Author Archives: Joan Marie Photography

August 6, 2026

one year old baby girl on a red backdrop in a traditional Hanbok

Capturing Milestones: Celebrating Baby’s First Birthday in Scotch Plains

There is a profound kind of magic in watching a family grow through the lens of a camera. As a photographer, one of the greatest honors I can receive is returning clients—families who invite me back into their lives to document chapter after chapter of their story.

Recently, I had the absolute joy of celebrating a very special milestone: a sweet little girl’s first birthday with a stunning portrait session right here in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

A Journey Through the Years

My connection with this wonderful local family goes back quite a way. Our creative journey together began with a milestone session for her big brother and a heartwarming family session. Last September, this little darling was one of the babies who participated in my newborn model calls.

baby girl posed peacefully with her head resting on her hands on a orange floral backdrop

When you work with the same family over time, something wonderful happens. The initial camera shyness melts away, the children feel comfortable and safe in front of you, and sessions feel less like a photo shoot and more like catching up with old friends.

More Than Just a Job: The Art of Photography

During our session, the mom, Grace, shared some incredibly kind words with me. She mentioned that she truly feels I am making art—that my images show someone who genuinely loves what she does rather than just clicking a shutter to get paid. She spoke about how my care and dedication shine through in every frame, creating work that feels deeply artistic.

Her words touched my heart deeply, and it led to a conversation I often find myself having with clients who value imagery: photography isn’t just a “job” for me.

My background in studio art heavily influences everything I create behind the lens. From the way light dances across a subject to the moody, emotional, and warm tones I weave into my editing style, my goal has always been to elevate family photography into fine art. I want families to have beautiful, artisanal images of the people, places, and things that are most important to them—heirlooms that carry real soul.

Tailored Sessions for Every Stage of Life

Whether you are looking for a fully customized experience or a quick, targeted update for an individual, I offer portrait options designed to fit your family’s needs:

Custom Sessions (Year-Round): Available throughout the year, these fully personalized, bespoke sessions are tailored entirely to your vision. Perfect for full family portraits, newborns, and extended storytelling, these sessions are completely customizable to capture your life’s most meaningful chapters.
Milestone & Mini Sessions (Selected Dates): Offered on specific dates throughout the year, these curated sessions are designed for individuals looking to celebrate milestones, birthdays, or quick updates with artistic flair.

Preserving Your Family’s Most Precious Moments

Grace and her family remind me why I do what I do. Being trusted with a family’s milestones—from a newborn’s first weeks to a bubbling, joyful one-year-old taking her first steps—is a responsibility I never take for granted.

To Grace and every family who trusts me with their memories: thank you. Your trust allows me to keep making art, and I am endlessly grateful.

Are you looking to capture your own family’s milestones, birthdays, or everyday magic with artistic, soulful portraiture? Whether you’re interested in a fully custom year-round session or a targeted milestone spot, let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out today to book your session!

1st birthday portrait of korean baby on cream backdrop

little girl in hanbok posing for her first birthday shoot in scotch plains nj with joan marie photography

July 15, 2026

A smiling one year old baby boy during a 1st birthday mini portrait session in Scotch Plains

A special 1st Birthday mini portrait session

They say the days are long, but the years are short—and absolutely nothing proves that more than a baby’s first birthday at their 1st Birthday mini portrait session! It feels like just yesterday this sweet little one was a tiny newborn, and now, they are sitting up, smiling, and showing off a big, bright personality.

We recently hosted our highly anticipated Mini Portrait Day, and I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the sweetest one-year-old for their 1st Birthday mini portrait session.

Here is a little peek into their session, plus details on how you can snag a spot at our next event!

Why Mini Sessions Are Perfect for Toddlers

If you’ve ever tried to keep a one-year-old happy, dressed, and in one spot for an hour, you know it can be a workout. That is exactly why our 1st birthday mini portrait session format is such a hit with parents.

