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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stacey Davis

Stacey is dedicated.

She’s given herself wholly to her family, including her son who needs extra love and time, for years.

She’s finally at a juncture where she’s able to launch herself. Into a new career in real estate, into building new relationships, into exploring her next phase. So I was delighted when she decided to do headshots, that she chose to also do a branding image, and hair and makeup as well. This day was hers. It was about her: reinventing herself.

I gave her two versions of her branding image. The second is sized as a Facebook banner and fades to white, so she can easily add text and use it on her website and social media.

I wish Stacey so much ease and support. She’s offered it for years, and I hope she receives it for years to come.

Tinisha

Tinisha is delightful. Effervescent. Ready to listen and share. Dedicated to her family, her teenage children, and ready to be dedicated to yours as she helps you find your home.

And a shout-out to LUCY for making the connection!!

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 20, 2020atlanta real estate, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, atlanta, new home, head shot, headshot, headshots, keller williams, branding, photography, photographer, realtor, shayna imageComment

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

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

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

Polished

Lesley and Andy Peters’ relationship with Keller Williams is a multi-faceted one that includes functioning as Operating Partners of three market centers, mentoring as MAPS coaches, and inspiring Atlanta with their own stellar real-estate team. Their passion and influence in the company landed them a spot on stage with none other than Mr. Gary Keller himself at Mega Camp in Austin two weeks ago.

I was floored when they requested that I capture their team. Moreso, when the walked out the door announcing that I had nailed their vision, and they looked forward to refreshing their picture with me roughly every 6 months to come, I may have *brushed my shoulder off…

https://thepeterscompany.com

ClientsRachel LinkwaldAugust 29, 2019atlanta real estate, atlanta photographer, atlanta, best atlanta photographer, branding, headshots, portraiture, shayna image, team photo, team, real estate team, keller williams

Powerhouse Couple, Indoors and Out

Did you see that video where I was losing my mind about shooting in the new Shayna Image Studio/Compound?

“How’d that go?,” you wanted to know.

Laura and Craig Lerman, a realtor and lawyer respectively, each needed new headshots but desired different looks. So we captured Craig in the studio…

…and for Laura we stepped outside…

It was incredible to be able to get two very different looks in the same space in the matter of minutes.

My big takeaway from this shoot, was that although my chic french doors and ring doorbell haven’t yet been installed, I should still guide clients to the private side entrance to the studio. Otherwise, coming in the front door, they might be busted by my little ones, and then we get a “helper” for the session, who should be in bed.

Lesson learned. Fortunately for me, Laura and Craig are seasoned parents of six who totally embraced it. Laura kept calling MS her “fashion consultant,” and my daughter ate it up.

Laura is loving Real Estate, and you should learn more about her at www.lermanteam.com and on Facebook.

Craig is a Law powerhouse, working with businesses, corporations, and estates. Please visit www.lermanlawpc.com and follow him on Facebook as well.

The Marriage Maven

Kayla and I met through our dear friend, Danit. Years later, when she learned my family yearned to move to her neighborhood, she urged us to consider her street. We would be friends! Our kids would be friends! Two days later, she and her family decided their next steps were living in Israel. So we are not neighbors. We bought her house instead.
Kayla is the genius behind the podcast, “First Year Married.” (Update: now “How to Glow”) She fills you with warm, interesting tidbits and fantastic ways to reexamine situations. She also takes coaching clients. And you need not be in your first year of marriage to grow with her! Before moving, she inquired about a branding session for her business. It was beautifully full-circle that we were able to complete her session at our home.
Check out First Year Married at www.firstyearmarried.com, on Instagram, and on Facebook.