When I was in Israel in 2019, the incomparable Aleeza Ben Shalom, matchmaker extraordinaire, and I were on a women’s program together. We became friends, and she asked if we could squeeze in a headshot and branding session for her while we were there. We snuck off through the streets of Jerusalem, looking for cute spots and soft light, since I was traveling with limited gear. She just told me that she loved the images so much, she’s still using them on many websites today. Of course, I didn’t start blogging until 3 months after our session, but she has news that MUST BE SHARED.

Starting May 3rd, you can tune in and watch her work her magic on her new Netflix Series, “Jewish Matchmaking!”

Will you be watching??

Because I’ll be glued. Aleeza really is a Bracha (blessing.) She loves to give brachas. It’s literally her middle name. And I hope that this series will be a true bracha, not just for her, but for representation of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Update: Aleeza’s show is an undeniable hit, and she represents our people beautifully. She’s crushing her publicity tour, and the “Israel Sistas”: Yelena, Raizel, Aleeza, and I, got to hang out at my house and studio after her show in Atlanta. Always good to get in the hugs!

View fullsize

I like to have a sense of who a client is, and the type of work they do, when they come in for a headshot. Emily told me she was working with the top executives of many massive companies, and she needed to look sharp. But I couldn’t quite make heads or tales of what she did, until she was in my studio, filling me in, and blowing my mind.

Emily is changing the world.

She is working to create a space that enables face time between the major components of the heath industry. What if the city’s top leaders in government, philanthropy and healthcare were all in a room together on a consistent basis, communicating and collaborating freely, rather that maneuvering thoughts through a long and beurocratic pipeline? What if the brilliant minds developing the next wave of medications had a cubicle next to someone at the CDC, someone in the field of Health Equity, The American Cancer Society, and Johnson & Johnson?

View fullsize

Emily is the force making it happen. She is working to create a space to aid in communication between all the sectors in the healthcare field. Helping to make emergency response swifter, and tackling the problems before they exist.

We are rooting for you, Emily!

It suddenly struck Steven that his headshot was 15…maybe 20? years old, when he was asked to speak at a prestigious conference in Boston. We hustled to get him into the studio.

His daughter, Leah, arranged the whole thing. She is the Special Projects and Events consultant at Congregation Beth Jacob, and through my wedding work at the venue, she knew I was a photographer. She warned me that her father is hilarious.

As he entered, I asked about what he does, and what our goal was. He told me he works with US Customs and Border Patrol. “Constantly controversial…” I mused. He showed me an example from a colleague.

The conversation spun from there. He was far more interested in discussing his family than his work, which has been in this neighborhood since 1903! I learned about his dramatically different twins, and we discovered the best way to get his twinkle in his eye, was for him to tell me jokes.

View fullsize

But the biggest smile of all was mine, when he texted after receiving his image. Not just the self deprecating jokes, but the top prize: a compliment from his wife.

When planning with clients, they frequently ask me to advise wardrobe. While I customize my guidance to address their goals, one thing I tell EVERYONE is to avoid tight lines, because it creates an optical illusion, called moire.

View fullsize

Do you see it?

Hold on to your hats for a truly touching story.

I had met Ora around my community, at Shabbat lunch, and running the kids programming at my Shul (synagogue). Delightful, sweet, funny. She reached out to me, and explained what she was looking for: which was EXACTLY what I do, and why I do it.

She explained that in her grandmother’s home, there are framed portraits of both her grandmother and her mother. She realized she’s now come to the same age and stage as they were, and she wanted to hire me to take a similar portrait of her, to display alongside them.

View fullsize

When the earlier generations did portraits, they lasted the test of time. Today’s cheap prints are no longer archival, so I was thrilled to not only create this piece for her, but know that I was going to deliver an item that will last for years, and that the next generation can emulate, as well.

Then, the twist. She was rushing to schedule. Just as she announced her ENGAGEMENT. I realized that she’s grabbing the beauty of this moment - freezing time and capturing this stage before her world spins.

View fullsize

We didn’t want to stop hanging out after the session. I gave her some of my Thai Curry, she gave me her recipe for Potato Kugel. She talked with anticipation about the moment when she would surprise her mother and grandmother with her portrait - that her grandmother had gifted her a bit of money for a college graduation gift, thinking it would perhaps go towards a watch, but Ora had this in mind instead.

Did I mention Ora has a sense of humor? She was obsessed with this outtake, said she wanted it for her phone screensaver!

I’m so pleased to be a part of this transition for Ora. I wish her and her Chosson (Groom) a lifetime of love and celebration - of both the old and the new.

Eric is a busy guy. I’ll just give over the titles listed in his LinkedIn: CEO at Bigger Cup Consulting: Business Coaching for C-Level Executives & Founders | Reach for A Bigger Cup & Achieve your Goals | CEO at First Avenue Mfg – Made in USA Bedding | Co-CEO at iAssay, Medical Device Startup

Which says nothing about his active involvement with his family and community. We were definitely looking to have an efficient system and turn-around. Good thing that’s standard by me!