These sessions are specifically designed to be fast, fun, and completely stress-free:

Short & Sweet: Sessions are stacked back-to-back. That means we move quickly to capture your little one’s before they lose interest or run out of steam.
Focused on Your Child: These are individual sessions dedicated entirely to capturing your child’s current milestone.
All-Digital Format: This is a digital-only experience, making it incredibly easy to download, share, and print your favorite memories.

The Best Part? The Savings!

Because these sessions are run back-to-back on a single day, I’m able to pass those logistical savings directly on to you. Our Mini Days offer $300+ in savings compared to a standard, full custom session.

Keep Your Favorites, Discounted!

Your session fee includes a set number of gorgeous, high-resolution digital files. But let’s be honest—it’s almost impossible to pick just a few when your toddler is this cute!

To make sure you don’t have to leave any favorite moments behind! We offer discounted pricing on additional digital files purchased from your viewing gallery. You get to keep all the sweet smiles, silly faces, and tiny details without breaking the bank.

Looking for Something More Custom?

While mini sessions are incredible for quick, solo milestone updates, they aren’t the perfect fit for everyone.

For full family portraits or a curated, personalized experience, my Custom Portrait Sessions are exactly what you are looking for.

A custom session offers:

Time to Warm Up: If your little one is on the shy side, the fast pace of a mini session might feel overwhelming. Custom sessions give us plenty of time to play, laugh, and let them get comfortable with me and the camera at their own pace.
Space for the Whole Crew: Mini sessions are strictly for individual children, whereas custom sessions are designed to capture multiple people, beautiful family dynamics, and sibling interactions.
A Curated Experience: We will work together to customize the styling, location, and vibe to perfectly match your family’s aesthetic.

Don’t Miss Out: Our Next Mini Day is August 7th!

If a fast, fun mini session is exactly what you need, don’t wait! The next Mini Day is officially scheduled for August 7th.

Because of the massive savings and the limited number of slots, spots have already started to sell out. If your little one has an upcoming milestone, this is your sign to secure your time slot.

Click Here to Grab Your Spot for August 7th before they’re all gone!

July 1, 2026

Mini vs. Custom Photography: Finding Your Perfect Session Fit

Choosing a photographer is the first step, but deciding how you want your session to look and feel is where the real fun begins!

Two of the most popular ways to work with me are Mini Sessions and Full Custom (or Premium) Sessions. While both give you beautiful imagery, they are designed for completely different needs.

Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the perfect fit for your next photo shoot!

The Quick Comparison

Feature	Mini Sessions	Custom & Premium Sessions
Length	30 minutes	Longer, relaxed, and fully personalized
Availability	Specific pre-set dates only	Mon–Fri (Weekends for Premium)
Who it’s for	Individuals only	Families, couples, pets, and more
Planning	Pre-set location and theme	Pre-session styling, design & planning consultation
Delivery	Digital files only	Access to gorgeous, high-end physical products
Ordering	Immediate, same-day image selection	Personalized viewing and ordering

📸 Mini Sessions: Fast, Fun, and Focused

Think of Mini Sessions as the “greatest hits” of photography. They are short, sweet, and happen on specific, pre-determined dates.

Because I book them back-to-back in 1-hour increments, I’m able to pass a lot of savings on to you!

The Experience: You get a focused 30-minute shooting window. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and perfect if you just need a few updated portraits.
Same-Day Perks: No waiting weeks to see your photos! We do image selection and purchasing immediately after your shoot, same-day.
The Perks & Discounts: Minis are already discounted, but they also come with a major bonus: special discounted pricing on additional digital files, including a Buy 2, Get the 3rd Free deal!
Best For: Individuals looking for a quick update—think milestones, quick branding, or headshots.
Note: Mini sessions are digital-only.

✨ Full Custom & Premium Sessions: The Ultimate Tailored Experience

If you want a session that is 100% about your story, a Full Custom or Premium Session is the way to go. These are completely personalized, unhurried, and designed from scratch around your vision.

