I had the honor of photographing Pasquale Cirullo. Pasquale, thank you so much for the opportunity.
I asked Pasquale how did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? This is what he said:
“My first job after graduation changed what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was a Research Engineer for a lab at Columbia University, doing scale up research for a new process we were working on for the Chemical industry. I realized that I could use computers to improve efficiency of the lab – perform experiments quicker, gather more data, etc. I rewrote the grant, we implemented computers and measuring technology, and indeed improved our results. My experience taught me I was in the wrong profession. I switched my field to IT and have progressed and enjoyed my field since then.”
The takeaway is: Leverage your experience, go with your gut, and it’s OK to change careers.
Pasquale, thank you so much!
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.