Third Time a Charm

I’m thrilled to be a part of this family’s ongoing endeavor to celebrate their growth through family artwork.

When their first son turned three, they were living in another state, and celebrated the occasion with a photoshoot to cement the memory. They framed and hanged the images.

By the time their second son turned three, they were living in Atlanta, and I was thrilled to expand their gallery. It was a bright, summery session - a stark contrast to their previous session up North in the Winter. You can see it here.

Now, their precious daughter was turning three, and they wanted to round it out with a gallery that was “giving fall vibes,” to really give the sense of the changing of the seasons, the passing of the years.

We originally planned to meet at a park, but circumstances shifted, and we chose their backyard instead. Zero regrets.

The fall snuggles are captured forever. They will be admired daily.

The moment that takes your breath away: seeing it on your wall for the first time.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJanuary 14, 2025family, family photography, three, sister, backyard, gallery, gallery design

Amy Uplifts Those With Parkinson's

Amy is doing such fantastic things in this world.

She runs the Parkinson’s Wellness Fund. They are a non-profit who supplies grants to individuals living with Parkinson’s to help them afford products and services that assist in their daily living. While most of the money in the community goes towards research, they focus on immediate help for individuals and their functionality. They are 14+ years into their nation-wide work, having provided grants to all 50 states and even internationally.

On a personal note, Amy recently moved to the Atlanta area last from Los Angeles, and I was immediately taken by her warmth, charm, and conversational ease. Not only did I want her to become my friend, but I wanted to connect her immediately with other friends (ahem, Jules)!
Welcome to town, Amy, and the Parkinson’s community thanks you.

https://parkinsonswellnessfund.org/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 26, 2024parkinson's, headshots, branding, parkinson's wellness fund, head shot, headshot, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot

SBS Designs Atlanta

I’ve worked with Stephanie, providing both commercial and personal photography, many times- but our story begins long before then.

And I was reminded of that as we worked, reminiscing about old times and mutual friends. She wanted an image where she looked relaxed, natural, at ease, and it came easy.

So did the environment for our session. She’s an interior designer who has redone her own home top to bottom. The background options were limitless and stunning. We even considered her bathrooms, they were so fantastic!

Don’t hesitate to call in Stephanie and her team. Her own home is a mind-blowing testament to her talent.
https://www.sbsdesignsatlanta.com/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 18, 2024branding, atlanta branding, commercial photography, interior designer, interior design, atlanta headshot, headshots, head shot, headshotComment

The Brandenburg Estate Planning Law Firm

They walked into the studio, a bit nervous, expecting the worst. Most people who come in for a business image feel that way, it’s common.

I’m certain people come to them with their own butterflies. Just the idea of taking care of your family should the worst case scenario occur is daunting. But they promise compassion through the process. And having met them, I believe they deliver.

I offer the same. I gently coached them, we examined their images together, and made modifications until they were able to walk out the door, happy with the result, and proclaiming I made true on my promise that it “would not hurt a bit.”

Reach out to Mark, Michelle, and Helen, for your needs: wills, trusts, guardianships, powers of attorney, asset protection, and more. https://www.mylifetimelawyer.com/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 11, 2024attorney, estate planning, atlanta estate attorney, headshots, head shot, headshot, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, commercial photography

Comfort For You and Baby

Lori walked into the studio, and a fresh breeze followed her.

She was here for a few headshots, as she began her new endeavor as a Sleep Consultant for Wee Sleep. And I can see why she’s just the person you would want with you, when you are bleary-eyed and exhausted to the point of tears. She is so kind, so warm, and so genuinely interested in you. Conversation with her flows so easily, and you don’t want it to end. She’s excited for your triumphs, and wants you to succeed. I mean, naturally. All the time. It’s who she is. And it’s what makes her perfect for this role.

She needed different versions of her images, to accommodate different scenarios for her company. I told her no problem…

While I’m past the stage of needing a sleep consultant, (you, too, will get through it!), it was clear from our interactions that she’s the one to recommend.

http://wee-sleep.com/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldOctober 14, 2024sleep consultanta, headshots, headshot, head shot, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, branding, atlanta branding, commercial photographyComment

Birds of a Feather

I was at the TDSA end of school carnival when I met Chaya. She was warm, charismatic, and an open book. She filled me in on the twists and turns she’d already taken in her young life, but was optimistic about her horizons. And she had reason to be.

