Celebrating Alane

*NOTICE* - boudoir photography to come!

Is Alane fierce?

Without question.

She’s a registered nurse who provides post-surgery in-home care. She also works events with the local police force.

When people heard I had a “Celebrate Yourself Session” approaching, they said, “Wow, she must be so confident.”

Is Alane confident in the field? You betcha. Was Alane nervous about our session? You betcha.

She reached out because she wanted to present her husband with a special birthday present, custom art for their home. But she was really putting herself out there, taking this leap. She said she’s never had a picture taken of her that she likes.

She drove to the studio DURING A TORNADO, and met Corie, our hair and makeup artist. (Thanks to Yelena for the introduction to Corie: they worked on set of the “Love is Blind Reunion” together.)

We explored different outfits, different poses, reviewed the images together, until we NAILED IT.

After the session, Alane texted, giving me permission to share her images: “Let’s show the world how amazing you are!”

Showing the world how amazing women are, TOGETHER:

We explored creating a gallery for her husband’s office, though I believe their final destination is still undetermined. She chose to have these images printed on stand-out metals, and I can’t wait to install them for her!!

Screen Shot 2021-05-03 at 2.41.16 PM.png — Our gallery design, images straight out of camera.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldMay 5, 2021boudoir, atlanta, atlanta photographer, best atlanta photographer, canon, love, marriage, portraits, portraiture, custom art, shayna imageComment

Up and Coming

Get on Instagram! everyone said. I dragged my feet, but finally acquiesced.

It finally paid off, and I enjoyed my first session from someone who found me on IG!

Elliot is a law student at Georgia State University. Always thinking through every move, and several moves ahead, not only did he want to review our contract thoroughly (everyone should!), but he wanted to get ahead of the game getting his headshots, knowing that they would be crucial in his next career steps. This is a man both thoughtful and focused- he knows where he’s going and is proactive getting there.

I guess this just proves that, whether we are 24 or 39, it’s always time move forward, push yourself, and take those extra steps.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJanuary 21, 2021goals, goals2021, #atlanta #photographer #photography #atlantaphotographer #atlantaphotography #shaynaimage #canon #sigma #85mm #jewishphotographer #headshots #tocohills #atlantaheadshots #branding #headshot #atlantaheadshot #jewish #lawyer #lawstudent #atlantastudiophotography #editing #portraits #studio #portraitphotography #INSTAGRAM, #atlanta #photographer #photography #atlantaphotographer #atlantaphotography #shaynaimage #canon #sigma #85mm #jewishphotographer #headshots #tocohills #atlantaheadshots #branding #headshot #atlantaheadshot #jewish #lawyer #lawstudent #atlantastudiophotography #editing #portraits #studio #portraitphotographyINSTAGRAM, #atlanta #photographer #photography #atlantaphotographer #atlantaphotography #shaynaimage #canon #sigma #85mm #jewishphotographer #headshots #tocohills #atlantaheadshots #branding #headshot #atlantaheadshot #jewish #lawyer #lawstudent #atlantastudiophotography #editing #portraits #studio portraitphotography #INSTAGRAM, atlanta, INSTAGRAM, portraitphotography, studio, studio photography, home studio, atlanta photographer, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, best atlanta photographer, photoshop, photography, photographer, canon, sigma, 85mm, Jewish, jewish photographer, toco hills, law, lawyerComment

2/3

We’re 2/3s of our way through documenting the Kofinas year of growth. Remember this session??

Alexandra and I are building a gallery wall that chronicals the growth of her family over the course of this year: from family of three, to maternity, to family of four.

That leaves us with one session to go for the year… and my heart is pounding just thinking about it.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJanuary 14, 2021atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta family photographer, best atlanta photographer, galler, gallery design, home gallery, story, storytelling, portraiture, pregnancy, pregnancy announcement, maternity, maternity portrait, maternity photoshoot, siblingsComment

Test drive

A couple of nights ago, we tiptoed down to the almost completed studio. I wanted to test lens length in the space, so asked kids to stand in. Didn't have a single light set up, no backdrop: just my new space, natural light in the evening in the rain. This is the result. Back of camera, as unedited as it comes.

