I had the honor of photographing Lynley Reilly in the fall. I asked her to share a takeaway from her journey:
“Carve your own path and focus your energy on the people and things around you that uplift you; ignore the naysayers. Enjoy the uncomfortable because that’s where you really learn. You can get lost in the hard stuff and the uncomfortable feeling but that is where you learn and grow and develop.”
Lynley’s journey wasn’t traditional by any means. When I went to law school, it was during the recession and just getting into a program was competitive and difficult. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t at the top of my class. I wasn’t sure I’d be successful. I even had a few people tell me that I should go into a different career or that I would never pass the bar or that I should find a different job.”
Lynley continued, “I attribute my success to not listening to naysayers or people that tell you that you must follow a certain path. In 2012, the set path was joining a firm after law school, but I didn’t see myself that way. I networked all through law school to carve my own path. I met as many people as I could to create a village that would support and uplift me on my journey to become an in-house attorney. I also met people that I could encourage too. Meeting people led me to what I love to do: helping people navigate issues they were facing both personal and in business. Over my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work for companies like Anheuser-Busch, Heineken, Peloton and Ferrero.”
“As a working mom, I don’t get a lot of time for myself. It was really nice to do something to focus on myself and my career. Alissa and Lisa are a dynamic duo who made me feel really special. They made me look like the strong, powerful woman that I am.”
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.