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:

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 Meta Shoot

Shayna Image recently took on assistance in the Social Media Marketing department (don’t they say ‘focus on your strengths’?) and they sent a photographer to my studio and grounds to do a session of me…doing a session. How meta is that?

I needed a family to be in the session. The answer to me was obvious. Lucy. Lucy and my husband work together.

She has a gorgeous family, with kiddos who I thought were up for the strange dynamic.
Her support of my business has been breathtaking. When a client books with me, they have the opportunity to name a referral source, who receives 15% off a session fee. Lucy has been named so many times, she’s on track to a free shoot.
Then I heard she hopes to gift the session to someone else.

It was a tricky evening. What I needed to do to get a great image of Lucy’s family was pretty much the OPPOSITE of what the other photographer, Franca, needed to get a great image of ME getting a photo of the family. If that sentence sounds confusing, it’s a taste of how the evening felt!

Nevertheless, her family crushed it, and we got a couple of lovely images to show from it all! These images were taken in the creek and on the paths behind the studio.

Much gratitude to Lucy and her beautiful family. And I look forward to you all seeing the forthcoming “Behind the Scenes at Shayna Image” pictures!

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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!!

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

Selfie

Setting up for John’s session, I decided it was time to update my own headshot.

Photographing yourself? Nervewracking. There’s no “me” on the other side of the table to tell me to relax, to coach my angles. Worse? Photoshopping yourself. Always a reminder that we look at others with kinder eyes.

But I think the outcome is pretty thoroughly me, and I’m good with that.

The background was originally grey, like in John's, but I decided to warm it up and go a bit more mono-chromatic.

Here’s a pull-back of the setup, plus my helper.

PersonalRachel LinkwaldOctober 7, 2020about, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, helper, Jewish, headshot, headshots, photography, photographer, rachel, shayna image, selfie, self portraitComment

Turningpoints

I’m on to you Lucy. Every time someone new to the office needs a headshot, you send them my way. Are you the best? You are the best.

This time, Lucy told John to give me a call. He’s in my husband’s Realtor coaching program. Long time New Yorker’s, four years ago he and his wife called do-over. They loved Atlanta: the pace, the people. He craved a new chapter. So here he is, learning how to guide his clients, explain the market, and loving every moment of settling into Life Chapter Two.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldOctober 6, 2020atlanta, atlanta real estate, Atlanta head shot, atlanta photographer, art, headshot, headshots, head shot, keller williams, photography, roswell, realtor, shayna imageComment

Happy Firsts!

“No pressure, but do you guys think we can finish the remodel on this studio in time for this sweet baby’s first birthday session?”

The construction team put the pedal to the metal, and we pulled it off in time for two firsts:

My first session in the new studio!
Solomon’s first birthday!

It felt like a true celebration of firsts when this amazing baby beamed his mega-watt smile at me. I was floored. “THIS is the kid I get in the studio today?? Can I be this lucky??” I told him he needed to save the grins for the session, nervous he’d wear himself out— it never happened. The smiles persisted: his, and so, of course, mine. He was a rockstar and an angel.

Speaking of new things worth celebrating, this family just moved into a new home! And this art will get to decorate the new walls! We’ve selected a 20x30 canvas to adorn their staircase.

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But what’s probably most incredible about this story isn’t what’s new: it’s what’s old. When his mom reached out to me, she told me about the sentimental and expansive family galleries that bedecked their old home. Pictures of her brother and grandfather as babies that she wished to mirror (and we literally got three of the exact same poses!), and lots of images they had brought over from the “old country” that they had restored. This is EXACTLY why I do what I do!! The cheap print labs aren’t archival, and thus the art can’t be passed down. But I create heirloom pieces. So not only will baby Solomon join the family wall amongst generations of pictures, but he, too, can be passed down with them for generations to come.

Screen Shot 2020-09-08 at 10.10.46 AM.png

**Update!

We had designed his piece for their old home, but when they unexpectedly moved sooner than expected, we delayed installation until they were settled. What’s great about the size they selected, is that it looks perfect in the new stairway, too!