Mira and Matthew

Matthew and Mira were adorable, curled up on my couch, sipping sparkling apple from my own nuptial flutes, and poring over wedding materials with me. We chatted about how they met, the evolution of their relationship. They enjoyed each other so much. She told her mom that she knew nothing about what she wanted her wedding to be like, EXCEPT that she wanted Shayna Image to capture it. I’ve never been so flattered, and I wanted to blow them away.

Their wedding was March 1st.

The world shut down for Covid-19 March 13th.

We were scheduled to have our reveal party on the 22nd. We wanted so much to get together in person, enjoy celebrating and reliving the evening together, so we opted to postpone until we could view the images in person. But come August, we couldn’t take it any longer, and gathered with both sets of parents for a virtual viewing. The wait was agonizing!

They are both blessed with large, local families with abundant personalities. The energy that day communicated that this couple has a support system that runs deep. If you are a part of that support system, the family would love to share their complete online gallery with you: be in touch with them for instructions and password!

May the couple always feel encapsulated in the love of that day.

Connection

Elisheva bid on a session with me at an auction to support The Jewish Fertility Foundation some time ago. We got together for a socially distanced session at her home, in front of her favorite tree.

Among her favorite things, which include a passion for helping children, American Sign Language, and promoting exercise health, is snuggling her sweet children and puppy. The images that made her coo weren’t perfectly posed, but rather when there was a connection. She loved this image, but unfortunately, puppy Oreo’s face was hidden behind them. That’s why you hire a photographer who can photoshop! I can’t wait to see her face when she holds the finished mounted print.

Screen Shot 2020-06-24 at 12.12.24 PM.png

Bold

Falynn is a heavily pursued architect, who recently transitioned firms and was ultimately wooed by OTJ Architects.

Falynn Facebook-Falynn Headshots-025-Edit.jpg

Her ingenuity keeps her creating and building both professionally and personally. Based out of Washington D.C. and Atlanta, she’s continuously impacting both her work and her community. I’m proud to have been a project of hers myself, one could say, and be able to admire her not just as a brilliant woman but as a dear friend.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJune 4, 2020atlanta, atlanta photographer, best atlanta photographer, headshot, headshots, friends, growth, introduction, photography, photographer, studio, Jewish, architect, otj architectsComment

Best of the Situation

Remember this friend/client, who convinced me to do my version of a corona porchtrait for her?

It was a beautiful session. Perfect weather. She had great ideas in mind. And seeing her children again, even if many feet apart, was bliss.

That first picture? It’s actually a composite of three different images:

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As I left, her amazing daughter asked, repetitiously, “When the sickness is over, can we come to your house? Can we come one day, when it’s over??”

I feel like this whole experience is a constant contrast of tender and heartbreaking. A craving and appreciation of connection.

Corona Woman

I am Corona Woman!

Hear me roar. Or cry. Or call out in gratitude. Or fear.

I wear all the hats and I want to cast them to the ground. Sometimes I do, and hide in the closet. Sometimes the hats stack nicely.

I am so proud of myself. And ashamed.

All these people are me.

I am Corona Woman. A self portrait dedicated to all those who are doing all the things all the time at the same time right now.

About the portrait: this is 6 separate images taken over the course of one morning in my dining room. I had one speedlight behind the camera and one bare-bulb strobe off right, both bouncing from the ceiling. I tethered my camera on a tripod to my computer, and set it to automatically take 15 shots of each story. I inched myself around the space so that I would have a variety of positions to assist with overlap. Then I spliced them together in Photoshop . I edited the now singular image with a heavy hand of dodge and burning to make it pop. Yes, my little one was actually fighting during the session (he rescinded his protest and requested to take part after he saw big sis was excited.) I desperately wanted to tidy, but didn’t permit myself to move a single item, so this is life during Covid-19 in all its glory.

