Author Archives: Joan Marie Photography

January 19, 2024

Virginie’s Headshot Session in Scotch Plains NJ

Don’t worry, I’m weird!

We did Virgie’s Headshot Photography Session in Scotch Plains in my Studio. Virginie contacted me about headshots at the end of 2023. She was looking for some updated professional headshots and came across my website where she saw some of my headshot work. We had a phone call about what she was looking for and she mentioned that she feels a little awkward and shy about having her photos taken. I promised her that it would be fun and she wouldn’t feel weird because I am a total weirdo! HAHA! I told her that we would have a ton of fun and fun we had!

Are you like Virginie? Are you afraid to invest money in headshots because you don’t know if you’ll like your photos? I promise you will! Let’s do this! Check out Virginie’s headshots below. I absolutely LOVE how they came out and she even got some extras! You can see more of my headshots here!

Ready to book your own Professional Headshot Photography Session in Scotch Plains? Fill out my contact form and let’s get you on my calendar!

January 17, 2024

LINDA & MIKE | Intimate Wedding | Watchung, NJ

LINDA & MIKE

Venue: Maskers Barn

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Sometimes things happen in life that you don’t expect. But they lead to other things and opportunities and friendships. That’s what happened here. I was invited to photograph at this intimate NJ wedding location for a couple I have never met. And I swear…the moment I met them I felt like we knew each other.

January 17, 2024

ANNIE & PETE | Intimate Wedding | Maskers Barn, Watchung, NJ

ANNIE & PETER

Venue: Maskers Barn | Watchung, NJ

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Annie and Pete chose to have an intimate wedding in Watchung NJ. Taking place at the very intimate Maskers Barn in the heart of the Watchung Reservation, the venue was the perfect setting for this wedding. It was rustic and intimate and truly captured the love these two share.

I’ve known “Petey” for well over 30 years. I know, seems impossible. But yes, it most certainly is true. And his Bride, Annie, was the absolute sweetest and trusted me to be their photographer on their wedding day.

What else did she trust me with? Taking a very special photo for her and Pete announcing that they were expecting 😍🫶🏻✨

I’m from New Providence and so is Pete. It’s a small town. One of the best parts of this wedding was being around people I’ve known almost my whole life. It was really special to be a part of their wedding in watchung nj.

I recently realized that I have spent years with this website and have been REALLY awful about blogging. I didn’t realize how important it was to do. OOPS! So here I am posting weddings from literally YEARS ago.

They said goodbye to their dog not long ago. When I was going through these pics it made me a little emotional to see the way they looked at their pup. How they incorporated him into their special day. How much they loved him <3. I’m happy they have these photos to remember him by.

January 16, 2024

Newborn Session with Mountainside Family

And 3rd baby makes 5

As a Studio Newborn Photographer in Scotch Plains, families trust me with their babies. And what a fun Newborn Session I had with Mountainside Family! Rory’s parents were the absolute sweetest and chillest <3 with their baby boy. This is their third baby. They already had a boy and a girl and I guess you could say this baby boy was the tie breaker! And omg, you guys! Their kids are the absolute CUTEST!

Rory was a total sweetheart and just an absolutely beautiful baby boy. The cheeks, the lips, his skin. Ugh, I know I say it all the time, but I am obsessed with what I do! I LOVE IT!!!

Family Photos

As a Newborn Photographer in Scotch Plains, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take some family photos as well! What a beautiful and fun family to get to know! The kids were just so sweet! And we were able to capture some really cute family photos!

Baby Boy in the moon

Here are some of the pics that mom picked out from our session. And I have to say I think she picked some good ones! I even got to use my new moon crate! And I couldn’t help it, I had to add some stars to the one photo. It was BEGGING for it!

Have you thought about booking a session with a Studio Newborn Photographer in Scotch Plains? Don’t wait! Reach out today by filling out my contact form and we can start planning your very special session!

January 10, 2024

Dating Photos and Puppy Love

Lisa reached out to me when she stumbled upon my first dating blog post about ME! When she emailed me I happened to be sitting on my computer and I immediately saw the notification. She basically said she felt like she was reading about her own life. I LOVE THAT! I mean not that I am happy that anyone goes through a divorce and then ends up in this weird online dating internet world, but that she found me relatable. That she connected with what I shared.

We chatted for a little bit about our lives and similarities. Lisa has 2 dogs and cat (I have 1 dog and a cat) and how they get along (or don’t LOL) And ultimately what it’s like booking an online dating photo session with me. And she was in.

