Category Archives: Branding & Headshots

Capturing the Essence of Wellness: A Branding Photography Shoot for M Pilates + Yoga Studio

photo of neon sign displaying the company name, M Pilates + Yoga NJ

LEANNE KACSUR

M PILATES + YOGA

GARWOOD, NJ

Capturing the Essence of Wellness: A Branding Photography Shoot for M Pilates + Yoga Studio

As a photographer, I often find myself in diverse settings, each presenting its own unique charm and challenge. Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with M Pilates + Yoga Studio. This journey was not just about capturing images; it was about telling a story of wellness, strength, and community.

Before diving into the shoot, I engaged in extensive discussions with the Leanne at M Pilates + Yoga. Understanding their brand identity, values, and vision was paramount in crafting the narrative we wanted to convey through the visuals. So we brainstormed ideas, explored themes, and planned to ensure the photos would authentically represent the studio’s ethos.

Behind the Lens

So, on the day of the shoot, the studio buzzed with energy and enthusiasm. From the tranquil ambiance to the dedicated instructors guiding their clients through graceful movements, every aspect of M Pilates + Yoga breathed life into the frames. The focus of this shoot was to get some headshots and some detailed shots of the studios, equipment and inspirational items found throughout the studio.

Bringing the Brand to Life

Throughout the shoot, I focused on highlighting the unique features that set M Pilates apart. Whether it was the state-of-the-art equipment or the welcoming atmosphere, each image was carefully crafted to showcase the studio’s strengths. From close-up shots to wide-angle captures that portrayed the sense of space and serenity, every photograph was a testament to the studio’s commitment to holistic wellness.

Building a Visual Narrative

But as the shoot progressed, a narrative began to emerge – one of vitality, balance, and empowerment. The images spoke not only to the physical benefits of Pilates but also to the mental and emotional well-being it fosters.

The Final Flourish

Finally, after hours of shooting, we wrapped up the session with a sense of accomplishment and excitement. But the journey didn’t end there. Back at my studio, I carefully curated and edited the images, ensuring they aligned seamlessly with M Pilates + Yoga Studio’s brand aesthetic. The final collection was a testament to our collaboration – a vibrant tapestry of images that encapsulated the essence of the studio.

Working with M Pilates + Yoga Studio was not just a professional endeavor; it was a journey of discovery and creativity. And through our collaboration, we succeeded in capturing the heart and soul of the studio, translating its values and spirit into captivating visuals. Lastly, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this process and look forward to next quarter’s Branding shoot!

This Month’s Headshots in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio


Capturing Character: A Month in the Studio

Over the past month, my studio has been buzzing with creativity as I’ve had the pleasure of capturing the essence of numerous individuals through headshot photography. Each session has been a unique journey, a blend of artistry and storytelling, as I endeavor to encapsulate the personality and professionalism of my clients in a single frame.

The Art of Portraiture

In the world of photography, headshots hold a special place. They’re more than just a picture; they’re a visual handshake, a glimpse into the character and competence of the subject. As I prepare for each session, I approach it not just as a technical task but as an opportunity to create something meaningful. From adjusting lighting to directing poses, every aspect is meticulously curated to showcase the best version of my clients.

A Tapestry of Faces

What makes each session truly special is the diversity of faces and stories that grace my studio. From aspiring actors to seasoned professionals, each individual brings their own narrative, their own unique blend of dreams and aspirations.

Through conversation and collaboration, I strive to create an environment where my clients feel comfortable and confident. This allows their true selves to shine through. In these moments of authenticity, magic happens, resulting in headshots that not only capture a likeness but also a spirit.

But my role doesn’t end with the click of the shutter. In post-production, I meticulously fine-tune each image, ensuring that every detail is just right. From color correction to retouching, my goal is to deliver headshots that not only meet but exceed my clients’ expectations.

The Attitude of Gratitude

When I look back on the past month, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to do what I love. Each session has been a reminder of the power of photography to capture moments, memories, and milestones. As I prepare for the month ahead, I do so with renewed passion and purpose, eager to continue telling stories one headshot at a time.

And in the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the significance of a simple headshot. But behind every image lies a wealth of emotion, experience, and identity waiting to be discovered. As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded of the profound privilege it is to be a storyteller, one frame at a time.

Custom Home Builder Bonomo and Sons, Clark, NJ

Local Clark NJ Builder creates custom home with indoor basketball court

BONOMO & SONS

JACK BONOMO

BONOMO & SONS

CLARK, NJ

Custom Home by Bonomo & Sons

I recently met with custom home builder Jack Bonomo of Bonomo & Sons, based out of Clark, NJ for Scotch Plains City Lifestyle. This home was a fully customized residence with no detail left unturned. From an indoor basketball court to home theater, why would you ever want to leave?!

The home itself was absolutely stunning and still in the building phase, but it was easy to imagine the final result, the holidays and family dinners, movie premiers and 1 on 1 matches. This custom home is going to be an absolutely gorgeous residence and the center of many family gatherings in the years to come.

To read the article written by Sue Baldani, click here.

