Early this year I had the incredible privilege of photographing JoAnna Nicholson. During our shoot, JoAnna shared an experience that helped shape her career thus far:
“I’m a surgeon’s daughter. My parents taught my sisters and I what it meant for my father to be excellent as a professional. We understood what a privilege it was for our family to have patients who trust him with their lives.”
“As part of that upbringing, my parents required me to volunteer at one of the hospitals where my father performed surgeries. Every Saturday as a young teenager, I volunteered as a candy striper. I’d do what was needed, like work in the flower shop or deliver mail and flowers to patients.”
“It was during this time that I had one of the most striking conversations with a senior citizen candy striper. He asked me if I was related to Dr. Nicholson. When I told him I was, he shared how my father saved his life. He shared how my father cared about him, spent time with him, and helped him understand what it was that was happening to him.”
“I’ve carried that memory into my professional life. It’s a privilege to be an attorney, to have clients that trust me. It’s my job to make sure my clients or business partners feel like I care about them, understand them, and will take care of them.”
Thank you, JoAnna, for sharing this incredible story with me.
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.