The interesting tool he brought to expedite the process? His fantastic wife! It was great to have her eyes as we made adjustments and his final selection.

View fullsize

I was thrilled when Eric wrote me: “This version is perfect, super happy with how this turned out, the speed, and the ease of the whole process. Thank you! Feel free to use me as a reference.”

If you follow my page/blog, you have absolutely seen Avital before. I photograph her family each and every year, and we continue to add to her home gallery as her children blossom. You can see last year’s session here.

She reached out in a bit of a rush. The last time we had updated her headshot was 8 years ago, and she needed something new, and FAST. She finally revealed why: she is being featured by the Atlanta Jewish Times in their “40 Under 40!”

And it’s no wonder. She’s doing wonderful work with her team at Peachtree Pediatric Psychology, supporting the diverse needs of children and their families.

View fullsize

Makeup: Rina Pollack

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.

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

View fullsize

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.

The actual gallery, installed!

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.

View fullsize

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.

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.

You like Rachel, even if you’ve never met her. She’s got that energy. If you breezed by her on a street, you would find her warm and intriguing, and she wouldn’t even need to say a word. But just watch her engage in life and it’s next level. She’s finding joy in the details.

I was so excited that she reached out for headshots as her business as a Life Coach For Women grows. If you want a peek at what she has to offer, check out her Aish Article.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Remember when we first met Stacie?

Her husband, Cory, came to the studio for his turn at headshots!

Cory is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Cookerly PR. He provides a long list of services to a VERY impressive list of clients.

But wanna know what he wanted to talk about? His amazing kids. And hot peppers.

It was fantastic to get a family update. Last I was with Stacie, she had a new baby. Now the baby is three, and they have another new baby!

Wishing this family continued success, in the office, at home, and in the garden.

View fullsize

View fullsize

This is an amazing story.

Keren is an appreciator of art and portraiture. Here mother creates beautiful work, and Keren proudly displays the growth of her children via pictures ascending her stairs. And yet, she said it had been years since they took a proper picture altogether. She wanted one to proudly display in her living room, and she wanted perfection.

Here’s where the story takes a melodic twist… when we discussed possible locations, I mentioned that we built paths through the woods and down to the creek behind the studio. She immediately scheduled to come over and look with me. I walked her down and through, and pointed to where it all backed up to her parents’ home. And then it really sank in. This was the perfect location. Not only because it was my backyard, but because, growing up, it was hers.

View fullsize

Here’s the design we created for her home:

Framing isn’t a typical offering, but we wanted the style and colors to tie into the existing pieces and room.

She wasn’t pleased with the school photo for one of her kids this year, and asked if we could pop into the studio and create one for the stairway.

View fullsize

I can’t wait to show you the finished installation!

L’dor vador, from one generation to another, and back to the backyard again.

Michael was a referral of a referral of a referral. I’m grateful!

Sooo I thought he was an architect.

Because he forwarded two pages of instructions from his architecture firm, Array Architects, on requirements for our images: 6 shots, black background, dark suit, horizontal, waist up, 3 expressions (neutral, slight smile, smile) and two body positions for each (full on, turned slightly)

Obstacles: 1. Dark on dark is technically challenging. The goal is to create separation between the client/suit and the background. 2. I’m ace at getting relaxed smiles from my clients. Telling them not to smile? Not my forte.

View fullsize

Here’s how the shot was set up. Notice the light peeking over the top? That’s called a hair or rim light, and it creates the separation. You will also notice that we’re shooting on grey, not black, in a bright room. I set my camera settings to cut ambient light and darken the backdrop, so the only light at play was that which I deliberately introduced to the scene. I love shooting on grey- I can create anything I want with it!

View fullsize

I’m grateful that the firm was thrilled with the results! The kicker?

Michael is NOT an architect! He’s a Healthcare Strategy and Business Development Executive! He’s currently advising Array Architects in their current project with Northside Hospital. (Which is full circle, as they were one of the buildings I photographed behind the scenes as an artistic installation for a HVAC firm a long time ago.)

He explained the type of analysis he provides to heathcare centers (he gave a fascinating example of a hospital purchasing hospital beds, and the way he advises them that incorporates not only their current numbers and projected growth, but the trends of the industry, which is moving towards remote locations and away from, say, needing a massive amount of beds…)

So Michael is not an architect, working for an architecture firm, and blowing my mind.

I’m grateful that this is my fourth session with Joey and Esther. I got to capture them with their parents, once they became engaged, a wedding re-do, and most recently with their sweet baby. He’s the most good-natured 11 month old! A true people person, eager to connect and beaming ear to ear. We’re keeping him off social media at this point, but I’m grateful to share this sweet family with you here.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Joey and Esther kept gushing about how all the grandparents were going to need prints of their sweet baby. They loved this image, saying it truly is the essence of their son. I can’t wait for him to see these as he ages, always with a proud sense of self, and then show his own children one day.

