Category Archives: Branding & Headshots

November 3, 2022

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!

February 20, 2020

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:

January 4, 2019

A Year of Self Portraits with Scotch Plains Photographer Joan Marie

Well, it has been another year. Full of highs, lows and everything in between! I am thankful for all of the lessons that I am learning and the growth I have experienced. One of the most invaluable projects this year for me has been my self portraits. They are my therapy. And I am lucky enough to have found a group of like-minded individuals who share the same love of self portraiture as me. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey in 2019!

This is a Blog Loop! So make sure you click of the next artist in the link provided below!

Next up in our loop is Caroline Liabot : http://www.elleseteuxphotographie.fr/en/?p=3379/

May 16, 2018

Scotch Plains Headshot & Branding Photographer

As a Scotch Plains Headshot & Branding Photographer I believe that you only have one chance to make a first impression and your headshot should be a statement about YOU! Nothing gives me more joy than to capture someone through a photograph and I do believe that my headshot photography does exactly that! It shouldn’t just be a quick “snap” for you to add to your linked in profile. Good headshots should make you stand out. Not only will you walk away with amazing photos, but you will leave feeling beautiful, confident, successful, bold and powerful all before you even step foot into that job interview! I have a range of backdrops and I am happy to accommodate specific color requests. After all, this is a collaboration between us!

Come Follow my Heashot Photography work!

You can come follow me and my headshot photography over on The Gram here.

* Headshots will take place in my Scotch Plains, NJ studio location.

CONTACT ME

Professional Branding Photos for Small Businesses

The Value of a Branding Shoot

Your business is more than a product or service—it’s an experience, and you are at the heart of it. The way you present yourself and your space sets the tone for how clients see and trust your brand. High-quality imagery is one of the most powerful tools you have to shape that perception. A branding shoot with a professional photographer in Scotch Plains is one of the best investments you can make in your business

Why Branding Photography Is a Smart Business Investment

A branding shoot is more than just headshots. It’s a strategic investment in your business, designed to highlight who you are, what you offer, and why you stand out. These images become the face of your brand across your website, social media, marketing, and beyond.

When you invest in professional photography, you’re sending a strong message:

You believe in yourself.
You believe your business is worth the investment.
You want others to believe in it, too.

Branding Photos Are a Deductible Business Expense

And here’s the best part—branding photography isn’t just an investment, it’s also a deductible business expense. That means your ROI is two-fold: you elevate your brand presence while making a smart financial decision.

In today’s digital world, first impressions matter more than ever. By choosing to invest in high-quality imagery, you’re not only building confidence in your clients—you’re building confidence in yourself and your brand.

April 27, 2017

Capturing timeless moments for families and their four-legged members in Scotch Plains, NJ:

From Newborn Photos to Pet Portraits, as a Portrait Photographer in Scotch Plains NJ, Joan Marie Photography specializes in a range of Fine Art Services with an emphasis on capturing life’s most precious moments. Our job doesn’t stop when the session ends. In fact, it’s just the beginning! Next we work with you to carefully select the best images from your shoot and decide how the images will best be displayed. We offer Albums, Digital Files and beautiful statement pieces for your walls.

THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE:

NOT JUST A SESSION, BUT AN EXPERIENCE.

When you book a session with me, you’re not just capturing a moment. You’re investing in an experience that transforms into timeless art for your home. I have you in mind every step of the process, from the initial consultation to choosing the perfect products to display your portraits. My sessions are meticulously curated. As a result, I will insure that we craft your artwork with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Offering a wide range of services, each just as special as the next

Client Testimonials:

See what others are saying about their experience with Joan Marie Photography.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 85 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kelley Shann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my first headshot photoshoot today with Joan... I really did not know what to expect, especially because I've always felt so uncomfortable in front of the camera. Joan's warmth and professionalism was immediately present and I left feeling beautiful and confident. We had more great shots than bad which was surprising to me .. and really a testament to how Joan is able to capture your best you. I think you end up getting more than just photos. 🙂
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Paster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the most wonderful experience with Joan Marie and can't recommend her enough for professional headshots! Joan Marie was immediately responsive to my inquiry and we scheduled an initial phone call very quickly. She explained everything so clearly and helped me feel at ease with the process. At the actual photo shoot Joan Marie's energy was so positive and encouraging (it felt like working with an old friend). She showed me photos along the way and while she was clearly directing the process with an exceptionally professional eye, she was also collaborative and actively soliciting my thoughts throughout. The photos turned out better than I could have imagined and I'm so happy with them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Salazar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved working with Joan! She makes a point of spending time getting to know you which just makes the whole experience more relaxing and stress-free! I'm so happy with my photos - they look very natural and authentic which was the look I was going for.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Bourey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently worked with Joan Marie Photography, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the experience. From the very start, Joan showed a genuine passion for capturing the right moment, she listened carefully to what I shared while also bringing her own creative ideas to the headshot shoot in the most collaborative way.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   gail alexander 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joan Marie was very patient and kind to my two dogs during their 1 st photo shoot. She was able to capture the beauty of my curious pups. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patrick Soffientini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the quality of work that I received from Joan! From our very first conversation, I could feel the passion and love she had for her craft. She took the time to personally connect with me beforehand and made me feel remarkably comfortable. The photos from my shoot were genuinely radiant and I couldn't recommend her enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erin Miller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joan was so great to work with! I hate getting my picture taken and she made me feel so comfortable. I loved the photos and I will definitely be coming back whenever I need to get updated photos.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shanice Saunders 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I booked Joan twice for a professional headshot & brand photoshoot for my business, both photoshoot sessions were amazing! Joan has a genius eye & she’s very passionate about the work she does. She’s professional, she’s kind & she’s extremely creative. Loved working with her & I definitely would book her again. The best photographer in NJ!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicole C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such an amazing experience with Joan Marie Photography! My almost 2-month-old son recently did a model call for her, and from start to finish, everything was wonderful. Joan is a total baby whisperer (my son passed out mid-shoot!), and it made the whole process stress-free. She’s also a master of her craft — the photos turned out absolutely beautiful.  We will definitely be using her again for future photos!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Din & Richelle Mayfield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you want photos you’ll treasure forever, you can stop searching… Joan is the right photographer and the best decision you’ll ever make. (At least for us it was!) I reached out to Joan completely out of the blue asking for a whole lot of things - headshots, baby photos, family photos, and she was prompt, kind, and rose to the occasion with grace. Joan is the most caring photographer I have worked with for a family shoot and I have met and worked with quite a few. Not only is she lovely inside and out but her shots speak for themselves. I mean…look at them. Her work is absolutely stunning. PERIOD. To find an artist so good at what she does and ALSO so good at making her customers feel taken care of is a rare find. This family loves you, thank you for making us look so DAMN good and making us (me) feel the same way. I’m a control freak with a whole lot of insecurities and baggage and Joan….is simply the best. Thank you for dealing with our crazy, MY crazy. Thank you for your overwhelming patience. Thank you for being you. Souls Captured Forever. ❤️ Until next time.