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.

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

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.

Waters

In 2018, we did our first Cohen family session. Their three precious girls dipped their hands in the water.

In 2019, we recreated that image.

In 2020, we paused. Covid took precedent.

In 2021, we captured it again.

Each year, we capture their growth, and mirror both the past, and what we desire for the future.

In 2019, we added metals to the year prior. In 2021, we reinvisioned the arrangements completely, forming new groupings to tell new stories.

We are continuing to select matte metals for Avital, not only because it lends cohesiveness to her expanding galleries, but because she raved: “I love these with my kids! I don’t worry as much about fingerprints or damage. The kids love exploring them and touching them and pointing to themselves, and I know these are durable enough for that.” She also loves treating their parents to accordion albums- tiny leather-bound brag books they can carry in their bags, and display on their shelves.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldAugust 5, 2021Shayna Image family photography, portraitphotography, siblings, canon, children, storytelling, atlanta family photographer, sisters, atlantaComment

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

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.

Welcome to the family!!

Let me introduce you to Corrie. And then, let me tell you why Corrie is a big deal for us.

I’ve only just begun to get to know her, but here’s what’s clear: she has passion and drive, but seeks balance and tempers her decisions by really checking in with herself. She’s energized by change and opportunity. She’s very talented, transitioning from Marketing at Turner Broadcasting into Real Estate. She’s got a couple spunky kiddos who tell her exactly what they think. She really understands people. She asked my husband to take a personality assessment- and told him spot on what he was before he revealed his results.

Corrie Knuth Howard Headshots 2021-0431-Edit2.jpg

And here’s why all of this is so important to my family…

My husband and I are both small business owners. You already know what I do. My husband got into real estate, grew his business, took on Pam, an amazing partner, and then was hired by his brokerage to coach other Realtors. He now coaches 79 Realtors, and helps them explore their goals, desires, and actualize the steps necessary to grow and better serve their clients. He was recently able to hire Candace to assist with coaching!

The twist? While helping others launch and scale their businesses, Billy determined that his clients deserved more attention and a higher level of service. SO NOW THE FAMILY HOME GROUP HAS CORRIE AT THE HELM!! She is here to help the business explode: to provide top-notch service, and to execute the vision Billy has always had for his real estate team.

If you have ever started your own business, you understand the excitement, the nerves, the amazement, of seeing your baby to a place where you bring in leadership.

Corrie is the match we’ve been seeking. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, CORRIE!

The Next Liora

I remember jumping, sweating, learning… Liora and I used to take a dance workout class together. It was a hip hop class- choreography oriented. What’s strange, is I can’t even recall how we became friends before that. I know we were, it feels like we always were, but I can’t flag the start.

But I remember the pause. Already a brilliant pastry and paint artist, she returned to school to pursue a degree in the medical field. She wanted to put all her love into her education and her family. I’ve also seen her bloom in her art.

Liora ultimately is pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician. Currently, she’s applying to phlebotomy and medical assistant positions. Besides proficient, this woman is so kind, empathetic, and warm, she’s guaranteed to bond with and soothe anyone she assists.

KW Roswell 2021 Part Two

Second round! See someone you know??

Remember the first?: https://shaynaimage.com/shayna-image-blog/2021/1/15/kw-roswell-2021-part-one

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