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!

Two Fridays ago, I mentioned that I like thinking about styling a client in one of three categories:

1. Classically breathtaking

2. True to you

3. Designer’s dream

In Designer’s Dream, your focus is on your finished product and how it interacts with your space. Is your style modern? minimalist? shabby chic? nautical? Do you have prominent colors that echo through your space? Do you want a piece of art that not only features your family, but compliments you home style?

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You are looking for fabrics with movement and texture. Everyone doesn’t need to precisely match one another nor your room, but should be in complimentary color groups. When we design your shoot, I can guide you into the color group that is flattering both to you AND your room!

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On Thursday, my children dressed up for my daughter’s kindergarten graduation, and I had to whisk them outside to capture the occasion. Before I had children, I would sometimes see images from friends’ preschool graduation ceremonies, and scoff, “That’s not a REAL graduation.” I had no idea the tremendous emotions that would accompany each milestone.

Chaya Mushka Children’s House took in my toddlers starting 5 years ago, and have provided a home of love, guidance, structure, and inspiration. They recognized the individualized strengths in each, and paved and beautifully individualized path. My family is heading in a new direction, and while they will not be by my side, they will be at the core of who we are. http://chayamushka.org/preschool/

I watched my daughter cross the stage with poise and confidence, reflecting on when I wore her as a baby only a blink ago, and trying desperately to look “fine.”

Last Friday, I mentioned that I like thinking about styling a client in one of three categories:

1. Classically breathtaking

2. True to you

3. Designer’s dream

Today, let’s think about #2: True to you. While Classically Breathtaking evoked emotion in the way of timeless artwork, True to You is painting a picture of who you all are, right now. You want your personalities to shine. Bold fabrics, colors, and textures that are just a step up from what you wear every day. Stay away from logos or graphics that will draw attention away from you and your energy. Think about color groupings, rather than precisely matching. Shades of blues, greens, oranges, but variations on the theme.

Click the image above for the pinterest inspiration board. Next Friday is Part 3 of What to Wear!

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:

As I see it, there are three different directions you can go in when styling your shoot:

1. Classically breathtaking

2. True to you

3. Designer’s dream

Today, we’ll look at #1, Classically breathtaking. You are the art. Clothes fit the following criteria:

• Fabric that moves.

• Neutral colors like white, creams, beiges. Avoid patterns.

• Timeless pieces.

If you are pursuing this look, avoid jeans, which will always communicate the current era. We are going for breezy and classic.

Click above to open Pinterest board for inspiration. Special shout out to Eliana Naomi whose gorgeously curated boards helped launch my search.

Check back next Friday for Part 2: True to You!

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??

Hi! Have we met yet? Even though I'm frequently called "Shayna," it's actually my daughter's middle name. I'm Rachel! I'm a native of the Atlanta area, where I currently live with my husband, daughter, and son. I'm a rollercoaster junkie, sushi addict, advanced scuba diver, and list maker.

That thing you think photographers do? Nope, I'm doing something different.
Receiving a bunch of digitals? That's like paying a baker, and having them hand you the ingredients and telling you to "finish it yourself."
I put custom finished art on your walls. Because your grandchildren aren't going to dig through your dropbox for the moments that matter.

Follow me as I share adventures, new works, educational info, and some personal entertainment.