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…

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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/

Chantal and I go back to the 90s, but our journeys spread soon afterwards. So I was floored to hear from her, in her new(ish) capacity as marketing director of WBL CPAs + Advisors! We chatted business, but made space on the call to hear all about where life has taken us each.

She had big photographic goals: not only showcasing who they are on their website for clients, but moreso, marketing to draw in more CPAs. Their firm showcases both established talent and new energy, both stability and fun. It was our goal to communicate both.

I was chatting about the breadth and goals of the project with my friend and mentor, Mark Hill. He encouraged me to hire on an assistant for the project, and connected me with Ken Schneiderman. Working with Ken was a dream. Sure, his celebrity resume will make your jaw drop, but moreso because the whole experience was so beautifully synergistic. Instead of operating with one brain and two hands, I suddenly had two brains and four hands, and the whole process felt like a symphony. I’m spoiled, now.

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While individual portraits weren’t the focus of the day, there were a few people who needed updates.

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Links:
WBL CPAs + Advisors

Ken Schneiderman

Thank you to Chantal for the great behind the scenes!!

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…

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Check out the company she works for! hatch.ai, designed to help Nonprofit Fundraisers engage more effectively.

I introduced you to Lizzy last week.

I wasn’t sure where we we go with my home. I love my home, but while I have an eye for photography, and can put together a mean gallery, I do NOT have an eye for interior design. She swept through, and pointed out little changes we could make that would cost little, but have a big impact and pull the place together.

For example? She brought over baskets, so I could empty my games cluttering the corner into zip bags and tuck them away.

She pointed out that my living room rug was too small, and thus made the room look more diminutive. So I bought a new one off a neighbor for $18, and then was able to move the old one to the basement to make the sitting area more cohesive.

But the piece de resistance? She narrowed in on my most loathed spot: the entryway. When our house was remodeled in the 90’s, the original entryway that led into the kitchen was closed off, so the main room could be opened. That left us with a dark narrow hallway at the entrance. The surprise on people’s faces, when they emerged from the canal and actually saw light again was amusing, but it was such a sad start to a visit.

BEFORE:

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She started throwing around foreign terms: Wainscotting? Board and Batten? She started showing me images, and I knew she was on to something. She asked where my guests hang their belongings, and I jokingly made a motion over the house. “Let’s fix that. And we’ll bring in colors from your dining room chairs, so there’s a flow from the entry into the house.”

DURING:

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The results? I’m excited to usher people into the home. The space has color and purpose, despite its size, without looking even more cramped.

AFTER:

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I had spent years lamenting: I can’t build a closet, I can’t fit a table, I guess I’m just stuck. Lizzy’s creativity breathed fresh air into a space I considered hopeless.
Hunt down Lizzy here!

Mamie bounces into the studio full of life, despite being dampened by the rain. Talking to her is refreshing, and I’m instantly 22 again myself. Having just graduated (though unlike her, I didn’t crush through both an undergrad and a masters in Economics in 4 years…), and starting with a new company, a world of opportunity is on the horizon. The company isn’t totally new to her, she was onboarded by Palisades Hudson Financial Group, with whom she interned. She loves the stability, balance, and people at Palisades Hudson, and looks forward to also using her talents in side projects down the road, to help those in need.

What really warmed me was the email from her after I sent her image: “Just wanted to say thank you again for an easy and enjoyable shoot on Monday (and the bag of rice, lol⋆). I like the picture more than I would've ever expected. I really appreciate your work on this and will keep you in mind if I ever have any photography needs in ATL in the future!”

⋆(her phone was wet)
Gotta say, the feeling is mutual.

I’m grateful to Paul Jacobs, Managing Vice President at Palisades Hudson Financial Group. After working with his family and wife a handful of times, he thought of me when they needed an image for Mamie. Continued clients are absolutely the best clients.