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.

Beautiful Change

Randy was in a nervous rush, trying to get a headshot in by Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta’s deadline. She had been accepted into the new cohort of “Agents of Change,” and didn’t know a portrait was part of the process. She Googled “Headshots Atlanta,” and found my website.

But there are no accidents. She was dreading the process, but said as she poked around my site, she began to feel reassured. This would not be painful! She was meant to come to my studio, where I would hold her hand through the process.

There is so much to admire about Randy. She, like so many of us, has been dealt some real challenges. But she sees and moves through them. She remains focused, centered, and loving. She sees opportunity and beauty. And in our session, I hope she saw her own beauty.

Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta found a true Agent of Change. Randy has so much to offer the world. Seeing it through her eyes, for even a moment, was changing for me.

Behind the scenes

ClientsRachel LinkwaldAugust 28, 2023Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, Agent of Change, Jewish, jewish women, photography, headshots, atlanta, atlanta branding, atlanta headshotComment

Batsheva: Faces of Orthodoxy

I was thrilled to be hired as the photographer for Faces of Orthodoxy Season 6 Atlanta (backed by the Orthodox Union). They profiled 6 movers and shakers, to tell their dynamic stories, and show the world that Orthodox people are relatable, rather than exotic or strange as seen in the media.

Week one: Batsheva Gelbtuch

“ I was raised in Israel in Chareidi society which is often categorized as insular. My father broke all stereotypes. His shtreimel & deep-rooted beliefs in the Chassidic way of life coexisted with his love of Zionism. He insisted on serving in the IDF despite a heart condition. My father was a lover of all humans. Growing up we weren’t allowed to use the word ‘chiloni,’ secular, when referring to non-observant Jews. Every Jew is holy.

I had a wonderful Bais Yaakov high school experience in Jerusalem. I was surrounded by strong, brilliant & brave women. We were encouraged to be inquisitive & to challenge the lessons in order to learn & grow.

Despite coming from a loving & nurturing nuclear family, there was darkness in my childhood. 3 out of my 4 grandparents survived the horrors of the Holocaust. Their open wounds served as the backdrop of painful familial dynamics. Wanting to have the tools to support those experiencing trauma fueled my desire to become a social worker. I received my master's at Wurzweiler & became a licensed marriage & family therapist. 19 years ago, my husband at the time & I moved to Atlanta. He had joined the Atlanta Scholars Kollel to do college campus outreach & I worked in private practice while teaching about Judaism on campus. When Atlanta joined the first JWRP trip for moms to Israel, I was tapped to help lead the Atlanta cohort. This became the birthplace of Jewish Women’s Connection of Atlanta, a thriving community of spiritually seeking women in Atlanta.

If I could define the common thread woven in the tapestry of my life, it would be finding beauty in holding space for the entirety of the diversity. I am divorced & am blessed to be raising 4 amazing humans. I am inspired by the way my children overcome their challenges & have created incredibly beautiful, unique life paths. Doing life is challenging. But I have learned that every dark path I needed to traverse was eclipsed by light, often in the form of angelic friends. Find your people. They are there. Don’t do it alone.

JWC Atlanta was founded & led by a team of diverse brilliant lay leaders who make the magic happen. It’s an organization by women for women. It started with that first cohort that went on that first Israel trip. They wanted to ensure that every Jewish woman in Atlanta had access to that wealth of Jewish wisdom & spiritual anchoring they experienced. JWC Atlanta’s goal is to connect women to themselves, to each other & to Hashem. Together we've built a spiritual community that unites women through friendship, learning & Jewish values, which in turn impacts women, their families & the Atlanta Jewish community. And there it is again, that familiar heart tug, my father's whisper, embracing the entirety of the diversity, & that our beauty as a people (and in all aspects) is borne from the differences & not the similarities.

My partner in crime is Julie Silverman who is my Rebbitzen, mentor & dear friend. Every day, we & our incredible staff & brilliant educators & lay leaders get to meet and learn Torah with thousands of brave incredible Jewish moms who are in the trenches ensuring a bright Jewish future for their families & the world at large. Our sages teach us that moms are the future of the Jewish people. What started as a grassroots effort morphed into a thriving community of thousands of Jewish women. To date, JWC Atlanta has had 1000s of women attend classes, join programs & travel all around the globe and explore our Judaism & what it means to us. I’m so blessed to currently work full-time as executive director for this thriving organization (my therapist role is on hold for the time being).