The Planning: We start with a pre-session consultation to discuss styling, wardrobe, location design, and overall planning. You’ll feel confident and prepared before you even step in front of the camera.
The Scheduling: Total flexibility. You can book Monday through Friday, or grab a weekend spot for Premium Shoots.
Who it’s for: Everyone! Bring the whole family, your partner, or even your pets.
From Digital to Tangible: In addition to your files, Custom and Premium clients get exclusive access to my line of luxury physical products (like custom albums and wall art) to display in your home.
Best For: Commemorating major milestones, capturing family dynamics, and anyone who wants a relaxed, deeply personalized experience.

The Golden Rule: If you want a quick, budget-friendly individual portrait with instant gratification, go Mini. If you want a relaxed, styled experience for your family with custom artwork for your walls, go Custom!

Ready to book your spot?

Whether you’re looking for a quick mini or a fully tailored custom experience, I can’t wait to get you in front of my lens. Click here to contact me / view upcoming Mini Session dates and let’s make some magic!

Which type of session feels like the right fit for what you’re looking to capture next?

May 19, 2026

A sweet newborn redhead baby girl sleeping during a customizable newborn photoshoot in Scotch Plains.

There is something incredibly special about a career coming full circle. Especially when I get to host a customizable newborn photoshoot in Scotch Plains. While Scotch Plains is home to my brand new studio, but I grew up in New Providence, NJ. Last week, I had the joy of welcoming a new addition from a family I’ve known for over 30 years!

The story of how this sweet little peanut got to my studio is a testament to sisterly love. The baby’s mom now lives in Morristown. When I posted a newborn model call to test out things in my studio, her two sisters (whom I grew up with!) immediately reached out to her. Urging her to apply—and I’m pretty sure they might have even filled out the application for her!

When they walked through my studio doors Thursday, I was met with the best surprise. This beautiful baby girl is a gorgeous little redhead!

Model Calls vs. Custom Sessions: Understanding the Difference

Because I am committed to offering a luxury experience, my model calls are incredibly rare and limited. When I do host them, they are designed strictly around my photography, styling, and posing needs for my portfolio.

For Thursday’s session, I spent the afternoon getting familiar with my new studio space. Utilizing the light to highlight this sweet girl’s unique features and testing:

The “Ginger” Palette: For our little redhead, I chose earthy tones and soft neutrals that made her rare hair color truly pop.
Artistic Backdrops: I selected new, high-end backdrops designed to create a timeless, editorial look.
Curated Textures: I finally debuted a new collection of premium bucket covers and wraps that I have been dying to photograph.

While a model call gives me creative freedom to test new equipment, it is a solo baby session styled entirely by me. A signature, paid customizable newborn photoshoot in my Scotch Plains studio, on the other hand, puts you in the director’s chair.

One really cool thing I can do as an expert retoucher is customize the color scheme in post processing. This was originally a light Purple and look at the variety I am able to add with a little editing magic!

Designing Your Dream Session: The Power of Customization

When you book a custom photography session with me, it is a high-end, collaborative experience from start to finish. You have the ability to collaborate with me on the design and vision of the shoot. Together, we curate:

Your Custom Palette: We select colors that complement your home decor and your baby’s skin tone.
Luxury Props & Setups: You choose from my curated collection of backdrops, textures, and props to match your aesthetic.
Deep Connections: Unlike model calls, my custom photography sessions include family and sibling posing.

Seeing this mom and remembering my history with her sisters in New Providence reminded me of just how vital those family bonds are. In a custom session, we design a relaxed, unhurried environment where big brothers, sisters, and parents are seamlessly integrated. We prioritize safety and comfort to capture those sweet, protective sibling shots and genuine family connections that eventually become heirloom wall art for your home. All of this is included when you invest in a custom session.

Ready to Create Your Custom Art?

When you invest in a luxury newborn experience, you aren’t just “showing up for pictures.” You are designing art tailored to your family’s legacy.

Looking for a Custom Newborn Photographer near Morristown or Scotch Plains? While my portfolio model calls are limited to solo baby photography, my custom luxury sessions are fully tailored to include your whole family and your unique vision. [Click here to inquire about designing your custom session.]