“Have fun storming the castle”

As per usual, I sent Lisa my online dating photos questionnaire. I really love these questionnaires because it gives me a little insight about the person I am meeting and I think it gets them into a good mindset about what THEY are looking for and what THEY like. Sometimes with online dating we tend to start thinking about what other people are looking for and how we can craft our profile to attract what THEY want. But listen, that is NOT how to do it. You need to attract what YOU want into your life! So flip that script! Here is a little bit from Lisa’s questionnaire:

What brings you joy?

My pets, PBS Masterpiece Theater programs, my home (I live on a lake!), and hiking in the woods.

What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

I like music of all kinds. lately, I have been listening a lot to Amos Lee.

What are the 3 most important things you’re looking for in a partner?

Confidence, strength, integrity, health-conscious, etc.

To thine own self be true

I’m pretty sure that Lisa has a good handle on who she is. She knows herself, she is successful and confident and she has a pretty awesome life. She’s just missing that one thing. And honestly, I don’t think she thinks that she is “missing” anything. She just is open to finding the person that adds to her life. Someone she can go hiking with, watch Philly sports teams with, watch sunsets on the lake with. She would like to meet that person that can grow old alongside her with. And I’m pretty sure they’d be pretty lucky to find her too! As I was editing her online dating photos I realized that she looks like a mixture of Nicole Kidman and Meg Ryan! What do you think?

Lisa I had so much fun with you. I can’t wait to hear how your story unfolds!

AS YOUUUUU WISSSSHHHHHHHH!!!

Here are some of Lisa’s online dating photos from our session.

January 8, 2024

Dating Photos with Karen!

Karen reached out to me online when she came across my information for dating photos. There was no hesitation in her booking me. She was sure from the get go and as soon as I sent her my booking information, she hopped right on it and booked! I love that! Not only did she know what she wanted, but she put her trust in me immediately. That really made me so happy!

We met at my new favorite spot, Hatch 44, where I have been meeting lots of my clients at lately. There is so much I love about it. The food and drinks are amazing, the staff is so friendly and accomodating, and the atmosphere is buzzing with good energy. And the ambiance aint too shabby either ;). We sat and sipped on some tea and coffee and put in our orders for empanadas (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)! As we enjoyed our food and drink we talked a little bit about our experiences with dating, our interests, and occupations. I really enjoyed meeting up with Karen and I had a great time roaming around Metuchen while we got some good quality dating photos for Karen’s dating profile.

Is Tinder a 4 letter word in the dating world?

I have this conversation probably with every dating profile client I work with. When I first got into the online dating scene I was dead set against using Tinder. I had my own preconceived notions of what Tinder was all about and who was using it. Not to mention WHAT they were using it for. Random hookups, no commitments, blah blah blah. No thanks!

But I am someone who really truly believes in not having limiting beliefs. For having a positive mindset. For thinking outside of the box. And what I was doing was creating a limiting belief system and it was downright negative! And while I may have had to “kiss” a few toads to find my prince, I found him…on tinder :). I tell this story to my clients so they can reflect on their own choices and approach to online dating. And I shared this with Karen. We can really use any of these apps however we choose to! And that’s how you make them work!

I loved the answers that Karen provided on her dating photo questionnaire (something I have all of my clients complete when they book). Here are a few of the ones that really stood out to me:

Favorite movie/movie quote?

“Yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki from Lion King

What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

My favorite band is Ghost, which I am very passionate about. I listen to all music but my favorites are rock and metal. I am open to new band interests always.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

I am currently in graduate school for my Masters of Occupational Therapy. My dream job is to use this education creatively to teach children to grow up with security, self-confidence and self-regulation through OT and spirituality.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

My Spotify app!

Karen – I could tell just from reading your answers to the questionnaire that you are a compassionate, kind and loving person. Your choice in profession is proof of that. I have a son with emotional regulation challenges. I don’t know if I mentioned that during our little brunch time. But people like you are SO IMPORTANT to parents like me. We need you. So thank you for choosing to work with kids like my son to give them the tools to grow up to be successful adults.

I wish you the absolute best and can’t wait for you to e-mail me to let me know that you’ve found your person!!

January 5, 2024

Military Portrait | Carlos and Luz

I had the absolute honor of doing Luz and her husband Carlos’s couple’s military portraits this December, right before Christmas. It is such a heart warming story on so many levels that I just have to share!