What’s the main thing women are seeking? I think it's anchoring and connection. We all want to be a part of a bigger story than ourselves. We want to find ways we can lead lives of meaning & impact. Meaning & connection is oxygen; we can’t live without it.”

BTS photos and brilliant eye: Yelena Hertzberg. I’d like her to come with me on every photoshoot ever.

Dr. Tate: Faces of Orthodoxy

I was thrilled to be hired as the photographer for Faces of Orthodoxy Season 6 Atlanta (backed by the Orthodox Union). They profiled 6 movers and shakers, to tell their dynamic stories, and show the world that Orthodox people are relatable, rather than exotic or strange as seen in the media.

Week five: Dr. Joseph Tate

“I’m named after my father, Yosef Leib, who was killed on D-Day while my mother was pregnant with me. He was from Eastern Europe & my mother was from India. They met in England during the war. My father’s dream was for me to be brought up in America, so my mother moved to Boston. I went to public school & Hebrew school through 7th grade. I probably had ADHD, but when my mother took me for an evaluation, the psychiatrist said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with him, he’s just bored.’ I went back to England to attend an upper-class Jewish boarding school. After returning to America, I got a chemical engineering degree at @northeastern & then went to work as a computer engineer. I helped invent & patent a part used in every car battery & got my MBA. But I didn’t feel fulfilled. I investigated many alternatives, & finally, much to my surprise, I chose to become a physician.

Once I got married, my wife and I decided to take on more Jewish practices. I made kiddush on Shabbos & we had a kosher home, but we didn’t keep Shabbos fully. Against what seemed like all odds, I got into medical school when I was 30 at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. I learned Dutch in a panic because that’s what my professors spoke. But there was nothing in Leuven for a Jewish family, so we moved to Antwerp. Two years later I transferred to the University of Antwerp.

We became best friends with our next-door neighbors who were religious, many of whom were Ger & Belz chassidim. They guided us along as we became more observant. As it turns out, we weren’t in Antwerp, of all places, for medical school; we were there to find our Judaism! And when Hashem knew we were on the road, He rewarded us. I transferred to @yale where I received my MD. Yale, of course, opened doors for residency. I matched at @emorydeptofmed & joined the Atlanta Beth Jacob community in 1980.

I’ve been in the Emory system for over 23 years & get to teach residents. Teaching is the best way to improve myself clinically. But I never thought I’d deliver babies in the Orthodox community. Today, there are 2nd generation kids I’ve delivered in the shul. I’ve delivered over 800 babies in the community.”

“@bethjacobatl was the first time I ever really belonged to a synagogue. We always understood the importance of giving back to the community. We were one of the builders of @tdsaofficial & I’ve been the president of the Eruv for over 30 years. The eruv is an urban boundary that allows carrying on Shabbos. Georgia Power helped us maintain it over the years. When we needed to switch over to a new method, I went out every Sunday rewiring 15 utility poles a day. I also counsel brides from all over the world leading up to their weddings. I get tremendous fulfillment being in service to my community & Creator.

I delivered my first “community baby” when I was still a resident. At one point, I had delivered 80% of the kids at Beth Jacob. On Simchas Torah, I’d pledge a donation for every kid I delivered who showed up to shul. Once it got to over 180 kids, I got sponsored by the community to raise even more for charity, and all the children come under a giant tallis prayer shawl with me while I give the blessing.

My wife & I have 6 children who were born all over – Boston, Antwerp, New Haven & Atlanta. We have 17 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren. Having a large family is the greatest blessing for an only child.

I maintain an inherent belief that women are created with the ability to have babies. This is how they are designed by G-d. Of course, we utilize modern science, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. I don’t think the current 35-50% C-section rate is right. I don’t believe in doing major surgery on a patient if we don’t have to. A large portion of my patients had previous C-sections. Most of them prove me correct and can give birth again without a cesarean. Before long, my name got out there as a proponent of VBAC. I was even featured on a @pbs Religion & Ethics Newsweekly series about how my Orthodox life impacts my delivery of babies. I truly believe that women can have babies if we allow them the chance.”

BTS photots and video by Yelena Hertzberg, best person ever to have on set with you.

