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.

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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.

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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.

When Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez transitioned into the role of Director of Family Education and Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, she decided to celebrate with a new headshot, new look! Overseeing the camping initiative, PJ Library, family experiences, and working with the preschool educators, she felt that an image with bright energy was our next move.

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What do you think? Did we nail it? Do you feel like you know her?

Melissa is an artist. Not by trade or practice, but creatively, in her mind. By trade and practice she’s a Maharat, a leader, and a guide. But she gets these incredible creative bursts, and I get to execute them! She saw my headshot, and wanted a twist for herself. My favorite messages are from her, saying “I just had this crazy idea for a photoshoot…” See one here.

Darker, more dramatic background? Or brighter? What do you think?

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We wanted something rich, dramatic, but still as colorful and vibrant as Melissa! The only purple in the original image was in her headband, but I infused the color into our backdrop and her necklace to build cohesion.

Here’s the setup behind the scenes!

She has my dining room table.
I have her moving boxes.
You know those insta-friends? The people who explode into you life and you know it was for good reason, even before you know each other?
When nearly a year ago, I photographed her family, and didn’t want to leave afterwards, I knew.
Melissa is a talented and gifted woman with a Maharat degree from Yeshivat Maharat, a job in Jewish Camping at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and a smile that looks like this:

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Now you know you want to be friends with her, too.
We each were actually having really horrible days. I am so grateful for the time we had capturing these in my back yard. It was needed respite.