A woman in town contacted me via Instagram looking for a photographer to do couples portraits for her sister and her husband, an army veteran. He served in the military for 25 years and they never had a formal military portrait taken of the 2 of them with him in his uniform. She got my name from a really AWESOME man that also lives in town and is an amazing photographer himself! Honestly, as I am writing this, I am realizing that I really don’t know if his name is Herb or Scott. LOL!!! If you read this you’re going to have to clear that up for me HERB-SCOTT! But he felt that portraiture is more my thing and recommended ME! How nice is that??

It’s for the birds!!!

He loves bird photography and is REALLY great at it. Check out some of his bird photography on his instagram here! I really love looking at other people’s work and really appreciate what Herb-Scott does because I also love to take pictures of birds! You can see some of my bird photography here. I’m also realizing that it has been a long time since I have taken any bird photos or even uploaded any! I will have to get on that right away! The sudden urge to photograph the beautiful and curious little creatures that are right there in our own yard. That reminds me, I also have some bird seed to put out! Tell me, is this a creative thing, an ADHD thing or a Gemini thing? Oh, lucky me that I have all of those things going on! LOL

Follow your heart…

I chatted with Rosa, her sister, on “the gram” for a bit about pricing and package options and what would work best for them to get their military portraits. They were coming to visit from Maryland and needed to book a weekend date. I don’t normally shoot on weekends because I try to reserve them for time with my sons. But I was really so touched by this on so many levels that I was able to make an exception. That’s one of the really GREAT THINGS about owning your own business and making your own schedule. When your heart moves you, you can follow it <3

When they arrived at my studio, they were a sight to see! Carlos looked so regal and handsome and Luz looked absolutely STUNNING! They told me a bit about their lives and how they had lived in Germany for awhile and how they never got portraits of the two of them before. Do you know how honored I feel to be able to do this for them?!

ROSA!!

And ROSA! Luz’s sister is an absolute SWEETHEART! I swear, I love this job so much. It gives me so many opportunities to meet amazing people who have so much love and kindness and gratitude and it just absolutely fills up my heart! I feel like Rosa is my friend now. And she was so thoughtful and happy for her sister to be doing this and getting military portraits done. She helped her with her hair and makeup and really was just all too much for my little heart to handle.

Carlos I appreciate and thank you for your service and I wish you and Luz a wonderful retirement and future together. I hope you love and cherish these military portraits forever and that they can be passed on to your family for generations to come. I can’t wait to get you your prints!

December 26, 2023

“Such is life”

James and I had to reschedule his dating profile date to a week later. But I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And sure enough, I got sick that day and so it worked out for everyone.

When we started our session James wasn’t sure if I would be able to get any good pics of him. He mentioned not really having any good pictures of himself. I found that shocking! And also, challenge accepted 😏

“It’s now or Never..to get your dating profile photos done”

I didn’t really realize it during our dating profile shoot, but afterwards while I was editing, it hit me! James resembles a young Elvis! Do you see it? But when it comes to music, Elvis didn’t make it to the top of James’ list

What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

Three Days Grace has always been my top band or that’s at least what Spotify says. I also like foo fighters and cage the elephants. Reggae and gym funk is also my top genres at the moment.

Is it Destiny?

James has a bunch of interests from chess to playing with his new adorable kittens. But he also enjoys chilling out with his video games. One of his favorites? Destiny!

James I had a great time at our dating profile session and I can’t wait to hear more about how things work out for you! Best of luck!

Want to see more?

You can see more of my dating profile sessions here!

December 18, 2023

Holiday Dog Portraits at Bloomingdale’s in the Willowbrook Mall

Dog photography is one of my favorites to shoot! And what a fun time I had photographing Holiday Pet Portraits at Bloomingdale’s at the Willowbrook Mall for their Friends and Family event! I worked with some of their Store Managers who created this adorable Holiday set for the dog photography photo op! How cute is it??? Everyone who works there is so friendly, nice and attentive. Not only to their customers, but to me as their photographer for the day. It was really such a pleasure working with all of them. I really hope I get to do it again next year!

Who let the dogs out?

We had a great turnout for these pet portraits and all of these little fur babies were just SO CUTE! My assistant for the day, my 13 year old son, challenged me to see if I would be able to guess all of the breeds as they came up. And I don’t remember what the end tally was, but I was pretty spot on for nearly all of them! I don’t know where or how or why I learned all these different dog breeds, but you might just say I have a bit of a special talent when it comes to that. Now to figure out what this special power can do for me LOL!