After touching so many lives in the Atlanta Jewish School System, she’s launching her next adventure up North with her Chosson. They were absolute birds of a feather, valuing humor, finding joy in each others quirks.

Vendors:
It was fantastic to have videographers Yaniv and Glenda join the Shayna Image team for this simcha!
The Meth Brothers brought the music.
Natalie Sokol catered and planned.
Rina Pollack makeup.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldAugust 27, 2024Jewish wedding, frum wedding, wedding, simcha, simcha portraits, atlanta wedding photographer, atlanta weddingComment

WBL CPAs

Chantal and I go back to the 90s, but our journeys spread soon afterwards. So I was floored to hear from her, in her new(ish) capacity as marketing director of WBL CPAs + Advisors! We chatted business, but made space on the call to hear all about where life has taken us each.

She had big photographic goals: not only showcasing who they are on their website for clients, but moreso, marketing to draw in more CPAs. Their firm showcases both established talent and new energy, both stability and fun. It was our goal to communicate both.

I was chatting about the breadth and goals of the project with my friend and mentor, Mark Hill. He encouraged me to hire on an assistant for the project, and connected me with Ken Schneiderman. Working with Ken was a dream. Sure, his celebrity resume will make your jaw drop, but moreso because the whole experience was so beautifully synergistic. Instead of operating with one brain and two hands, I suddenly had two brains and four hands, and the whole process felt like a symphony. I’m spoiled, now.

While individual portraits weren’t the focus of the day, there were a few people who needed updates.

Links:
WBL CPAs + Advisors

Ken Schneiderman

Thank you to Chantal for the great behind the scenes!!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldAugust 19, 2024investors, ken schneiderman, mark hill, marketing director, cpa, atlanta, atlanta photographer, commercial photographyComment

Kim Kopelman

Kim has dedicated herself to the community for years. She serves on the boards of both Jewish Family and Career Services, and Jewish Women’s Connection. And after years of submitting cropped versions of family portraits as a headshot, she finally decided to treat herself to a real one.

When she spoke about her work, bolstering our community, Jewish and not alike, she glowed. She’s stepped into all sorts of rolls in her quest to make a tough situation for many more manageable, to smooth “the system.” May she and her efforts see strength and success!
Links:
Jewish Family and Career Services
Jewish Women’s Connection

ClientsRachel LinkwaldAugust 14, 2024head shot, headshots, JWC, jf&csComment

The Creative Eye

Yelena is a powerhouse producer, friend, travel partner, birthday buddy, community volunteer, and dedicated family woman. She’s at the helm of FilmTribe, dedicating her aesthetic eye.

For her latest interview in VoyageATL, she had visions of an Israel-themed session. Big on blue, and magazine cover-worthy. It was a blast to think bold, and pull out the lighting gels.

The outcome is big drama, but it was all fun behind the scenes:

Check out her VoyageATL article here!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJune 9, 2024producer, film producer, FilmTribe, celebrate yourself, branding, atlanta branding, headshots, glamour, Israel, zionismComment

Designed For Her Job

Rachel walked in the studio door a stranger, referred to me by the magnificently talented Faith Cohen. She was in town visiting her parents, but our time in this neighborhood had not overlapped, which is an absolute shame.

Because she is hilarious. Quick, witty, to the point, and tells it like it is with a clever twist. Over and over again, I found myself thinking, “Damn, she nailed it again,” in reference to the most basic observations.

Which I imagine really pays off in her work as a marketing director at an ai startup…

Check out the company she works for! hatch.ai, designed to help Nonprofit Fundraisers engage more effectively.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldMay 9, 2024ai, marketing director, nonprofit, head shot, headshots, headshot, branding, atlanta branding, commercial photographyComment

He's Into Transformations

When Adee entered the studio, it hit me how long it had been. The beauty of repeat clients is the history. Connecting at different points through our journeys. It was incredible to catch up.

What’s interesting is we didn’t talk about business. As curious as I am about how the Real Estate world is treating him, we talked about family. About strengthening bonds, about seeing our children for who they are and adapting to their needs. About prioritizing our time with them. It was lovely.

I do, however happen to know that he’s got a great track record with flipping homes, so if you are an investor, he may be your match: adeeweismark@kw.com

ClientsRachel LinkwaldMay 6, 2024realtor, real estate, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta real estate, head shot, headshots, headshot, studio, studio photography, home studio, atlanta studio photography, photography, photographerComment

Interior Magician

I introduced you to Lizzy last week.