Reunited with Wonder Woman

Rebekah was a dear friend in college, we bonded performing in a production of Tommy. Fast forward, the lady is rocking as owner of the Center Stage Arts Studio in Ohio, is the proud mama of 6, and military wife.

She and her family (four brothers), were gathering outside of Atlanta for Thanksgiving, and she wanted to take advantage of the gathering. I was equally excited to make art with her as I was to simply catch up with someone who has always been a magnetic match.

This week, some metals are shipping out to Vegas, for her brother and sister-in-law!

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Rebekah is the queen of keeping it real, and pushing for her dreams. A true Wonder Woman.

The Fine Art Home portrait

I’ve been shying from requests from front porch/yard portraits during this time. I want to stay true to the custom art that my clients expect, I want to be meticulous about safety, and I want to make sure my own family is holding it together.

Then, a repeat client who had been amongst those inquiring hit me hard last night with a: “THIS TIME IS CRAZY! AND I WANT TO REMEMBER IT! I want to add it to our home gallery, because it’s a great way to remember this insane time beautifully.”

After processing it with her, I realized I can indeed accomplish all three while creating art with my clients and neighbors to commemorate this period.

$400 includes:

Photography session outdoors on your porch or in your yard, from a safe distance.
Virtual consultation where you select your portrait, and we envision custom alterations.
Optional gallery design included: see your image(s) in different sizes and configurations in your actual space.
A calibrated, heirloom, mounted 8x10 art print, with the accompanying 8x10 digital image.
Option to change print size, material, and add additional images. Upgrading your mounted print to wall art begins at an additional $235.

SIGN UP FOR A SLOT ON SUNDAY, MAY 3RD, AND RECEIVE $35 OFF.

The first three images were combined to create the final portrait.

Sign up for your slot here. We will chat on the phone afterwards to discuss your vision, narrow down timing, and answer questions.

In the Nick of Time

A personal referral goes a long way! Denisse was looking for a publicity image for The Lewis Group, a realty team out of Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta. She was disappointed by much of what she saw available- until she saw The Peter’s Company picture, and reached out to them directly to find out who was behind it.

Weather forecast was unfortunate, so Denisse went scouting, and found the perfect spot in the neighboring office’s lobby. We were so grateful they allowed us to use their space- providing we worked FAST!

After some giggles followed by whispers, we captured this in record time:

Thanks to BOTH The Lewis Group and The Peter’s Company for keeping me on my toes!!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldFebruary 20, 2020atlanta photographer, atlanta real estate, atlanta, best atlanta photographer, branding, keller williams, locations, photography, real estate team, realtor, team photoComment

Powerhouse

Stephanie Herbert is notorious for her top notch service and ability to inspire in the fitness industry. She realized that these qualities had the potential to skyrocket her in the real estate industry as well! She’s launching her next phase, where she’ll motivate and guide clients in a multitude of ways, whether into a healthy body, or the perfect home.

www.teamherbert.kwrealty.com

ClientsRachel LinkwaldFebruary 6, 2020atlanta photographer, alpharetta, atlanta real estate, atlanta, best atlanta photographer, branding, breathtaking, real estate team, headshot, headshots, keller williams, photoshop, realtorComment

Sparks

A year after mounting her metal gallery to her kitchen wall, Rebecca was ready for a session for her holiday/new year cards. I love how the fire of the menorah is a perfect metaphor for Michael and Rebecca’s children. They are such little sparks, with a passion for performance, and fiery personalities.

May they and all their loved ones have a snuggly and meaningful 2020. And may their children shine through life.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJanuary 31, 2020atlanta, atlanta photographer, best atlanta photographer, bright, custom art, cousins, children, kids, Jewish, family photography, family, portraiture, shayna image, holiday cards, chanukkah, menorah Comment

Kicking off 2020

Every year, Keller Williams in Roswell kicks off 2020 with headshots for their new Agent Leadership Council, and opens up a few slots for other agents needing new images as well. These stars are gearing up to help set the energy and pace for their market center in the upcoming decade, an effect that will radiate.

