Posts tagged headshots
Designed For Her Job

Rachel walked in the studio door a stranger, referred to me by the magnificently talented Faith Cohen. She was in town visiting her parents, but our time in this neighborhood had not overlapped, which is an absolute shame.

Because she is hilarious. Quick, witty, to the point, and tells it like it is with a clever twist. Over and over again, I found myself thinking, “Damn, she nailed it again,” in reference to the most basic observations.

Which I imagine really pays off in her work as a marketing director at an ai startup…

Check out the company she works for! hatch.ai, designed to help Nonprofit Fundraisers engage more effectively.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldai, marketing director, nonprofit, head shot, headshots, headshot, branding, atlanta branding, commercial photographyComment
He's Into Transformations

When Adee entered the studio, it hit me how long it had been. The beauty of repeat clients is the history. Connecting at different points through our journeys. It was incredible to catch up.

What’s interesting is we didn’t talk about business. As curious as I am about how the Real Estate world is treating him, we talked about family. About strengthening bonds, about seeing our children for who they are and adapting to their needs. About prioritizing our time with them. It was lovely.

I do, however happen to know that he’s got a great track record with flipping homes, so if you are an investor, he may be your match: adeeweismark@kw.com

ClientsRachel Linkwaldrealtor, real estate, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta real estate, head shot, headshots, headshot, studio, studio photography, home studio, atlanta studio photography, photography, photographerComment
Lizzy: Interior Designer

This was a fun twist, for us both, I think.
On a mom board, Lizzy posted: “I’m an interior designer looking for headshots for a rebrand/podcast launch that I’m doing! Any photographers that would want to trade a photo shoot for a room makeover??”

There were already a ton of responses from talented photographers. I shrugged my shoulders, figured that could be fun, and threw my hat into the ring, expecting nothing.

Next thing I knew, we were meeting for coffee and making plans! I was floored that she said she found my work memorable and wanted to move forward.

Meet Lizzy!

Lizzy earned her Residential Interior Design Certification from Kennesaw State University and is a member of the DSA.

But also? Lizzy is married to a police officer, with whom she has four kids and a bunch of chickens. And is active in their faith and church. And teaches preschool AND yoga. And loves antiquing.

Check out her website, Facebook, and Instagram!

Next blog: check out what she had in mind for my entryway!

ClientsRachel Linkwaldbranding, atlanta branding, interior design, interior designer, headshots, head shot, headshot, atlanta headshotComment
A Hug for Floridians

Deanna and her family were looking for a different communal vibe, and four distinct annual seasons.

After relocating her family from Boca Raton, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, Deanna is launching her counseling private practice. While the move was overall very positive, the one loss was leaving a job she adored. Licensed in Florida, she is taking on clients virtually.

Thank you to Rina Pollack for the beautiful makeup!

When you sit with Deanna, its clear she’s patient, thoughtful, curious, and ready to listen and guide.

Visit her website!

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, headshot, atlanta branding, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, counselor, florida counselor, mental health
The Cellist

One day, a cello walks into a studio…

The punchline is that beautiful music was made.

Roee (sometimes Roy) was long overdue to update his headshot. We thought it best to do something expected, classic:

…but Roee also wanted something fun…

We were joined in the studio by his fantastic wife, Kelli, who honored me with some BTS images.

Not only is Roee available for weddings, but he gives lessons as well. Reach out to him at https://royharran.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldcello, cellist, atlanta cellist, atlanta, Atlanta head shot, atlanta headshot, atlanta photographer, head shot, headshots, branding
The World Awaits

Mamie bounces into the studio full of life, despite being dampened by the rain. Talking to her is refreshing, and I’m instantly 22 again myself. Having just graduated (though unlike her, I didn’t crush through both an undergrad and a masters in Economics in 4 years…), and starting with a new company, a world of opportunity is on the horizon. The company isn’t totally new to her, she was onboarded by Palisades Hudson Financial Group, with whom she interned. She loves the stability, balance, and people at Palisades Hudson, and looks forward to also using her talents in side projects down the road, to help those in need.