I wasn’t sure where we we go with my home. I love my home, but while I have an eye for photography, and can put together a mean gallery, I do NOT have an eye for interior design. She swept through, and pointed out little changes we could make that would cost little, but have a big impact and pull the place together.

For example? She brought over baskets, so I could empty my games cluttering the corner into zip bags and tuck them away.

She pointed out that my living room rug was too small, and thus made the room look more diminutive. So I bought a new one off a neighbor for $18, and then was able to move the old one to the basement to make the sitting area more cohesive.

But the piece de resistance? She narrowed in on my most loathed spot: the entryway. When our house was remodeled in the 90’s, the original entryway that led into the kitchen was closed off, so the main room could be opened. That left us with a dark narrow hallway at the entrance. The surprise on people’s faces, when they emerged from the canal and actually saw light again was amusing, but it was such a sad start to a visit.

BEFORE:

She started throwing around foreign terms: Wainscotting? Board and Batten? She started showing me images, and I knew she was on to something. She asked where my guests hang their belongings, and I jokingly made a motion over the house. “Let’s fix that. And we’ll bring in colors from your dining room chairs, so there’s a flow from the entry into the house.”

DURING:

The results? I’m excited to usher people into the home. The space has color and purpose, despite its size, without looking even more cramped.

AFTER:

I had spent years lamenting: I can’t build a closet, I can’t fit a table, I guess I’m just stuck. Lizzy’s creativity breathed fresh air into a space I considered hopeless.
Hunt down Lizzy here!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldApril 8, 2024interior designer, interior design trends, interior design, introduction, commercial photography, company photographyComment

Lizzy: Interior Designer

This was a fun twist, for us both, I think.
On a mom board, Lizzy posted: “I’m an interior designer looking for headshots for a rebrand/podcast launch that I’m doing! Any photographers that would want to trade a photo shoot for a room makeover??”

There were already a ton of responses from talented photographers. I shrugged my shoulders, figured that could be fun, and threw my hat into the ring, expecting nothing.

Next thing I knew, we were meeting for coffee and making plans! I was floored that she said she found my work memorable and wanted to move forward.

Meet Lizzy!

Lizzy earned her Residential Interior Design Certification from Kennesaw State University and is a member of the DSA.

But also? Lizzy is married to a police officer, with whom she has four kids and a bunch of chickens. And is active in their faith and church. And teaches preschool AND yoga. And loves antiquing.

Check out her website, Facebook, and Instagram!

Next blog: check out what she had in mind for my entryway!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldApril 1, 2024branding, atlanta branding, interior design, interior designer, headshots, head shot, headshot, atlanta headshotComment

A Hug for Floridians

Deanna and her family were looking for a different communal vibe, and four distinct annual seasons.

After relocating her family from Boca Raton, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, Deanna is launching her counseling private practice. While the move was overall very positive, the one loss was leaving a job she adored. Licensed in Florida, she is taking on clients virtually.

Thank you to Rina Pollack for the beautiful makeup!

When you sit with Deanna, its clear she’s patient, thoughtful, curious, and ready to listen and guide.

Visit her website!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldMarch 5, 2024head shot, headshots, headshot, atlanta branding, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, counselor, florida counselor, mental health

The Cellist

One day, a cello walks into a studio…

The punchline is that beautiful music was made.

Roee (sometimes Roy) was long overdue to update his headshot. We thought it best to do something expected, classic:

…but Roee also wanted something fun…

We were joined in the studio by his fantastic wife, Kelli, who honored me with some BTS images.

Not only is Roee available for weddings, but he gives lessons as well. Reach out to him at https://royharran.com/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldFebruary 21, 2024cello, cellist, atlanta cellist, atlanta, Atlanta head shot, atlanta headshot, atlanta photographer, head shot, headshots, branding

The World Awaits

Mamie bounces into the studio full of life, despite being dampened by the rain. Talking to her is refreshing, and I’m instantly 22 again myself. Having just graduated (though unlike her, I didn’t crush through both an undergrad and a masters in Economics in 4 years…), and starting with a new company, a world of opportunity is on the horizon. The company isn’t totally new to her, she was onboarded by Palisades Hudson Financial Group, with whom she interned. She loves the stability, balance, and people at Palisades Hudson, and looks forward to also using her talents in side projects down the road, to help those in need.