We’re doing one more round for a couple of agents that were unable to attend, this gallery will be updated!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJanuary 21, 2020atlanta photographer, atlanta real estate, atlanta, roswell, best atlanta photographer, branding, keller williams, headshot, headshots, photography, real estate team, realtor, team photoComment

For Always

When the cousins come to play from the other side of the world, you make sure the memories last.

Proud Grandma is so excited to admire her sweet babies on her walls daily (on standout Matte Metals), and gift a mini album to her own mother.

Designed for her wall using the unedited images.

If you are a parent, or a grandparent, you know the struggle of getting multiple children engaged in the same moment. I hold your hand through the process, and help you envision your ultimate image. One that captures the spirit of each of your loved ones.

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Update! The gallery has been installed!

Our Introduction

My husband was plugging away as a realtor, feeling fine about his progress and his brokerage. Then he had a stellar transaction with Megan Dwyer, who told him that his true home was Keller Williams. She persisted. She checked in with him. Exasperated, he relented and scheduled a meeting with her market center’s Team Leader. He left telling me he was curious about what would be said, but he had no intention of switching. Fast forward many years, and he now IS the Team Leader of the market center. Megan changed our lives. She introduced our family to an organization that stands behind its belief system: “G-d, Family, then Business.”

Capturing Megan’s headshot was an honor. With new adventures ahead of her, we wish her success, exploration, health, prosperity, and vision.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldOctober 28, 2019atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta real estate, best atlanta photographer, headshot, headshots, photography, introduction, keller williams, portraiture, photographer, realtor Comment

Sara Sloan Team

Sara Sloan is a powerhouse. She started her business only a few years back, and exploded onto the scene with a growth mindset and vision. Now that her team’s in place, she’s ready for you to know their faces and their energy.

She envisioned downtown Alpharetta as our backdrop. We had so much fun scouting out little nooks and trendy spots. Shout outs to South Main Kitchen, Korner Soak, and Truck and Tap!

https://www.sarasloan.com/

ClientsRachel LinkwaldOctober 4, 2019atlanta photographer, atlanta real estate, atlanta, best atlanta photographer, branding, growth, headshot, keller williams, portraiture, photography, photographer, realtor, real estate team, shayna image, team photo, alpharettaComment

Smiles for Smiles

How exactly does one get the opportunity to photograph the smiles of one of Atlanta’s most Brilliant dentistry offices?
You do a family photoshoot. Their extended family sees it, and books you to do THEIR family photoshoot. Their office staff sees it, and says, “We all need new headshots, and we want beautiful photos like the ones you have!”

Wow.

We did this one UP! We brought in Renee Locher Hair and Makeup and went glam! Each person moved seamlessly from the makeup chair in-studio, to in front of camera just outside, all at the Shayna Image compound..

We had FUN! This group was chatty, friendly, and excited. Exactly as I imagine they would be with their own dental clients.

With schedules, lots of people, and primping mixed in, we completed this shoot over the course of two days (and they have another staff member to come!) Lighting shifted dramatically between each person, so the goal in editing was a cohesive look.

Want a smile like theirs? Go see them, and come see me!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldSeptember 25, 2019atlanta, authentic, best atlanta photographer, branding, headshots, team, headshot, photographer, portraiture, shayna image, brightworks, brightworks dentistry, dentist, dentist office atlanta Comment

Last of the strands

I have such a soft spot for pre/post upshern sessions. It’s such a sweet, sentimental session: the last moment of your baby truly being a baby! That soft, feathery, uncut hair. And then the dramatic transformation after the ceremony.

(You definitely want to click each image to expand)

And here’s our plan for their living room!:

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Even more exciting? We have our follow-up session to come! You’ll have to hold tight a few months to see this sweet big boy with his new do’.

This family was a referral from Melissa, and there’s nothing like working with someone who is there because they trust someone that loved their experience and art, and are ready to embrace the same. Thank you to everyone who shares my name and work.