SCOTCH PLAINS CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER – LYNN HARRIS

Our publication is a community-focused magazine that aims to connect the residents to the people, places and things that make our city special. We are inspired by the unique atmosphere our city has, and we highlight the most positive aspects of living here. From locally owned businesses to inspirational residents, these pages will be your guide.

More City Lifestyle…

Read More

Branding Shoot at an Italian Restaurant in Scotch Plains NJ

Grano Pizzeria and Italian Tavern

Antonino LoCascio

Grano Pizzeria and Italian Tavern

Scotch Plains, NJ

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Grano Pizzeria and Italian Tavern, an Italian Restaurant on Park Avenue in Scotch Plains, NJ for Scotch Plains City Lifestyle. We were happily greeted by Nino who is the owner and chef! In addition to getting shots of the interior, he made some dishes for us to photograph as well. And OMG…I even had the opportunity to try out the food he made and it was AMAZING! And I especially loved the pepperoni pizza that had the sweet honey drizzled on it. How have I never had that combination before??? Trust me, you HAVE to try it!

Besides the amazing menu they offer at Grano, they have a really gorgeous bar. It is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or share some appy’s with some friends. And although I have not attended yet, Nino occasionally hosts Sunday brunches which look like a blast with music and mimosas! Whoever is running their social media is really good about posting so be sure to follow Grano’s instagram and Chef Nino’s where you can catch him doing lives and sharing some delicious recipes!

So if you are looking for an amazing Italian restaurant in Scotch Plains, look no further! Grano has it all, and it is absolutely mouth watering delicioso!

To read the article, click here.

SCOTCH PLAINS CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER – LYNN HARRIS

Our publication is a community-focused magazine that aims to connect the residents to the people, places and things that make our city special. We are inspired by the unique atmosphere our city has, and we highlight the most positive aspects of living here. From locally owned businesses to inspirational residents, these pages will be your guide.

Jaime and Fred | Headshot Photos

Latest Headshots at The Studio

It has been an active month of headshot photos at my Scotch Plains NJ portrait studio! I’ve had a number of Clients come in for updated corporate headshots. And I have even traveled to a couple of offices to capture some professional photos!

When I take headshots my goal is to get your classic corporate photos, but with a twist. I want my headshot photos to really capture my Client’s personality and give a little bit of edge and artistic flair to them. And I think I’m pretty good at that 😉

Both Jaime and Fred chose me because they liked my style. They wanted something a little different than the boring ol’ oh hey here is my camera and I’m going to just take a quick snap, badda bing, badda boom, you’re done. Borrrrrrinnnnnggggg…

Upon booking, I send my Clients a headshot guide to help them with outfit and color selection. And Pinterest…Pinterest is the best! I have a million pinterest boards (slight exaggeration). I have my own Pinterest board for headshots. But I also I always have my Clients create a pinterest board that we can share and reference when planning outfits and even refer to during the shoot! With my new setup I am able to tether my camera to my laptop. This gives us the ability to look at a large tv screen while we shoot. It gives real time results and make adjustments as we go!

Both Fred and Jaime chose my 3 file Collection. I am so glad they did because we had so many great shots! Here are the headshot photos that Fred and Jaime picked from their sessions. I love them!

Jaime’s Final Images

Fred’s Final Images

Learn more about my headshots here!

Professional Headshot Photos in Scotch Plains NJ

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!

Scotch Plains, NJ | Headshot Photography

Recent Headshots!

I’ve been doing a good amount of professional headshots lately and I freakin’ love them! I have a variety of backdrop colors that I use for these sessions and I really enjoy playing with colors. One thing I’ve noticed I’m drawn to is how color choices can really enhance and pick up natural skin tones. I have always been interested in color theory and I really want to delve deeper into the power of color and how colors can compliment one another.

I consider my headshots to be a bit more artistic than what most people think of when they hear “headshots”. For me, there’s definitely more involved than having a camera. And I also think a headshot should capture your personality. That can be done in a number of ways. Your hair style, makeup, posing, outfit choice all work together to tell a story; the story of YOU! But another way we can do that is through COLOR! And that doesn’t mean that it has to be BOLD color. It can be subtle, monochromatic, feminine, soft, and of course it CAN be bold too!

While there are so many challenges with the world we are living in today, there are some things that I truly love about these times. We are more open minded and able to present ourselves in a more meaningful way through pictures. Humankind has always had a propensity for storytelling. It’s one of the things I love most about photography. It is a challenge for sure, but to be able to capture and tell a story through one single image literally gives me life. And I even strive to do that with my headshot photography.

Headshot Guides

I recently started sending out a professional headshot guide to my Clients to help them plan for their session. I think it is helpful to think about color and style choices of outfits for their session. But it also gives them the power to interpret it in their own unique way.

Pinterest

Another suggestion I give is to use Pinterest. Create a board and pin pictures of professional headshots that you love. This can help you see the types of posing, outfits, colors and composition that you are drawn to. Not only does it help them get inspiration and ideas, but it is helpful for your photographer! It gives ME inspiration. It gets me excited to work with you and capture you in a way that you are bound to love!

WIN – WIN!

