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.

Continuing to Play

Adrienne and I go back to middle school, and all these years later continue to play together. I photograph her maternity and newborn, she paints murals on my children’s walls. I capture her family as it continues to grow, she helps design my photography studio. I respect her as an artist, and am delighted to continue to call her a friend.

Her husband plays, too. He’s a musician with the band, Hinder, and plays beautifully with their girls.

Who else plays? Their little one and Ben! Since we were in studio, my kids were excited to see Adrienne again, and snuck their way in. Adrienne’s younger daughter begged to play with Ben in our playroom, so after our session, the adults got to catch up, while the littles indulged with toys. There’s something so striking and precious about peeking in and seeing your child playing with the child of a lifelong friend.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 9, 2022atlanta family photographer, atlanta photographer, childhood, children, memories, family photography, family, friendsComment

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.

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

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.

The Annual Insanity

It was time! The annual family self-portrait. It was a disaster, as always. Without someone behind the camera, its a silly face free-for-all. I don't want to tell you how many images I had to splice together. But I will. Outtakes below.

We took the settee, one of the exciting new pieces of furniture I purchased for the studio, behind the house/studio. I love having tons of gorgeous, natural spots to draw from for photographic backdrops, all right here.

How did this image happen? I set up my camera on my tripod, tethered to my computer. My computer was set to fire 20 times 5 seconds apart, and we did three rounds. My light and diffuser were slightly right, triggered remotely by the camera/computer. Then, I took 4 different images and fused them together into this one.

4 different images?? That’s not normally necessary for a client session. But a client session has me behind the camera, coaching. When I’m in front of the camera, this happens…

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I’m dying to see this on canvas. Next step for us is to pick our space, and use my software to see it virtually on the wall, to ensure we’re choosing the correct size. Can’t wait to show the finished product!

Rachel LinkwaldJanuary 8, 2021children, kids, editing, Jewish, selfie, family photography, family, heirloom, beth jacob atlanta, keller williams, outdoors, woods, portraiture, portraits, photoshop, photography, photographer, realtor, art, shayna image, atlanta, custom art, loveComment

More to come!

Alexandra is an artist. When she reached out to me, there was a perfect understanding of what we are trying to accomplish when you work with me. She wanted us to build art together. She did, however, throw me for a loop when she asked about the process of booking three sessions in a year.

I told her I have a two-session discount that could easily be adapted…but why three sessions? Clearly there was a goal…

She mumbled a bit, talked about capturing different environments… then came out with it: she was expecting!! She imagined a gallery in their home that tells the story of their evolving family through this time: a family of three, a family maternity session, and as a family of four.

I definitely squealed through the rest of our consultation.

Our session was delightful, learning all about Adam’s work as Executive director of local synagogue Or VeShalom, which I had the pleasure of attending for a few years, and getting Stella’s full spunk. They are such a dynamic family! But what was truly fun was capturing this image, with Stella completely unaware of why we were taking it:

We’ve been waiting all these months until Chanukah to finally make the announcement. May this family have nothing but joy going forward.

Speaking of going forward… it’s almost time for their second session!!

Evolution

Adrienne and I continue to evolve together, both in friendship and artistically, through the years. We first bonded in middle school choir. Decades later, she’s making a living as in interior designer and muralist. And we keep hiring each other! Beginning with murals in my children’s old rooms, most recently she’s the artistic brain behind my photography studio (hire her!) And I’ve had the chance to create her maternity, newborn, and last year’s family picture. Which brings us to this year!

Mike, who tours with the band, Hinder, playing bass, endures Adrienne’s and my endless reminiscence year after year. He has such a softness with his girls.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 16, 2020atlanta, atlanta photographer, art, children, design, editing, heirloom, family photography, friends, family, growth, gallery, gallery design, holiday cards, home art, kids, sisters, love, living room art, nature, marriage, outdoors, portraiture, photography, photographer, photoshop, siblings, sister, woods, waterComment

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.

The Quaranteam Kids

The hardest times can be the most beautiful. We shut down with the world. It became apparent that every decision would be one of risk vs reward. A decision that we made, not without risk, has been richly rewarding beyond belief. We came to bond with our neighbors. We decided together to proceed as a bubble as cautiously as possible, and to socialize outdoors. These kids have come to see each other as family as much as friends.

Missing in action: Yaira, George, and Dovi. Special shout-out to Miriam Ahuva.

Outdoors is a hot bliss filled with squeals, swings, laughter, swinging, fighting, bleating sheep, zip lines, hiking through creek tunnels, scooters, felling trees and climbing them, too.

We all hope to go back to the world. To see missed friends, restore balance, and to actually go into each other’s homes. But this time is equally precious and scary.

Her Moment

In the tumbling chaos, the confusion, the isolation, the anger…

A moment by stillness. Toes muddy and cool. Tranquility and exhalation.

I watch her grow into her gracefulness. She seems to have a wisdom about all of this that I desire. She beams still over inconsequential moments. She radiates contentment while I struggle.

Have you heard of the syndrome, “Photographer’s Child?” It’s murmured frequently in my profession. Because we love our built in test-subjects, and they too soon are “over it.” So I make a point to insist that they permit me to take our family portrait once a year, and try otherwise to leave them alone.

Ah-ha! Reverse psychology! Now, every time I have a client come, they beg me to take their picture, too.

So we tromped into the backyard. I had to coax her into the mud by the creek. Her dress originally was purple. Her shirt was a vibrant turquoise. My daughter asked if we could print it for her room. My son also wants a print of himself for his room, though he was satisfied with our last studio session:

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.

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

Good Wishes

I rifle through the stack of mail, and see something personally addressed. The anticipation of opening a holiday card, in a sea of impersonal correspondence, is tangible. I slide my finger through the envelope, and find warm greetings bedecked by images that I poured my soul into. The elation of creating art… and having it mailed back to you!

I am so grateful that Adrienne Rodden, whom is an incredible interior designer and muralist I’ve known since High School, hired me for the third time to capture the journey of her family- and that I continue to have opportunities to hire her, as well!

Authentic

My third shoot with the Marvelous Rabba Melissa, and I’ve learned about what she craves: authenticity. She wants gorgeous art on her walls, but she isn’t looking for everyone looking perfectly catalogue chic. She wants the expressions and moments that speak to her everyday life in this phase. The “pouty snuggle face,” the “I’m just silly,” the “I’m totally teenager.” She wants to remember everyone, exactly as they are.

When she knew her brother and nephew were coming to town, she said it was an occasion to be remembered and documented. Our next step together is to mount her gallery wall with images we’ve printed together from this shoot, last year, and occasions before we were blessed to know each other when the littles were littler, and their wedding day. Their growth so far, to be added to for years to come.

The Grandkids

Coming this week to your wall, Tracey!!

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I can’t wait to hang this metal of your angels with you.

…And see how your mom is loving her gallery down in Florida! Capturing cousins is magical.

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.

What to Wear Part 3

Two Fridays ago, I mentioned that I like thinking about styling a client in one of three categories:

In Designer’s Dream, your focus is on your finished product and how it interacts with your space. Is your style modern? minimalist? shabby chic? nautical? Do you have prominent colors that echo through your space? Do you want a piece of art that not only features your family, but compliments you home style?

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You are looking for fabrics with movement and texture. Everyone doesn’t need to precisely match one another nor your room, but should be in complimentary color groups. When we design your shoot, I can guide you into the color group that is flattering both to you AND your room!