May 12, 2026

Capturing the Spark: A Dating Session in Metuchen with the Multi-Faceted “R”

There’s a certain magic that happens when a client walks into a dating photos session and immediately sets the tone with a mix of high-energy ambition and a totally “down for anything” vibe. That was exactly the case with R during our recent shoot in the charming streets of Metuchen, NJ.

She’s the kind of woman who is just as comfortable discussing global affairs as she is picking up a paintbrush for a paint-by-numbers session. Getting to know her through her questionnaire was a journey through a life that balances drive with a deep appreciation for the “simple things.”

The Dating Photo Look: Soft Glam & European Chic

Before we even clicked the first shutter, the tone for her dating photos was set by the incredibly talented lovemarkbeauty. She did an AMAZING job executing a soft glam look that perfectly complemented R’s natural features. Done without overshadowing her personality at her dating profile photography shoot in Metuchen. It was the ideal “elevated everyday” vibe for someone who loves European fashion and museum-worthy aesthetics.

You can check out more of her stunning work here: lovemarkbeauty

The Woman Behind the Lens

R is a powerhouse. She’s smart, goal-oriented, and possesses that rare, effortless “cool girl” energy. Whether she’s practicing Pilates or mastering a new language (one of her many talents!), she approaches life with a “rise to the challenge” mentality that is seriously inspiring.

But don’t let the drive fool you—she’s also incredibly grounded. When I asked her what brings her joy, she didn’t pivot to career milestones. Instead, she talked about:

Watching the sunrise at the Manasquan Inlet.
The feeling of the sun hitting a window in a quaint coffee house.
The “simple things” like a great meal and being fully immersed in the moment.

Her Vibe: Artistic Soul meets Urban Explorer

If R could have any job, it might involve being a UN interpreter or a museum curator—basically, any role where she can flex her intellectual muscles while dressing like a fashionista.

During our Dating Profile Photography Session in Metuchen, her love for “character” and aesthetic really shone through in her dating photos. She has this eclectic, When Harry Met Sally romanticism about her—she’s looking for those warm, intimate moments, whether that’s an aimless walk through the city or a peaceful day at a museum.

What She’s Looking For

R knows exactly who she is, which means she knows exactly what she wants in a partner. She’s looking for someone who matches her frequency:

Maturity: No games, just genuine connection.
Drive: Someone motivated to build a fulfilling life.
Charisma: That spark that makes a random walk along the coastline feel like an adventure.

The Final Word

Working with R was a dream. She’s GORGEOUS, yes, but her beauty is truly a reflection of her inner vibrant spirit. From her eclectic music taste (rock to EDM to oldies!) to her obsession with skincare and her desire for a life filled with purpose, she is the full package.

R, thank you for letting me capture your light in your dating photos! I have no doubt that whoever earns a spot on that “ideal date” walk through the city is going to be one lucky person.

Are you ready to refresh your vibe and show the world the real you? Let’s book your profile session!

May 11, 2026

There is a specific kind of energy that comes with a Mini Session day (fast-paced, high-energy, and full of variety). My most recent event in April was no exception! I had the pleasure of hosting six headshot clients and one very dapper young man for his Communion portraits right here in the Scotch Plains area.

Although, by the end of these marathon days, I’ll admit—I am exhausted! But my heart is always so full. There is something so rewarding about helping seven different people find their confidence in front of the camera all in one afternoon.

The “Pop” of Pink: Modern Professional Looks

And one of the highlights of the April date was our variety of setups. But while we offered several classic looks, my absolute favorite was the hot pink backdrop paired with strip lights. The lighting setup was designed to create a beautiful rim light around my clients, making them truly “pop” against that vibrant color. Whether it was for a creative professional, a brand refresh, or a personality portrait, the results were stunning, modern, and anything but “boring corporate.”

Is a Mini Session Right for You?