So anywho, here are some of the headshots I’ve been doing recently. I put so much into my work and it really makes me feel so special that the photographs that I make for people could play an important part in getting them that next big promotion or job! I love giving people confidence and I’m telling you…a FIRE (yeah I have a teenager) headshot can give you a big confidence boost!

Want to know more?

Head on over to my headshot page to read more about my headshots and see the work I do!

Block Party Scotch Plains NJ | Joan Marie

I’m still Joni from the Block – BLOCK PARTY, that is!

If my sons read that or knew that I used that in a blog post they would tell me how cringe I am. LOL, oh well! I will wear it proudly!

This Saturday is the first East 2nd Street Block Party in Scotch Plains! I’m super excited to be participating in it along with a bunch of other local businesses! There is even going to be a car show! I never had that official tape cutting Grand Opening for The Studio so while it has been so exciting getting that space, it was also pretty anti climatic! HAHA! So I feel like this Saturday will be a great opportunity for me to meet people and the other business owners that I haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I’m a Fanwood resident so not only is this where my business is, but it’s my COMMUNITY.

I know that some of the businesses will be offering things from their establishments, but I am a Portrait Studio so it’s a little bit different. I AM thinking about doing a fun selfie station (think pink), having photographic prints available for purchase, maybe even do a raffle? But I am excited to show my face and also talk about the services and products that I offer which make me different than other photographers.

To read more about The East 2nd Street Block Party and the participants, click HERE!

Headshot Photographer | Scotch Plains, NJ

Headshot Photograph Sessions in my Studio in Scotch Plains, NJ

I absolutely LOVE doing headshots!

Someone recently called looking for a Headshot Photographer in NJ and I realized that I haven’t shared any of the headshots I’ve been doing in, oh, I don’t know…the last 2 years?? Oh well, It’s just how I am. I’m learning to accept it. But I will keep trying to post blogs and understand SEO and sharing my work because I know it’s what I need to do! Looking back over the last year (possibly more) I’m reminded of how much I love taking headshots. How I know I’m helping people on their career path. And looking through these images, these PORTRAITS, I think it is apparent how I connect intuitively with my subjects. I mean, each of these images is similar yet so different! I definitely have this thing where I get into a flow during the shoot and I’m literally capturing the energy, the style and personality of the person I’m working with. And I love that. What I also love are the different backdrops we used and I am REALLY loving the colorful headshots with bright backdrops!

So here are some of the amazing people I have met through headshots. Maybe they were starting a new career, maybe a new position, maybe even a new LIFE altogether! I really love how all of these came out! I’m sure there are more, but I’ll get to them another time! In the meantime, if you’re in NJ, think of me next time you’re looking for a Headshot Photographer!

From Corporate Stress to Creative Soul: Manifesting a Career in Food Photography

Chasing Dreams & Light: My Journey into Professional Food & Beverage Photography

Lately, I’ve found myself in a very uncomfortable place—a place of uncertainty, the unknown, and often, fear. After being let go from my corporate job in November, I’ve spent months searching for the “steady” path: the benefits, the 401k, the dictated holidays. It’s all I’ve ever known.

But every time a job alert pings in my inbox, I feel the weight of it. As a single mom to two school-aged boys, I’ve spent years balancing corporate demands with the beautiful, exhausting reality of sports, school conferences, and ER visits. It is hard.

But I’ve decided to tell fear to STFU. I am worthy of living the life of my dreams—even if I’m still figuring out exactly what that looks like.

Capturing the “Soul” of the Subject

Today, I chose to focus on one of my true passions: Food Photography.

I don’t just want to take a picture of a plate; I want to tell a story. I love playing with light and shadow to find the “essence” or “soul” of my subjects. Whether I’m shooting a high-end restaurant or a simple home-brewed drink, my goal is to create a feeling that resonates.

I know that someday, I will be a known name in this industry. I can see my images gracing the pages of global food and restaurant magazines. I am manifesting a life of abundance where my F&B portfolio affords me the flexibility to be truly present for my children.

Morning Fuel: The Perfect Keto Coffee

While I build my portfolio one day at a time, I’m also documenting my own lifestyle changes. I’ve been on the Keto diet since September and have already lost 20 pounds!

One of the staples that has gotten me through those long mornings of job hunting and school runs is Keto (or Bulletproof) Coffee. It’s simple, frothy, and surprisingly delicious.

My Go-To Keto Coffee “Recipe”:

  • A strong brew of Starbucks Pike Place
  • A pat of butter
  • A splash of coconut oil
  • A pinch of salt (and sometimes vanilla extract)
  • Blend in a NutriBullet until frothy!

It curbs my hunger and gives me a moment of peace before the day begins. Are any of you following a Keto lifestyle? I’d love to hear about the staples you can’t live without!

Building a Food & Beverage Portfolio in NJ

If you are looking for a professional food and beverage photographer in NJ who brings an editorial eye and a soulful touch to every shoot, I would love to connect. I am a firm believer that thoughts become things—and right now, I am thinking about beautiful, world-class imagery.

Take a look at today’s session with my morning brew:

451 Park Avenue

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

Love my Poochie Boy, Mr Pickles 🥒 We share a home and now we also share Thyroid Disease 🫠
379968614