Category Archives: Family & Children

May 2, 2024

Black and White portraits are timeless

I took some time to take black and white portraits of my son and our dog at The Studio in Scotch Plains, NJ.

Shhhhh….

I haven’t really made an official announcement yet, but my Studio has moved! It’s literally about 3 blocks away from my previous location, but believe me…it’s no small feat! Between going through all of my props and backdrops and equipment to still physically MOVING it to the new space, it’s been exhausting. Mentally, physically and yeah, even emotionally!

Storytime

I’m actually kind of freaked out as I am putting these words out into the ether. As most people who know me already know, I am a divorced mom to 2 amazing boys. They are magic. They are MY magic, transformed into two real life human beings. You see, they are very special. They were both born on June 29th.

And they were only 2 and 4 when I got divorced and found myself figuring out what life was going to look like for us. I knew I did not want to go back to my previous career in pharmaceutical meeting planning. I was an artist. An Art Major, who felt that her soul was dying a slow death every day that I denied it it’s true calling. However, when I decided to TRUST in a kind of miraculous outcome, it happened. Thanks to one of my best friend’s, Jessica, and a NOW best friend, Jody. It all kind of unfolded into this crazy pattern of events. That I will save for another time, but they landed me a job in the Photo Department for Bed Bath and Beyond.

I moved to Fanwood in 2016. And everyday, after dropping my sons off at their Elementary school, I would pass a storefront that was vacant. But there was something about it. Seymour’s Antiques. I would drive by and say someday that will be my photo studio. As crazy as it sounded to me, I still said it. Over and over. And one day, there was a sign up that it was available for rent. Of course I immediately called the number. I forget what they were asking, but whatever the number, it was well out of reach for me. And so I let that idea die.

DEATH OF A DREAM AND THEN A JOB

In 2019 I lost my job at Bed Bath, along with many others. Scared and worried and didn’t know what I was going to do. I feverishly reached out to old colleagues trying to figure out where I would go now, what I would do. I had a mortgage and bills and children. Nothing…

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…

But you see, I had been asking for something. I had been silently praying for more time with my kids, a more flexible schedule, something in the creative field that would give me financial freedom. I ASKED FOR THIS. And then I received it. As many times I ended my prayers with “I am ready to receive”, I wasn’t quite ready to receive THIS!

And then COVID. Unemployed and now I had a 4th grader and a 2nd grader with special needs at home with me trying to do virtual work while I was trying to find a job. I had been working for a real estate photography company for a brief stint, but that was no longer happening. Who would hire me now??

But…I was LUCKY! I was ALREADY signed up for and receiving unemployment benefits. And they kept getting extended. And while I still felt the stress of being unemployed, the unknown and COVID, I got exactly what I asked for. I had a VERY flexible schedule and I had more time with my kids. Not exactly how I envisioned it, but well, isn’t that how the universe works? LOL

THE SIGN, TAKE 2

And then in 2021 it happened. The “for rent” sign was up again. Right down the street from my sons’s school. A school that I found myself being called to more and more as time passed on. My son has had an IEP since first grade. He’s been on medication since Kindergarten. And he also has had a label of “bad kid” following him around since age 5. He was called a bully and investigated multiple times since then. The kids and their parents continued that narrative. A narrative that negatively impacted a little boy and his family who were already struggling with invisible disabilities that neither the parents or the school seem to understand, nor did they want to.

A LEAP OF FAITH

Moving to this space would keep me close to home and to his school. And I knew it was not only my chance, but possibly the answer to many of my prayers. Including the one that I made back in 2016 when I claimed that location as my Studio even though I could in no way afford it at the time. And so I jumped. I took a leap of faith. And in May of 2021 I moved into my first commercial space.

I can’t believe that it has been 3 years. And it was not without it’s share of challenges. Friendships suffered, more school issues, financial fears and setbacks. BUT, I am still here! My son was finally granted an out of district placement. In a school where the kids AND the parents understand him. Where he is given grace and compassion. He is stable. And I finally, after 12 years, feel like I am getting my life back. And I am READY TO RECEIVE!

THE NEW SPACE

My new space is beautiful. It is new and not falling apart. I owe a big thank you to my friend Sammy, who without realizing it, contacted me to see if I was interested in a new space. It was 3 months before my lease was up. Again, I am fully supported by the Universe, God, Angels. And I am ALMOST completely moved in. THIS time I am actually going to make an effort to have a Grand Opening. I finally feel like it is my time.

So I had my little guy come to the new space to work on some lighting since I’m still getting used to the lower ceilings. And our doggy, Roscoe, accompanied us.

Life is weird and crazy and beautiful and unknown and mysterious and magical and hard and all of the things. And I really appreciate this journey that I am on. It is shaping the person that I am and that I am becoming every single day. And I am forever grateful.