Lisa reached out in a rush for a headshot. She’s joined a new legal firm as Partner, and needed an updated shot to accompany the press release.

She gushed about her friend, Laura. She said Laura was one of her first friends upon moving to Atlanta 25 years ago. She had loved the headshot I did for her dearest friend, so when she needed one for herself, she reached out for the referral. (Thank you, Laura!!)

View fullsize

Lisa had experienced a challenging day when she arrived, including her makeup artist cancelling with a possible case of pink eye. She was exhausted, and frazzled, and amazing. Regardless of it all, she came in with a rush of energy, and allowed herself to completely relax in front of the camera. This shot was the second image we took! Nailed it! I love her glasses and stacked necklaces: She wanted to stay true to who she is, give people a taste of who they will meet when working with her.

I asked that she send me some information about what she does. She sent the pending press release. It was so impressive, I couldn’t whittle it down to a sentence or two. Read on about this dynamic lady, and her Woman-led Law Firm!

FORMER NOKIA SENIOR COUNSEL LISA ROVINSKY JOINS CULHANE MEADOWS AS A

PARTNER IN ITS ATLANTA AND BOSTON OFFICES

ATLANTA, GA — Culhane Meadows is pleased to announce that Lisa Rovinsky ( lrovinsky@cm.law ) has joined the firm as a partner in their Atlanta and Boston offices.

Lisa has had two distinguished legal careers. Starting in advertising and marketing law, she served as Vice President & Counsel for Mastercard International and Chief Marketing Counsel for The Coca-Cola Company. She left Coca-Cola to go into private practice at the law firm Alston & Bird, moving on to become Senior Counsel at Nokia. Her move to the telecommunications giant refocused her career towards technology law and she has continued to build on that experience, working with a variety of technology-based startups.

“Lisa is an outstanding addition to our Technology and Corporate practices, “ says Kimberly Verska, Co-managing partner of Culhane Meadows, “Having worked with her in the past, I know that her creative and practical approach to problem-solving is a great fit for our firm.”

Culhane Meadows Co-founder and Co-Managing Partner James Meadows agrees, “During our time together at Alston & Bird I knew Lisa to be an advocate and mentor to women attorneys and a passionate proponent of diversity. Finding a partner who fits so well with our business and cultural goals, and who adds a wealth of experience to our team, is exciting.”

“I’ve followed the growth of Culhane Meadows for years and have had the good fortune to work with some of the partners throughout my career,” Lisa adds. “When I began to seriously consider joining the firm, one of the drivers was how impressively innovative Culhane Meadows is, and how they use technology to benefit both their attorneys and the firm’s clients. I’m looking forward to collaborating with such a forward-thinking group and the clients who value their innovation.”

Lisa graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University and attended Harvard Law School.

_______

Culhane Meadows is the largest woman-owned, national full-service law firm in the country (WBE) and has over seventy partners who work virtually from eleven offices around the U.S. Built to be fully remote from founding, Culhane Meadows serves client that range from startups to Fortune 100 businesses, offering outstanding efficiency and sophisticated legal knowledge from partners who are former BigLaw attorneys or in-house counsel, and have years of experience in creative problem-solving.

As I’m aging, I’m noticing the evolution of holidays. While my newsfeed was once only celebration for Mother’s/Father’s Day, it’s now mingled with pain. Those whom have lost their parent, those who long to be one. It makes me want to capture today that much more. The only thing that lasts will be these images, and I hope my children show them to their own one day.

View fullsize

View fullsize

My father, Left. My co-conspirator in parenting, Right.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Three generations of Linkwald men.

Hugging everyone tight today,

Rachel

Mordechai was about to push out some marketing for his accounting firm, Lavian Global, and his team declared he needed a new headshot- STAT. I’m so glad we were able to pull it off! I hadn’t met him previously, only his wife. It was incredible to get a taste of their dynamics. Mordechai is clearly someone who thinks through the details. He weighs the implications of a decision- a fantastic trait to have in a tax accountant!

When we were narrowing down his choices, he wanted his wife to be a part of the decision making process. She rushed over, and confidently declared her favorites. While he had a very cerebral approach, she coached him, “You gotta go with her gut!”

They clearly balance each other beautifully. Careful decision making, and bold instincts. What do you think of their choices?

View fullsize

View fullsize

I have lots of great things to say about Daniel Wachtel (and his family.)

He is (They are) generous and welcoming. Accepting and genuine. He loves their community, staying active, and attending concerts.

Pretty much the type of person you would turn to when you need help. When you are struggling and need guidance. When you are ready for change.

View fullsize

My Mother

She asks me to take her portrait.

I ask if she loves it.

She says, “It’s not for me, it’s for you.”

I pretend I didn’t really hear it. Because I can’t really hear it.

Rubbing my back as I fall asleep in my childhood bedroom

Walls covered in the mural she commissioned that would spark stories

She listens. The greatest gift she gave me was that she made space for listening.

She was safe, and she taught me to listen to my own.

But I can’t hear her today.