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.

Heal with Hanna

Hanna hears you. Life is full of struggles and transitions, and she invites you to breathe through it all with her. Check out her Yoga and Healing practice, with zoom offerings during this time, at http://healwithhanna.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/healwithhanna, and https://www.instagram.com/healwithhanna/

Nice To Meet You!

Q: Rachel, how do you get most of your clients?

A: Via Instagram, Stacie messaged me, and said she got my name on NextDoor. So the answer? I get my clients through YOU!

Stacie was looking for a referral, because she’s going through a TON of transitions, and needed a refresh on her headshot that reflected these next steps in life. Work in plastics manufacturing, a new home, and a new little walker under her new roof! I’m thrilled that someone made the connection for us, and it was so energizing to end our dynamic session excitedly discussing future sessions and her friends’ photography needs! Now she gets to pass it on.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJuly 3, 2020atlanta, atlanta photographer, growth, headshot, headshots, introduction, moving, portraiture, photography, photographer, shayna image, true to you, manufacturing, head shot, Atlanta head shotComment

Easy going

Brian is someone who makes an easy connection, and rolls with the punches. He’s launching his career with Keller Williams, and upon meeting it’s easy to imagine how enjoyable he would make the entire home-buying process.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJune 29, 2020atlanta, atlanta real estate, atlanta photographer, art, headshot, headshots, keller williams, new home, outdoors, portraiture, photographer, photography, roswell, realtor, shayna image

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:

Connection

Elisheva bid on a session with me at an auction to support The Jewish Fertility Foundation some time ago. We got together for a socially distanced session at her home, in front of her favorite tree.

Among her favorite things, which include a passion for helping children, American Sign Language, and promoting exercise health, is snuggling her sweet children and puppy. The images that made her coo weren’t perfectly posed, but rather when there was a connection. She loved this image, but unfortunately, puppy Oreo’s face was hidden behind them. That’s why you hire a photographer who can photoshop! I can’t wait to see her face when she holds the finished mounted print.

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Corona Woman

I am Corona Woman!

Hear me roar. Or cry. Or call out in gratitude. Or fear.

I wear all the hats and I want to cast them to the ground. Sometimes I do, and hide in the closet. Sometimes the hats stack nicely.

I am so proud of myself. And ashamed.

All these people are me.

I am Corona Woman. A self portrait dedicated to all those who are doing all the things all the time at the same time right now.

About the portrait: this is 6 separate images taken over the course of one morning in my dining room. I had one speedlight behind the camera and one bare-bulb strobe off right, both bouncing from the ceiling. I tethered my camera on a tripod to my computer, and set it to automatically take 15 shots of each story. I inched myself around the space so that I would have a variety of positions to assist with overlap. Then I spliced them together in Photoshop . I edited the now singular image with a heavy hand of dodge and burning to make it pop. Yes, my little one was actually fighting during the session (he rescinded his protest and requested to take part after he saw big sis was excited.) I desperately wanted to tidy, but didn’t permit myself to move a single item, so this is life during Covid-19 in all its glory.

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

Moments matter

These babies went on the wall today!

I casually met Tamar through our mutual friend, Faigy. I made note that she was on the “soon to be friend” list. I didn’t know that she had added me to her “I want her to make art” list. She contacted me after our meeting, and said that her family would be all together- not an entirely frequent occurrence- and it was an important and meaningful occasion. It was important to get them together and in good health.

Her sister was on board. Scroll through:

We also designed a gallery for her sister, Leila, and had it shipped directly to her in California:

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The home gallery above was designed using our unedited images. The three on the side are for elsewhere in her home. We also created a mini accordion album for them to gift! Each of these rows represent one side of the book that stretches and collapses.

May this beautiful family enjoy years of health and laughter.

ClientsRachel LinkwaldNovember 14, 2019family photography, family, new friends, photographer, photographic prints, photography, portraiture, atlanta photographer, atlanta, art, gallery, gallery design, shayna image

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