Clients, Faces Of OrthodoxyRachel LinkwaldJuly 14, 2023obgyn, atlanta obgyn, jewish obgyn, Jewish, jewish photographer, faces of orthodoxy, atlanta, atlanta headshot, atlanta branding, brandingComment

The Journey

Aliza DID NOT WANT to have her photo taken.
Many months ago, she made note that she needed to update her very, very old headshot - both for her health insurance business, and for her teaching. But she dreaded it, and put it off.

And put it off.

Guess what… I hear this from a majority of my headshot clients. They are there because they HAVE to be, not because they WANT to be. They’re uncomfortable in front of the camera, and they just want to get it over with.

And I get it. Like Aliza, it’s out of the norm for most people, and we already have very full plates. Aliza works multiple jobs in multiple industries and has 4 kids ranging high school to preschool. But as she left, she sighed, with relief, “This was actually easy and fun!”

During a session, I coach, we giggle, and then we look at your images. And you say, “Wait! That’s it! I love it!” or, “Can we try it again? I liked that angle, but want to switch my hair.” We shoot until we nail it.

And now Aliza has something for her Health Insurance business cards. And to send to the school she teaches at virtually in Seattle for their website. And to show her children her huge, warm smile.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJune 15, 2023atlanta headshot, Jewish, teacher, mother, headshots, headshot, Atlanta head shotComment

Making Babies

From Jewish Matchmaking (see previous post) to Jewish Babies, we’re moving right along the life cycle…

“My story isn’t unique. But I was lucky. I got pregnant via IVF twice in two years and I thank the universe every day. But for others it takes years, losses, and lots of tears and heartache before babies are made, if at all. And with the costs of IVF ranging from $15,000 – $25,000 in the United States, many don’t even have a chance for a chance. So I’ve turned my useless guilt into helpful actions by starting the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF). We provide financial assistance, educational awareness, and emotional support to Jewish families who have medical fertility challenges in the communities we serve. As a woman struggling with infertility, I know what it’s like to cry alone. But YOU are no longer alone. JFF is here for you.”

-Elana Frank, CEO & Founder of Jewish Fertility Foundation

Jewish Fertility Foundation helps hopeful parents by providing financial assistance, emotional support, and infertility education to those struggling to build their families.

I’ve been fortunate to know Elana a long time (since the 90’s!) and her journey is simply amazing. Even more stunning is watching her help so many others along their journeys, and to watch her reach stretch to other cities, and JFF continues to expand.

Elana, Jewish Fertility Foundation, and all the families they are assisting should continue to have much success and their every wish fulfilled.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldMay 31, 2023fertility, Jewish, jewish fertility, jewish fertility foundation, branding, atlanta branding, atlanta headshot, atlanta photographerComment

Jewish Matchmaking

When I was in Israel in 2019, the incomparable Aleeza Ben Shalom, matchmaker extraordinaire, and I were on a women’s program together. We became friends, and she asked if we could squeeze in a headshot and branding session for her while we were there. We snuck off through the streets of Jerusalem, looking for cute spots and soft light, since I was traveling with limited gear. She just told me that she loved the images so much, she’s still using them on many websites today. Of course, I didn’t start blogging until 3 months after our session, but she has news that MUST BE SHARED.

Starting May 3rd, you can tune in and watch her work her magic on her new Netflix Series, “Jewish Matchmaking!”

Will you be watching??

Because I’ll be glued. Aleeza really is a Bracha (blessing.) She loves to give brachas. It’s literally her middle name. And I hope that this series will be a true bracha, not just for her, but for representation of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Update: Aleeza’s show is an undeniable hit, and she represents our people beautifully. She’s crushing her publicity tour, and the “Israel Sistas”: Yelena, Raizel, Aleeza, and I, got to hang out at my house and studio after her show in Atlanta. Always good to get in the hugs!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldApril 3, 2023atlanta headshot, Jewish, jewish matchmaker, jewish matchmaking, netflix, atlanta brandingComment

Who She Loves

Some were on their way in. Some were on their way out. But it’s so rare they are all together, Robin wanted to make sure she had it to remember.

Some were moving to Israel, some were off to camp and then Seminary. Great grandma down to newborn baby, Robin has it all to keep and admire daily.

Robin is passionate about art. Her touch is in every inch of her home. This is another way for her to show who she is and who she loves.

Our virtual gallery design. Art is not yet actually on her wall.

Your New Friends

If you live in Atlanta and haven’t met the Kosoff family yet, YOU MUST.

Warm, friendly, and hilarious, your life needs them. Birmingham’s loss, Atlanta’s WIN.