Now I have to decide what I want to manifest next 😉

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

April 29, 2024

Pop-up Event!

I’m excited to announce that I am collaborating with Willow Street Boutique for a Personality Portrait Pop-up Event this week! I will be at their Summit location on Thursday and in Morristown on Friday! The investment for the session is 199. Each Personality Portrait session will also include 1 digital file with a complimentary 8×10 (250 value).

Great Gifts!

These Personality Portraits are great gifts for Mother’s & Father’s Day not only for the parents but the grandparents too! Or maybe you need a new profile picture for your socials? Images will be shot on a white backdrop and converted to black and white. It is encouraged to come in a clean plain white or black shirt with clean faces. Especially for those little ones!

Want to know more about my Personality Portraits? Click here!

You must pre-register for the event and can do so at the links below. I hope to see you there!

Summit

Thursday, May 2nd, 2024

Morristown

Friday, May 3rd, 2024

March 12, 2024

PERSONALITY PORTRAITS IN NJ

Personality portraits – for me, nothing beats a classic black and white photo. They’re timeless and free of distractions. It leaves the focus on your child, their personality, and those adorable little expressions that they make that truly show who they are. From 1 – 108, a black and white portrait will stand the test of time and will capture them through all of those phases that in the end we all know go way to fast. Yes, even those really DIFFICULT ones <3.

My personality portraits are offered as pop-up events at local businesses or as a custom personality portrait session in my Scotch Plains, NJ portrait studio. What’s the difference? Well, there are a few things to consider.

Pop-up Events

Timing – Pop-up Events are scheduled as 2 hour events with a max of 20 people. Does the time work with your child’s schedule? Oftentimes parents are looking for a time that works around their schedule when the most important consideration is the child’s schedule. These are also very QUICK paced shoots, usually 5 minutes per child, with limited time for kids to warm up to me, my camera and my big light.

Location – The other consideration is the location of the event. Oftentimes these pop-ups are in spaces with lots of things going, noise and other attractions and activities. It can be difficult to pull them away from another, more exciting, activity. It can also be overstimulating for some kids who are distracted or overwhelmed easily. How does your child do in these environments?

Products and Editing – Pop-up events are extremely discounted. They will usually include (1) digital file and each child needs their own booking. The editing is minimal and does not include extensive retouching. They are digital only and prints and wall art will not be offered for these sessions.

Who’s Included – These sessions are booked per child, individuals only. When siblings are in attendance, I will try to get a photo of them together should time allow and you can purchase additional files a la carte.

To read more about Minis to decide if these are right for your child or family, you can read more here.

Pop-ups can be a great introduction to professional photography without the investment. But they also may not give you a good read on what a Custom Session is like. If you are looking for a quick snap of your child, only want a few digitals, and are okay with REAL personalities to come out, then this could be for you!

Custom Session

Timing – You have flexibility on the timing of the shoot. You can schedule something that works around your child’s schedule. Custom sessions start at 1 hour which gives us plenty of time for your child to warm up to me and check out my Studio.

Location – These can be done in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio OR the comfort of your own home! My Studio is quiet and calm and it will only be YOUR family during our shoot.

Products and Editing – My Custom Sessions all include a credit towards the purchase of images. You can purchase individual files (includes both a digital copy and a printed copy), Collections, Albums and Archival Wall Art for your home. My prints come from my professional print lab and they are to DIE FOR! Editing is more extensive for these as well.

Who’s Included – Who do you want to include? Grandma? The family dog? Your family? The sky is the limit here! When you book a Custom Session we design it around YOUR needs.

large german shepherd mix poses for a black and white portrait at Joan Marie Phography

Want to Book?

If you would like to set-up a pop-up event with these adorable, timeless black and white photos, reach out to me! I love collaborating with other local businesses! You can fill out my balck and white personality portraits form here!

Want to book your family’s own custom session? Fill out my inquiry form here!

Want something IN-BETWEEN? I’ve got something for you! You can sign up for one of my Mini Events! I hold these quarterly. They include your private photoshoot in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio, 2 retouched digital files and special pricing on additional digitals. These sessions are also discounted and digital only, but it will give you more time than 5 minutes in a quiet and calm environment where your child can relax and ease their way into it! You can find out when my next Mini Event is here!

Wall Art is AWESOME!

HANG THOSE BABIES UP!….NO, REALLY! You got the black and white photos now HANG THEM UP!

Something as simple as hanging family portraits around your home can increase your child’s confidence! It gives children a sense of belonging, acceptance, and love that can help their confidence soar. I know from my own personal experience, that in the hum drum of everyday life, with stress and work and ALL of the things, simply looking at my big canvas of my kids hanging on the wall gives me a moment of calm. It centers me. It reminds me of how lucky I am and how grateful I should be. And It reminds your children that you love them. And that they are important to you and that this is their home.