New Jersey Headshot Mini Sessions are the “sweet spot” of professional photography. Mini sessions are designed for individuals who need high-quality digital images without the time or financial commitment of a full custom session. Afterwards, we select the images you would like to purchase and they get added to my editing queue.

These sessions are perfect for:

Professionals: Refreshing your LinkedIn or website headshot.
Parents: Quick child portraits or “wrapped” newborn sessions.
Daters: High-quality photos for your dating profile that actually look like you.
Creatives: Personality portraits that show off your brand and style.

So if you’re unsure if a mini is the best fit? Basically, if you’re on the fence about whether a mini or a full session is the best fit for your needs, check out this blog post where I break down everything you need to know to decide!

Grab One of the 3 Remaining Spots for May 22nd!

While I typically offer these Scotch Plains headshot mini sessions quarterly, the demand has been so high that I’ve added another date!

Our next Mini Session day is Wednesday, May 22nd. As of right now, I only have 3 spots remaining. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to update your image, this is it. You get the same professional lighting, expert posing guidance, and premium backdrops at my special mini-rate.

Format: Individuals only
Delivery: Digital-only sessions (high-resolution files)
Value: The best savings you’ll find for professional-grade portraits in Scotch Plains!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW TIMES AND BOOK YOUR MAY 22ND SESSION

I can’t wait to see who steps in front of my lens next!

April 29, 2026

Dapper & Divine: Frankie’s First Holy Communion Portraits

First Holy Communion Portraits of a boy posing in his white suit for his first holy communion in scotch plains nj with joan marie photography

There is a special kind of magic that happens when my “professional headshot” world collides with milestone family moments. On the 17th, I hosted a Headshot Mini Event, and while many came for business branding, little Frankie arrived to steal the show in his dapper white suit for some First Holy Communion Portraits.

A Connection That Feels Like Family

One of the greatest rewards of this job is the way the “client tree” grows. Frankie’s mom found her way to my lens through her brother and sister-in-law—my wonderful long-time clients, Katherine and her daughter Elizabeth. I’ve had the joy of capturing Elizabeth’s journey through holidays, cake smashes, and personality portraits, so getting to meet and photograph her cousin Frankie felt like a natural extension of that relationship.

The Guest of Honor: Nonna

The day became even more special because they brought Nonna along to the shoot! Having her there to witness Frankie in his Communion suit added such a beautiful, soulful energy to the room. I love when families bring the grandmothers along—it reminds me that these photos aren’t just for today; they are for the generations that come next. We had such a wonderful time adoring Frankie with his First Holy Communion Portraits, and seeing him through Nonna’s eyes was truly the cherry on top.

Energy, Fun, and a Sharp White Suit

First Holy Communion Portrait sessions can sometimes feel stiff, but Frankie made sure ours was anything but! Full of energy and a contagious sense of fun, he made the session a total blast. He looked absolutely incredible in that crisp white suit, and his personality shined even brighter than his outfit.

Freezing Time in the Big Moments

As a photographer, the weight of these milestones is never lost on me. First Holy Communions are such a significant “big moment.” I love this job because I get to be the one to hit the pause button.

We all know how fast these kids grow, and providing a family with images that “freeze time”—especially images that Nonna will get to cherish—is a responsibility I hold dear. Looking at Frankie’s portraits, I’m reminded of why I do this: to capture the heart, the energy, and the fleeting milestones that make life so beautiful.

Congratulations on your First Holy Communion, Frankie! You (and Nonna!) made my day.

April 29, 2026

The Art of Becoming: Personal Branding Portraits with Liv

woman in chair at her personal branding portrait session with joan marie photography

There are people you meet in high school who you just know are destined for big things. But seeing that “greatness” evolve from the classroom into a life of profound depth is a rare gift. Recently, I had the honor of getting Liv behind my lens for personal branding portraits that felt less like a photoshoot and more like a quiet revolution.