And it’s all of them. Sometimes you find you click with a family member or two. But 5/5 Kosoffs are awesome.

We were very focused on this session. They needed a family portrait for their holiday card. We set it up, made a few adjustments as we went, nabbed the image they were going for, and were done. Too soon. I would have been good with hanging with them a while longer.

The Healthcare Strategist who is not an Architect

Michael was a referral of a referral of a referral. I’m grateful!

Sooo I thought he was an architect.

Because he forwarded two pages of instructions from his architecture firm, Array Architects, on requirements for our images: 6 shots, black background, dark suit, horizontal, waist up, 3 expressions (neutral, slight smile, smile) and two body positions for each (full on, turned slightly)

Obstacles: 1. Dark on dark is technically challenging. The goal is to create separation between the client/suit and the background. 2. I’m ace at getting relaxed smiles from my clients. Telling them not to smile? Not my forte.

Here’s how the shot was set up. Notice the light peeking over the top? That’s called a hair or rim light, and it creates the separation. You will also notice that we’re shooting on grey, not black, in a bright room. I set my camera settings to cut ambient light and darken the backdrop, so the only light at play was that which I deliberately introduced to the scene. I love shooting on grey- I can create anything I want with it!

I’m grateful that the firm was thrilled with the results! The kicker?

Michael is NOT an architect! He’s a Healthcare Strategy and Business Development Executive! He’s currently advising Array Architects in their current project with Northside Hospital. (Which is full circle, as they were one of the buildings I photographed behind the scenes as an artistic installation for a HVAC firm a long time ago.)

He explained the type of analysis he provides to heathcare centers (he gave a fascinating example of a hospital purchasing hospital beds, and the way he advises them that incorporates not only their current numbers and projected growth, but the trends of the industry, which is moving towards remote locations and away from, say, needing a massive amount of beds…)

So Michael is not an architect, working for an architecture firm, and blowing my mind.

Clients, EducationalRachel LinkwaldJuly 26, 2022atlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, Jewish, head shot, headshots, headshot, inversesquarelaw, jewish photographer, lightingComment

Lisa Rovinsky

Lisa reached out in a rush for a headshot. She’s joined a new legal firm as Partner, and needed an updated shot to accompany the press release.

She gushed about her friend, Laura. She said Laura was one of her first friends upon moving to Atlanta 25 years ago. She had loved the headshot I did for her dearest friend, so when she needed one for herself, she reached out for the referral. (Thank you, Laura!!)

Lisa had experienced a challenging day when she arrived, including her makeup artist cancelling with a possible case of pink eye. She was exhausted, and frazzled, and amazing. Regardless of it all, she came in with a rush of energy, and allowed herself to completely relax in front of the camera. This shot was the second image we took! Nailed it! I love her glasses and stacked necklaces: She wanted to stay true to who she is, give people a taste of who they will meet when working with her.

I asked that she send me some information about what she does. She sent the pending press release. It was so impressive, I couldn’t whittle it down to a sentence or two. Read on about this dynamic lady, and her Woman-led Law Firm!

FORMER NOKIA SENIOR COUNSEL LISA ROVINSKY JOINS CULHANE MEADOWS AS A

PARTNER IN ITS ATLANTA AND BOSTON OFFICES

ATLANTA, GA — Culhane Meadows is pleased to announce that Lisa Rovinsky ( lrovinsky@cm.law ) has joined the firm as a partner in their Atlanta and Boston offices.

Lisa has had two distinguished legal careers. Starting in advertising and marketing law, she served as Vice President & Counsel for Mastercard International and Chief Marketing Counsel for The Coca-Cola Company. She left Coca-Cola to go into private practice at the law firm Alston & Bird, moving on to become Senior Counsel at Nokia. Her move to the telecommunications giant refocused her career towards technology law and she has continued to build on that experience, working with a variety of technology-based startups.

“Lisa is an outstanding addition to our Technology and Corporate practices, “ says Kimberly Verska, Co-managing partner of Culhane Meadows, “Having worked with her in the past, I know that her creative and practical approach to problem-solving is a great fit for our firm.”

Culhane Meadows Co-founder and Co-Managing Partner James Meadows agrees, “During our time together at Alston & Bird I knew Lisa to be an advocate and mentor to women attorneys and a passionate proponent of diversity. Finding a partner who fits so well with our business and cultural goals, and who adds a wealth of experience to our team, is exciting.”