I had planned on doing this solo, but I’m so happy my son came with me. I didn’t think about how much work and effort it would be to bring all of my equipment in, set it up, break it down, etc. It sure does help having a big strong teenager who suddenly towers over me there to help me with all of it. And we got to spend some nice quality time together which I have been missing. I also think it was good for him to see his mom hard at work, doing what she loves to do.

Mall rats

After the dog photography we took a stroll around the mall and I was transported through time and space to my childhood. The mall was the place to go when I was in my early teenage years! And admittedly I have not been to a mall in a long time. Quite possibly pre COVID?? Is that crazy? Is it possible? I don’t know, but it sure was nice to see the mall filled with people.

We went over to Champs, another store I haven’t been to in years to see what kind of clothes they were selling. I figured that my assistant earned some fresh new threads and we were able to get some nice deals on a couple of sweatshirts and plain solid t’s. He also found a really sweet Nike shirt that had a cool retro vibe. So I’d say all in all, it was a really great day <3

Thank you for your service <3

One of my dog models was a beautiful service do named Sage. Something about her just captivated me. I think it was those soulful eyes <3 I had to turn her image into a portrait. I do love doing these, but dog photography composites take a good deal more of time and effort to do. I thought it would be fun to show you a little before and after of that!

Now for the Holiday Photos!

Ready to learn more about my Pet Portraits? Click here!

December 12, 2023

From Louisville, KY to NJ to dating photos!

As an online dating photographer I have the pleasure of meeting so many cool and interesting people from all over. Vincent contacted me about doing photos for his dating profile. He was coming from South Jersey and I always like to try and make the location mutually convenient, as much as I can. Also, I saw this as a great opportunity to check out a Cafe that I have been wanting to visit. My son’s friend told me about a place that her mom owns and it looked so damn cute! And the menu? OMG, mouth watering! It’s called Hatch 44 and it’s located about 20 minutes from me in Metuchen. The ONLY downside was that I had JUST went back on keto and it was torture looking at the delicious items on the tables around me! If you’re ever in the area you HAVE to check it out!

But back to my time with Vincent, or Vincenzo, as I was calling him by the end of our time together 😊. As a dating photographer, I have to say, sometimes I notice things AFTER the session while I am editing my Client’s dating photos. And one thing that I kept thinking as I was working on his gallery was that he reminds me of a young Christian Slater! For those of you who aren’t familiar with who that is, you should. Take a look here and let me know what you think!

Farm to Table

Vincent was a pleasure to hang out with and talk to. We talked about growing up in Kentucky, farms and animals and the differences between here and his “home”. And we also talked about our experiences skiing out west, something we both really enjoyed!

Our photography session was shortly after Thanksgiving and he had just gotten back from visiting with his mom. The way he spoke about her and her cooking was so sweet. His eyes lit up and you could just see the love he has for her. He told me about her home cooking and how delicious it is!

So as I mentioned, Vincent and I met up at the cafe and shared some conversation while we sipped coffee and hot chocolate. He even had an empanada that looked delicious, but…keto 😭 He was a joy to converse with and radiated positive energy and joy. He loves skiing, hiking and video games. One of his faves is Sonic, which I played ALL THE TIME when I was younger. Also, he is a genuinely nice and interesting guy. I’ll share a little bit about him here:

Do you have any hobbies?

Hiking, skiing, kayaking, camping, history, coding, gaming, anime.

What brings you joy?

Long days at the museum or in the mountains. Spending time with friends and family. Good food.

What is your ideal date?

A day hiking while swapping stories, followed by some fancy food, then video games or TV.

What are the 3 most important things you’re looking for in a partner?

Open mindedness
Energy
Common interests

Who is your hero and why?

It was my grandfather. Great academic and vocation success as doctor; successful marriage of nearly 60 years; involved with charity throughout life; amazing father and grandfather.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

Cheese

Here are the photos that we created together! And Vincenzo, I hope you find the love that you so much deserve to have! And he’s not in a rush, he is patient and has no problem waiting for the right one to come along! He even took the time to leave me a 5 star google review 😊🫶🏻 Thanks, Vincent!!

The photoshoot!

Online Dating Profile Photographer

If you or someone you know is interested in my online dating profile photography, here you can find more information and fill out a contact form to get in touch!