Wooley has been balancing creative curiosity with business clarity. Early in his career, he photographed everything from weddings to family portraits, but eventually narrowed his focus to headshots and pin-ups.
“People want experts,” he said. “That focus made my business stronger.”
At the same time, personal projects give him space to experiment without monetizing every creative impulse, a balance he’s learned to protect.
Storytelling Above All
When asked about his favorite type of work, his answer came easily.
“Storytelling portraits,” he said. “Anything with layers, depth, and a little romance to it.”
If the subject is a mad scientist, a salty pirate, or a defiant woman standing proudly with banned books, those stories are where his creativity thrives.
A Community Effort
Above all, I’m With the Banned Books is a celebration of collaboration with another beloved locally-owned business and creative. Along with Page 42 Bookstore, the project featured local performer Kitty Goode, whose presence brought the perfect mix of defiance and timeless elegance.
“Spokane’s creative community is incredible,” he said. “People show up. They want to help make something meaningful.”
He’s quick to credit Rachel as well, who coordinated the concept, styling, and book arrangements that brought the image together.
“This absolutely wouldn’t exist without her,” he said.
Want to see more? Here’s the team on Instagram:
Model: Kitty Goode (@theKittyGoode)
Books: Page 42 Bookstore (@page42spokane)
Stylist: Rachel Wooley (@Blondeeyes)
Photographer: Chris Wooley (@pinupchris)