“I’ve followed the growth of Culhane Meadows for years and have had the good fortune to work with some of the partners throughout my career,” Lisa adds. “When I began to seriously consider joining the firm, one of the drivers was how impressively innovative Culhane Meadows is, and how they use technology to benefit both their attorneys and the firm’s clients. I’m looking forward to collaborating with such a forward-thinking group and the clients who value their innovation.”

Lisa graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University and attended Harvard Law School.

_______

Culhane Meadows is the largest woman-owned, national full-service law firm in the country (WBE) and has over seventy partners who work virtually from eleven offices around the U.S. Built to be fully remote from founding, Culhane Meadows serves client that range from startups to Fortune 100 businesses, offering outstanding efficiency and sophisticated legal knowledge from partners who are former BigLaw attorneys or in-house counsel, and have years of experience in creative problem-solving.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJune 21, 2022atlanta headshot, atlanta family photographer, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, Jewish, head shot, headshots, headshot, jewish photographer, law, lawyer, Culhane MeadowsComment

Daniel Wachtel

I have lots of great things to say about Daniel Wachtel (and his family.)

He is (They are) generous and welcoming. Accepting and genuine. He loves their community, staying active, and attending concerts.

Pretty much the type of person you would turn to when you need help. When you are struggling and need guidance. When you are ready for change.

Learn more about what dan has to offer

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJune 2, 2022atlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta family photographer, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, Jewish, headshots, headshot, head shot, jewish photographer, atlanta therapist, psychiatrist, atlanta psychiatristComment

My Mother

My Mother

She asks me to take her portrait.

I ask if she loves it.

She says, “It’s not for me, it’s for you.”

I pretend I didn’t really hear it. Because I can’t really hear it.

Rubbing my back as I fall asleep in my childhood bedroom

Walls covered in the mural she commissioned that would spark stories

She listens. The greatest gift she gave me was that she made space for listening.

She was safe, and she taught me to listen to my own.

But I can’t hear her today.

Insight and Action

WORKING WITH AMY IS AMAZING.

She is literally all the things you would want. She’s sweet, kind, confident, pays attention to details, timely, does exactly what she says she’s going to do when she says she’s going to do it, takes initiative, I could seriously go on. She will not only hear you, but hear everything between the lines, and be proactive. She’s solution-oriented. You will never sit around wondering where things stand. And yes, all of this was apparent from the moment of booking: she wrote me at 12:23 on April 13th asking for information about headshots, and by 1:50 that day had every detail discussed, planned, contract signed, and retainer sent. This lady GETS THINGS DONE.

Are you a start up? Or an international company working on US market entry? Let me be clear, if you work with Amy and the Sapient Search Group, not only will you see a comprehensible and actionable trajectory, but your progress will be a PLEASURE.

Makeup credit: Rena Pollack

https://sapientsearchgroup.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/solomon-amy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiragoldetsky/

More on Sapient Research Group:

Sapient Search offers a variety of strategic recruitment solutions to help organizations function at their highest level. We support technology companies of all sizes in close partnership on technical, business, and operational roles via contract, contract to hire, and direct hire placement. What sets us apart? We understand the critical nature of technology search. A strong technology framework is the foundation of every successful company. With a significant impact on your bottom line, competition for technology talent is fierce. As a boutique, relationship-based business our mission is to help our clients win top talent and grow their business, while developing a long term partnership. Our unparalleled work ethic, dedication and high level of support will help your company succeed. We have a robust team of recruiters, some of whom come from technical backgrounds themselves, and are highly successful with hard to fill positions. Our process Our consultative approach to recruitment begins with a deep dive into your organization to tailor our search process to your needs. After gaining needed intel we are able to target, market and recruit the most highly sought after talent to best suit your unique situation. Our in-depth screening process produces a low ratio of candidate introduction-to-hires and ensures the interview, feedback and offer process is geared for success.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldMay 4, 2022atlanta headshot, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, atlanta, head shot, headshots, headshot, branding, canon, Jewish, outdoors, studio

The Moment is Now

Dana reached out looking for a last minute photographer, wanting to capture the moment with her family before her mother was scheduled to begin Chemotherapy that week.

My stomach lurched. Both my mother and mother in law are, thanks to G-d, cancer survivors.

Dana’s mother is battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. But she wanted to keep it quiet during the session, because her brother still didn’t know about it. He has Fragile X, and she wanted him to enjoy the session.

