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.

1. She has a gorgeous family, with kiddos who I thought were up for the strange dynamic.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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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!

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.

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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Oh, man, was it a throw back to be able to do headshots for Miriam, aspiring actor/singer. To talk industry, to remember getting my own first headshots with the same agenda. Miriam was delightful- so sweet and personable. Just the kind of young lady you would want on a set or in a cast…

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Can we talk crazy convergence here?
How did I meet Miriam?

Over 15 years ago, I met her Mom as I was performing in a couple of shows at The Center For Puppetry Arts here in Atlanta. Sara works as their Digital Learning Director: a fantastic and busy job, made much moreso during this pandemic. Then- HAHA TWIST- I moved into photography, and I moved onto her street!! Chatting after the session, while I walked them back home, it was incredible how many different ways our lives touch.

I can’t wait to watch Miriam’s trajectory!