What really warmed me was the email from her after I sent her image: “Just wanted to say thank you again for an easy and enjoyable shoot on Monday (and the bag of rice, lol⋆). I like the picture more than I would've ever expected. I really appreciate your work on this and will keep you in mind if I ever have any photography needs in ATL in the future!”

⋆(her phone was wet)
Gotta say, the feeling is mutual.

I’m grateful to Paul Jacobs, Managing Vice President at Palisades Hudson Financial Group. After working with his family and wife a handful of times, he thought of me when they needed an image for Mamie. Continued clients are absolutely the best clients.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldFebruary 15, 2024head shot, headshots, headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta headshot, bra, atlanta branding, commercial photography, company photography

Transitioning to Help CEOs Transition

After years in the executive recruitment space, Lee is transitioning to a new angle. With this expertise in his back pocket, he’s now discreetly preparing top CEO’s who are looking to transition to their own new opportunity.

Let me introduce you to MaxBridge, which assists you in developing and executing a search strategy specifically tailored to your career needs and aspirations. They offer a concierge, results-based approach for the Executive on an adventure.

Lee is confident, focused, and charming. You will enjoy the process, and never doubt you are in the care of talent. Check out his website here.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJanuary 29, 2024atlanta headshot, head shot, headshots, studio photography, photography, Atlanta head shot, ceo, recruiterComment

Daniela Sparks Teens

With 3 kids 2 and under, New York was feeling too small for Daniela and her family. They wanted to move to a vibrant city with space to breathe and a friendly community with playdates for her growing family. Having supportive family already in Atlanta made it more enticing. With her degree in Social Work, she bid adieu to her role as a counselor in a performing arts school, and opened up Spark Teens Coaching.

“Here at Spark Teens, our mission is simple: to provide tailored guidance and support to teens and their families. Drawing from a foundation of listening, collaboration, and a genuine passion for addressing the unique challenges teens encounter, we are dedicated to sparking positive change by helping teens reach their highest potential with confidence and resilience.”

Daniela works with teens and their families to focus on an issue, create a plan, and IMPLEMENT it.
Here’s what I can promise about Daniela: she’s incredibly easy to talk to. She’s open, friendly, and vibrant. I know she came in for a branding session, but I felt like we were “out for coffee.” I can imagine being a teen and finding her comforting, safe, and relatable.

Spark Teens Website
Spark Teens Instagram

ClientsRachel LinkwaldDecember 4, 2023counselor, atlanta therapist, therapist, social worker, atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta branding, photography, photographer, Atlanta head shot, head shot, atlanta headshot, headshot, headshots

The First Steps in a Journey

My first memory of Miri was seeing her push her single buggy past my home on her regular strolls with her husband. Little did I know soon she’d have a double-stroller, and they’d one day make my home/studio the destination to capture her beautiful family.

She began talking to me about a session soon after the birth of her second. She came to the studio to check out the artwork in person, and talk through all our options. As he neared his first birthday, she was ready, and so were her kiddos, with their beaming smiles.

I know it can be intimidating, bringing littles, hoping it works out. This was the day after the time change, so they were already in their “witching hour,” and naps hadn’t been successful. But when our goal is focused, rather than our goal just being to make them perform for an hour, then we can put our energy into nailing what we need, and stop shooting at the first signs of angst.

We shot the first images on the trails in the woods behind the studio, and then ran to the front of the house to chase the sun for individuals of the kids.

Miri had the perfect space for her collection. We had a great time exploring the different sizing and configuration options.

She loved the funky vibe of the square prints, but wanted a touch more room and emphasis on the whole family. These will be matte floating metals.

Next? I send to print, and then head over there to install them! I can’t wait to see them up. A journey worth every step.

Both Sides

I’ve been doing the photography for Stein Law since 2017, but this was a totally different ballgame!

They’re doing a total brand overhaul. With the addition of a new teammate, they also are working with a marketing company that sent over a Photography Art Direction packet.

In it, it outlined the specific blue they needed in some of their images, along with a totally fun concept: each person should have a formal headshot- but when you hover over the headshot, it switches to a casual portrait that showcases their personality. I LOVE IT!!

Is it obvious we had a lot of fun on set?

We ran with the idea, creating a couple sets of group shots that showed both.

Stein Law has been assisting their clients in Corporate Services, Tax Planning and Controversy, and Estate Planning for two decades. Not only do they have the smarts, but the personality, too!

https://steinlawllc.com/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 6, 2023stein law, law, lawyer, atlanta lawyer, headshots, atlanta headshot, head shot, headshot, branding, atlanta branding