I wondered if I would. I wondered if I would keep it together.

It was an expectedly emotional process. Both the session and when we viewed the images and came up with a plan for them. I am so grateful to begin the process of creating an album for her, one that she will be able to pass down to her daughters.

I wish Dana and her family a lifetime of health and joy.

Update:

The Chameleon

I’m grateful that the Jewish Moms of Atlanta (shout-out!!) directed Eriana straight into my studio. She’s a woman you notice. Full of intrigue and a winding story of how she found herself on an unexpected journey: both professionally and personally.

She’s starting work at Honeywell as a Sr. Business Development Manager. She has a fantastically varied history before this in the beauty industry, and then connecting baby products to big name brands. I asked if she did relatively the same work in all of these different sectors, but nope, she’s always crushing something new. Seriously, check this woman out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erianarivera-rozo

It’s no surprise that she’s so prepared to transform herself in so many different roles, companies, and industries. She told me a fantastic story of her family origins in Columbia, and her mother’s discovery that she had Jewish lineage. The Spanish Inquisition not only caused so many to flee, but to then bury their identities. But her mother, and Eriana, embraced the discovery. It didn’t negate what they knew or who they believed themselves to be, it enriched it. It’s evident that Eriana sees each new role and revelation as an opportunity to learn, grow, embrace, and elevate.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldFebruary 7, 2022atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta family photographer, canon, Jewish, head shot, headshots, headshot, introduction, jewish photographer, portraiture, portraits, portraitphotographyComment

Style

Sara wanted a session commemorating her son’s upshern (3rd birthday). Originally, she had in mind that we do the session before the party, since they were dressing up anyway. Ultimately, she decided to separate the two, as she wanted a low pressure session where it would be the only thing on her mind.

We shot in their home, moving only a couple pieces of furniture and taking advantage of the lovely light in their space.

We reviewed the images together, then she chatted with her amazing interior designer (I need to get her name and link her here!!), and together, we created a vision, and I edited her images accordingly.

Left: our design, virtual on the wall, Right: the actual installation

It was tremendous fun creating images to fulfill our final vision.

EDIT! And then…

Sara reached out, craving one more image. She wanted a color shot, to gift her husband for his office:

The Matriarch's Reunion

There’s a common scam photographers get, someone asking them to capture a “reunion,” and then pay the other “vendors” for them…

But I knew this one was legitimate, because the call came directly from Ramah Darom, explaining that their retreat center was hosting a family reunion, and that family portraits had been requested. Eliana, who runs the retreat center, said that she was coming to me because she and the family wanted to gift finished artwork to the matriarch for her home, as they were gathering to celebrate her 80th birthday.

I wanted to capture the sun rising behind the family over the lake. The two hour drive in the dark up through the mountains was stunning nonetheless. They really do have the most fantastic venue, and as I trekked, I reminisced about my pivotal time working there.

Ramah had put together an outstanding itinerary for them, featuring truly quality together time. I arrived as they were finishing their breakfast buffet, and then went to fine-tune the location I had in mind.

It was muddy, and there were tire tracks… and I was thrilled that the family was good sports about it, because it was PERFECT.

I got to know the family a bit. They had ventured in from all over, including California and Israel. They were a vibrant group, whom while diverse, were cohesive under Elaine’s leadership. When she and I had our selection appointment, she took me through their journey as a family. One of discovery, adventure, and risks with a big payoff. She had a clear vision for her family, and this reunion felt for her like the culmination of all her goals and efforts. She has such deserved pride for all that the generations she created are achieving.

I can only dream of glowing the way Elaine does when I’m 80. To have such sharp and radiating memories, and tangible proof of a life that was worth living. May we all experience such joy.

New role, new shot

When Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez transitioned into the role of Director of Family Education and Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, she decided to celebrate with a new headshot, new look! Overseeing the camping initiative, PJ Library, family experiences, and working with the preschool educators, she felt that an image with bright energy was our next move.

What do you think? Did we nail it? Do you feel like you know her?

ClientsRachel LinkwaldSeptember 1, 2021Jewish, jewish camp, jewish photographer, atlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, maharat, jewish federationComment

The Next Generation of Dimples

Remember THIS GORGEOUS LADY?

When her daughter needed a yearbook headshot, she decided to crank it up a notch and turn it into a celebration. This way, she gets to submit something extra special and customized, AND start building a gallery home of her family at home.

Shira sparkles, just like her mom.