“It’s incumbent on each of us to ask for the help we need. Doing that offers someone the opportunity to provide guidance and direction. Sometimes people don’t offer direction or assistance because they’re not sure what they can offer or what you need.”
Claudia Regen shared that advice with me during our June photoshoot in our NYC studio. She continued, “You need to trust yourself, trust your peers, and your supervisors. And find people that you really would like to meet or look up to who can be mentors. Express interest in their expertise and ask for help.”
“We all have the capability to take on the work we want to take on. And if you know that about yourself, project confidence, and ask questions, it will be easier to feel that confidence within. You will have mirrored it and gotten the information you need.”
“In that pursuit, I really began looking for headshots that would make me feel like you’d be able to get to know me, not just recognize me, when you saw them. It was really important to me to not only find someone who could capture my essence, but to find someone who could really make me feel comfortable – and not intimidated – during the photoshoot.”
“I had a headshot I didn’t really like. I “met” Alissa through Chief and saw the photos other people were getting. I decided I’d to get a new one with her while I was visiting family in NYC. Alissa does a phenomenal job connecting before the photoshoot so that comfort is built before you even get into the studio. She builds enough time into the shoot to help you get comfortable and look at the photos as you go.”
Thank you, Claudia, for sharing this sage advice.
About Alissa
Alissa Randall is a portrait photographer based in New Jersey and New York City, known for creating images that feel both elevated and deeply personal. While professional headshots remain a cornerstone of her work, her photography has grown to include personal branding, women’s empowerment, family connection sessions, and expressive portraits of dogs and the people who love them.
Her approach blends editorial artistry with empathy and guidance, helping people feel comfortable enough to be fully seen in front of the camera. Whether photographing an executive, an entrepreneur, a family, or a beloved dog, Alissa creates photographs that reflect more than appearance. They reflect presence, personality, connection, and story.
Alissa photographs in NJ, NYC, and on location beyond the tri-state area. Explore more of her work on the homepage and discover stories behind the images on the blog.