What really warmed me was the email from her after I sent her image: “Just wanted to say thank you again for an easy and enjoyable shoot on Monday (and the bag of rice, lol⋆). I like the picture more than I would've ever expected. I really appreciate your work on this and will keep you in mind if I ever have any photography needs in ATL in the future!”

⋆(her phone was wet)
Gotta say, the feeling is mutual.

I’m grateful to Paul Jacobs, Managing Vice President at Palisades Hudson Financial Group. After working with his family and wife a handful of times, he thought of me when they needed an image for Mamie. Continued clients are absolutely the best clients.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta headshot, bra, atlanta branding, commercial photography, company photography
Transitioning to Help CEOs Transition

After years in the executive recruitment space, Lee is transitioning to a new angle. With this expertise in his back pocket, he’s now discreetly preparing top CEO’s who are looking to transition to their own new opportunity.

Let me introduce you to MaxBridge, which assists you in developing and executing a search strategy specifically tailored to your career needs and aspirations. They offer a concierge, results-based approach for the Executive on an adventure.

Lee is confident, focused, and charming. You will enjoy the process, and never doubt you are in the care of talent. Check out his website here.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, head shot, headshots, studio photography, photography, Atlanta head shot, ceo, recruiterComment
Daniela Sparks Teens

With 3 kids 2 and under, New York was feeling too small for Daniela and her family. They wanted to move to a vibrant city with space to breathe and a friendly community with playdates for her growing family. Having supportive family already in Atlanta made it more enticing. With her degree in Social Work, she bid adieu to her role as a counselor in a performing arts school, and opened up Spark Teens Coaching.

“Here at Spark Teens, our mission is simple: to provide tailored guidance and support to teens and their families. Drawing from a foundation of listening, collaboration, and a genuine passion for addressing the unique challenges teens encounter, we are dedicated to sparking positive change by helping teens reach their highest potential with confidence and resilience.”

Daniela works with teens and their families to focus on an issue, create a plan, and IMPLEMENT it.
Here’s what I can promise about Daniela: she’s incredibly easy to talk to. She’s open, friendly, and vibrant. I know she came in for a branding session, but I felt like we were “out for coffee.” I can imagine being a teen and finding her comforting, safe, and relatable.

Spark Teens Website
Spark Teens Instagram

ClientsRachel Linkwaldcounselor, atlanta therapist, therapist, social worker, atlanta, atlanta photographer, atlanta branding, photography, photographer, Atlanta head shot, head shot, atlanta headshot, headshot, headshots
Both Sides

I’ve been doing the photography for Stein Law since 2017, but this was a totally different ballgame!

They’re doing a total brand overhaul. With the addition of a new teammate, they also are working with a marketing company that sent over a Photography Art Direction packet.

In it, it outlined the specific blue they needed in some of their images, along with a totally fun concept: each person should have a formal headshot- but when you hover over the headshot, it switches to a casual portrait that showcases their personality. I LOVE IT!!

Is it obvious we had a lot of fun on set?

We ran with the idea, creating a couple sets of group shots that showed both.

Stein Law has been assisting their clients in Corporate Services, Tax Planning and Controversy, and Estate Planning for two decades. Not only do they have the smarts, but the personality, too!


https://steinlawllc.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldstein law, law, lawyer, atlanta lawyer, headshots, atlanta headshot, head shot, headshot, branding, atlanta branding
Fujiyama Wealth Management

Are You Facing Financial Transition?

Whatever transition you’re facing (divorce, inheritance, retirement…), wait to make your next move until you learn how to successfully navigate your journey with the help of Fujiyama Wealth Management. They’ll ease you through things like planning retirement, getting an inheritance, selling your business, and loss of spouse.

I first met Junko Horvath at a talent night at our Synagogue. She had no idea what I did, until I was a suggested connection on LinkedIn.

Her daughter was in town briefly, and she wanted to snag the opportunity to update their marketing images, as she’s a member of the team from afar.

Chris met me eagerly at the door, and we discussed potential backdrops. While their stunning office is a part of the “King/Queen” complex, I wanted to showcase them, rather than their jaw-dropping building.

Chris is just as impressive as the company, he told me he was off to run the Chicago Marathon, raising money for charity.