The Brilliant Mind & The Brave Heart

In short, Liv is, quite frankly, a powerhouse. She carries the titles of PhD and ACPN, credentials that speak to her sharp intellect and “savvy” professional drive. She was even recognized in 2024 as the New Jersey State Nurse Practitioner of the Year! But the version of Liv I’ve been witnessing lately is something even more transformative. She is currently embarking on a season of massive life changes—ones rooted in healing her inner child and embracing a radical kind of vulnerability.

Lately, she’s been taking that heart to the stage. At local open mic nights, she shares her stories with an eloquence that leaves the room breathless. When she isn’t weaving magic with her words, she’s finding it in the keys of a piano. She picked up the instrument recently, and the pieces she plays are nothing short of haunting—the kind of music that moves you to tears before you even realize why.

Therefore I really wanted to capture all of these sides of Liv in her personal branding portraits.

Finding Beauty in the Shadows

However, hasn’t been without its heavy shadows. Two years ago, I photographed Liv’s extended family when her father-in-law was ill. Since then, the family has walked the long, difficult road of losing both him and her mother-in-law.

While the weight of that loss is heavy, Liv and her family have found a staggering kind of beauty in the grief. Having been present with them as they passed, they’ve transformed that pain into a deep appreciation for the present moment. It has reinforced her role as the heartbeat of her family—a devoted momma, friend, and wife.

Capturing Every “Form” in uique personal branding portraits

So our goal for this session was to capture Liv in all of her forms:

The Professional: The brilliant PhD who leads with expertise.
The Artist: The storyteller and musician finding her voice.
The Healer: The woman doing the hard work of looking inward.
The Pillar: The family-focused woman who holds everyone together.

Liv, thank you for trusting me to document this chapter through personal branding portraits. You are a testament to the fact that we don’t have to be just one thing. We can be smart and soft, grieving and growing. We can be “all of our forms” at once. You are nothing short of amazing and a true inspiration for others to follow their heart and find their voice. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Are you ready to tell your story? Contact me today to discuss how we can create authentic images to document your journey.

April 28, 2026

From Styling to Stillness: Janine Garrubbo Brings Sound Healing to Maplewood

We all know Anthony Garubo Salon as the heartbeat of style in Maplewood. It’s where we go to feel seen, pampered, and refreshed. But lately, something even more transformative has been happening within those familiar walls.

I am so excited to share a beautiful new venture started by Janine—a familiar face at the salon and a woman whose vision for wellness is as clear as the ring of a crystal bowl. She has officially stepped into the world of wellness, bringing the restorative power of Sound Healing to our community.

A Legacy of Artistry and Heart: Honoring Anthony Garrubbo

You can’t talk about this space without talking about the man who built it. Anthony Garrubbo was a staple of the Maplewood community for over 40 years. We lost Anthony about a year and a half ago, and his absence is still deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved him.

Anthony wasn’t just a stylist; he was a true artist, a philosophical soul, and a man overflowing with kindness and compassion. He viewed hair as a craft and people as a passion. That legacy lives on today—not just in the cuts and colors, but in the salon’s comprehensive training program and education for apprentices. Anthony didn’t just build a business; he built a school of excellence and a family.

Capturing the Glow: New Headshots for the Garubo Team

Speaking of family, I recently had the absolute pleasure of getting behind the lens to take some beautiful headshots for the girls at the salon. It was a full-circle moment for me, especially getting to photograph one of my high school best friends, Ashley Garrubbo, her Client and another one of my high school besties, Meghan and the Manager of the Salon, Dawn.

Seeing these women continue their father’s legacy while carving out their own paths is inspiring. There is a specific kind of “glow” that comes from doing what you love, and it was an honor to capture that spark in their eyes.

Ashley is truly an artist when it comes to color. Check out the transformation she made with our friend Meghan’s color!

Transforming the Salon into a Meditative Sanctuary

On event nights, Janine works a special kind of magic. She takes this hive of creativity and transforms it into a stunning, candlelit meditative sanctuary. The buzzing energy of the hair dryers is replaced by the ethereal chime of crystal singing bowls. The styling chairs make way for cozy meditation mats.

