I had the incredible privilege to photograph Dawn Zappetti earlier this year. During our photoshoot, Dawn shared how one person can impact the lives of many.
“I am not sure at what point I truly internalized the value of making connections with others, but it is now core to who I am. I had long witnessed how my mother touched many lives as a connector, confidant, and Principal. Almost 400 people came to her funeral, so many of whom shared how much my mother helped them. But it wasn’t just her students or those she worked with in a professional capacity. I even spoke to a woman who worked at a store my mom frequented and learned how my mom helped her through challenges with her kids during store visits.”
“It was a great lesson in how one person can make such a difference and leave a legacy through ordinary, daily life. It made me think a lot differently about my interactions -you never really know whose life you’ll impact. I pay a lot more attention to the people around me, both friends and acquaintances, making connections with and for them, bringing out the best in each other. I devote a lot more time to networking and have just deepened my commitment to community by taking on the Chair of Union Settlement Association.”
“It’s also so important to let yourself experience and enjoy the exploration and challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone or shift when the time is right. I originally thought I’d be a psychologist. After a year, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. So, I started business school and went into marketing. Throughout my career, I moved a lot across businesses and departments and got out of my comfort zone.”
“Now, I’m on another new journey and just started my own consulting firm. These headshots were part of the work around my personal brand and journey, they represented this shift and fresh start. I used to have such angst about getting my picture taken, and now I have so many good ones to choose from that I’m excited about.”
“What I really like about working with Alissa is that she takes the time to understand your context and what image you’re trying to project. The virtual style consultation was so much fun. You enter the day differently when you know what you’re going to wear in advance. She goes that extra mile—it’s not just a photograph, she is really trying to capture the essence of who you are and what you want to project in that headshot. That’s why the outcome is so good. It’s not just a picture, it’s who you are.”
Thank you, Dawn, for sharing this impactful story with us.
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.