Junko is also author of the book, “Women in Financial Transition.”

Reach out to Fujiyama Wealth Management at their website: https://www.fujiyamawealth.com/

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, atlanta, atlanta branding, Atlanta, atlanta headshot, Atlanta head shot, atlanta wealth managementComment
Beautiful Change

Randy was in a nervous rush, trying to get a headshot in by Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta’s deadline. She had been accepted into the new cohort of “Agents of Change,” and didn’t know a portrait was part of the process. She Googled “Headshots Atlanta,” and found my website.

But there are no accidents. She was dreading the process, but said as she poked around my site, she began to feel reassured. This would not be painful! She was meant to come to my studio, where I would hold her hand through the process.

There is so much to admire about Randy. She, like so many of us, has been dealt some real challenges. But she sees and moves through them. She remains focused, centered, and loving. She sees opportunity and beauty. And in our session, I hope she saw her own beauty.

Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta found a true Agent of Change. Randy has so much to offer the world. Seeing it through her eyes, for even a moment, was changing for me.

Behind the scenes

ClientsRachel LinkwaldJewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, Agent of Change, Jewish, jewish women, photography, headshots, atlanta, atlanta branding, atlanta headshotComment
The Journey

Aliza DID NOT WANT to have her photo taken.
Many months ago, she made note that she needed to update her very, very old headshot - both for her health insurance business, and for her teaching. But she dreaded it, and put it off.

And put it off.

And put it off.

Guess what… I hear this from a majority of my headshot clients. They are there because they HAVE to be, not because they WANT to be. They’re uncomfortable in front of the camera, and they just want to get it over with.

And I get it. Like Aliza, it’s out of the norm for most people, and we already have very full plates. Aliza works multiple jobs in multiple industries and has 4 kids ranging high school to preschool. But as she left, she sighed, with relief, “This was actually easy and fun!”

During a session, I coach, we giggle, and then we look at your images. And you say, “Wait! That’s it! I love it!” or, “Can we try it again? I liked that angle, but want to switch my hair.” We shoot until we nail it.

And now Aliza has something for her Health Insurance business cards. And to send to the school she teaches at virtually in Seattle for their website. And to show her children her huge, warm smile.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, Jewish, teacher, mother, headshots, headshot, Atlanta head shotComment
The Border Control Comic

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.

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.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldcustoms, border control, head shot, atlanta, atlanta headshot, headshots, headshotComment
Get The Job Done

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.

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.”

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, home studio, head shot, headshots, headshot, ceo
Warm Wisdom

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.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, life coach, coachComment
where the real passions stand

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.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldhead shot, headshots, studio, studio photographyComment
The Healthcare Strategist who is not an Architect

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.

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!

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.

Clients, EducationalRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, Jewish, head shot, headshots, headshot, inversesquarelaw, jewish photographer, lightingComment
Lisa Rovinsky

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!!)

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.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta family photographer, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, Jewish, head shot, headshots, headshot, jewish photographer, law, lawyer, Culhane MeadowsComment
Daniel Wachtel

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.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta family photographer, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, Jewish, headshots, headshot, head shot, jewish photographer, atlanta therapist, psychiatrist, atlanta psychiatristComment
World Changer, Story Teller

It’s interesting. When I meet a client for the first time, we frequently open with “getting to know you” questions, divulging where we are from and the like. Caren and I somehow skipped right over that, and plunged right into dissecting Ozark and talking about mortifying Zoom mishaps.

Which is amazing. She connects so easily, something you might not expect from someone who is equally comfortable presenting in Federal Court.

Caren is a civil rights and voting rights attorney, transitioning from her work at the Southern Poverty Law Center. She’s going to be the legal director for the National League of Women Voters. If you are saying “wow,” you’ve got that right. And if you haven’t heard of these organizations - go Google them now.

I wish Caren tremendous luck changing the world. And I hope she continues to have amazing anecdotes to show for it.

ClientsRachel Linkwaldatlanta headshot, atlanta, atlanta photographer, Atlanta head shot, head shot, headshots, headshot, jewish photographer, lawyer, southern poverty law center, league of women votersComment