Why You Should Try a Sound Bath with Janine

If you haven’t experienced it yet, a sound bath is like a massage for your nervous system. Janine uses the therapeutic tones of singing bowls to create “washes” of sound that help:

Calm the nervous system * Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote deep, restorative rest

You don’t need any experience. Janine provides the mats, pillows, and eye masks—you just need to bring yourself in comfortable clothes and prepare to embark on a journey of relaxation.

Join the Journey at Anthony Garubo Salon

Supporting a local, female-led business is always a win, but when it’s an evolution of a 40-year family legacy, it’s truly special. Whether you’re coming in for their top-tier styling and color or looking to find your Zen at a sound bath, you are in the best hands in Maplewood.

Check out the upcoming dates and book your spot here: 👉 Sound Bath Meditations at Anthony Garubo Salon

March 26, 2026

Capturing the Magic: Our Twin Girls Cake Smash in Scotch Plains!

Twin girls with big blue eyes and chubby cheeks eating vanilla cake in a Scotch Plains photography studio

Thinking about a cake smash session for your little ones? They are one of my absolute favorites, and capturing the pure joy (and inevitable mess!) of this major milestone is always so special. Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming two absolute dolls into my Scotch Plains studio for their twin girls cake smash, and let me tell you, it was a double dose of everything adorable!

From Hesitation to Giggles: Capturing the Magic

It’s completely normal for little ones to be a bit wary of a new face and a big camera – especially when there are two of them checking things out! These beautiful sisters were definitely in a “stranger danger” phase initially. We took things slow, starting with some cozy family posing and individual portraits. This is a crucial part of my cake smash sessions, giving everyone a chance to warm up and capturing those sweet, non-cake-covered smiles first.

And what smiles they were! These girls were just breathtaking – big, beautiful blue eyes that reminded me of juicy blueberries, and cheeks you just wanted to pinch! Honestly, they could have easily stepped off a Gerber baby ad.

Let the Smashing Begin!

Slowly but surely, the giggles started bubbling up. By the time we brought out the main attraction, they were ready! Seeing the difference in how each sister approached their cake was so funny and absolutely adorable.

One sister was a natural cake enthusiast! She dove right in, fistfuls first, fully embracing the sugary chaos. The sheer delight on her face was infectious! Her sister, however, took a slightly more refined approach, carefully examining each bite with serious focus. Watching them interact with each other throughout the whole process – a little shared glance here, a cake-covered hand reaching out to sister there – truly highlighted the unique and beautiful bond twins share.

A Lifetime of Twin Love (and Local Goodies!)

I might be slightly biased when it comes to twins! I grew up with twins as best friends, even dated a twin for a while, and my sons’ grandfather is a twin himself! Having been surrounded by twins my whole life, I’ve always been fascinated and touched by the special, almost unspoken connection they share. Seeing these two interact brought it all back – that unique blend of shared identity and individual personality.

Being so close to so many twins has given me a real appreciation for capturing these precious early moments of their shared journey. I love seeing the dynamics unfold and creating memories that parents will cherish forever.

Making Memories, Stress-Free!

One of the best parts about my cake smash sessions? I aim to make them as stress-free and fun for parents as possible!

The Cakes: I provide beautiful and delicious custom cakes for the smash itself, sourced directly from my incredible local baker, V’s Sweet Treats! They are always a hit (and look amazing in photos!).
The Décor: Forget about scrambling for decorations! I create a stunning, custom-colored balloon garland specifically for your session, based on the colors parents choose. It adds that perfect pop of fun and personality!
Everything Included: From the pre-smash family and individual portraits to the messy finale, everything is designed to capture this significant milestone in all its glorious detail.

Looking for a Scotch Plains Newborn & Family Photographer? I’ve been so incredibly busy here at my Scotch Plains studio with 1st birthday sessions lately, and it’s truly such an honor to be a part of so many families’ celebrations.

If you’re ready to capture some seriously sweet (and maybe slightly messy!) memories for your little one’s first birthday, I’d love to chat! Head over to my contact page to learn more and book your session!