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.

Yesterday’s pre-shoot consultation was AMAZING!! Want to know what happens at one of these?

We had spoken on the phone so that I could learn about the client, her goals, and then review her options and pricing. Then we scheduled for me to come over.

I showed her all the goodies. She was interested in glossy metals, but wondered if I could produce something that would flow with another gallery she already had.

Oh, you mean a wood-mounted print? Like this?

No problem.

We discussed the image combinations she desired: one with the whole extended family, individual families, grandparents with grandkids, and individual kids.

She showed me what they plan to wear, and it’s PERFECT. The color scheme of blue, white, and black will be phenomenal in her space! The girls’ dresses poof and move and show light and I can’t wait!!

Then I took pictures of her walls where she wanted prints, and measurements. That way, once we finish her shoot, she can see on my computer exactly what her images will look like in her home, on her walls!

I swiped her cc for retainer, and then packed up. But of course, we really hit it off. So we talked. Because one of the best things about my job is the new friends that come along with it!

We met during this shoot, and hit it off: so much so, that at her gallery design appointment, she invited me to travel with her to the other side of the world - and I accepted! I meet clients so that they can tell their story- in their home, and to future generations. Sometimes, I get to become a part of their story, and them, mine.

A picture from our trip to Israel!!:

We might have had a little fun:

Sunayana is another wonderful example of client first, then immediate friend. I can’t thank Vivi enough for bringing us together. The baby from this shoot is now beginning to sit, and I am IN LOVE with her! We’re planning our third shoot for this now foursome. Where is our next shoot location??