February 16, 2024

adorable six month old with ruffle sleeve cream onesie decorated with pink heards laying on pink backdrop

Six Month Old Baby Rosanna!

I had baby Rosanna in the studio for a sitter/milestone session! It’s hard to believe that the last time she was in The Studio was when she was a newborn! And here she is sitting up all on her own now!

One of the new things I am offering at The Studio this year is my Monday Milestone sessions! What are these Monday Milestone Mini Sessions you ask? Well, sometimes we want to document something, but don’t want to invest in a whole full size photoshoot. Sometimes we wish we could just capture or document an important life event or phase with a little better quality than a phone can do. For example, your child loses their first tooth, your baby GETS their first tooth and have that ridiculously adorable gummy smile! Maybe you are afraid to invest in a full session with a photographer or want your kids to get comfortable in front of the camera or with a new person BEFORE you make that investment. There are lots of things that you might want to have a professional capture for you.

Milestone Mini Sessions

Thats where these Milestone Mini Sessions come in! They are short and sweet, 20 minute sessions in my Scotch Plains, NJ Studio. They are offered on Mondays only. And they include 3 digital files. As with all my sessions you will also have the option to purchase additional prints and files.

Milestone Mini Sessions will be on a simple solid backdrop with lots of color options available. The focus is on your child, or maybe your new puppy?? Looking for something more elaborate or think you may need more time? A cake smash perhaps? You can find more information about my cake smashes here. Do you have a newborn and really want to do a newborn shoot, but can’t quite make that investment? I also have Wrapped Sessions which are up to 1 hour, baby only and they are wrapped for the entirety of the shoot! Ask me about those!

So what do you say? Do you have a special Milestone you want to capture? Does the short and sweet session sound perfect for what you need? Reach out to me! I would love to talk more about my milestone mini sessions and see what we can create together!

Here are some more images we captured of sweet baby Rosanna <3

January 26, 2024

I love you Paisley…oh yes I dooooo…

What a very special shoot this was for me! It was 3 generations of strong, beautiful, smart and awesome ladies who wanted to do a First Birthday Family shoot! We talked about so many things. Paisley’s grandma raised her daughter on her own. She made sacrifices that single mothers do to make sure that her daughter would have all the opportunities that she could. And well, she did a great job! Her daughter is so smart and has an amazing career and now she is blessed with this beautiful daughter. And now they all get to dote on her and continue the tradition of raising brave, smart and strong women!

I am so grateful I was able to capture these images of the 3 of them for Paisley’s first birthday. And I am forever thankful to have had this experience with and met all of you!

There are so many options when it comes to the type of shoot you can book for your little one’s first birthday! I always include family posing and child posing when I do cake smashes too! You can learn more about those sessions here!

Paisley, you are one ADORABLE little girl! Those CHEEKS!!!

December 5, 2023

We had such a fun time this year at our Holiday Mini Sessions! This year’s backdrop for our family holiday photos was a rustic fireplace set with an exposed brick wall and wreath above the mantle. It made for the perfect backdrop for our Christmas set. And we even had our own little Santa show up for the shoot <3.

These sessions are quick 20 minute sessions and include a certain number of digital files. This year’s session included 5 retouched digital files. Families always have the option to add on additional files a la carte.

Oh the controversy!!

In the photography world, there is a lot of controversy around mini sessions LOL! Some people won’t do them at all. And I get it! It really depends on how you are running them and what you are including and the setups you are using. Doing it the “wrong” way can leave photographers burnt out, unappreciated and undervalued. And that’s not fun for anyone!

But mini family holiday photo sessions can be good for families who are looking for fun updated photos of their kids but may not want to have a full family session with print products. Some families DO want a full family session and create beautiful wall art for their home! The good news? I offer a little bit of both and something for everyone :). Oh and I already have next year’s backdrop ready to go! And omg it’s AWESOME!

You do you!

But hey, at the end of the day, we are all individuals and can make our own choices and run our businesses the way that makes the most sense for us. And right now I am really happy with the way I did things this year and I’m looking forward to doing more of the same! Hint, Hint…there will be more fun mini sessions coming up!!! Want to be the first to know? You can sign up for my mini session email list here 👇🏻

This year I also dedicated one of my mini session days to include dogs! And we had some really cute ones show up for their photos! I mean, do I have the best job or what???

November 16, 2023

Little Warrior!

What a special day having Ari back to The Studio for her Birthday Photos! This little beauty has come such a long way in her short little life (and so have her parents)!

Ari’s mom came to me looking for a photographer to take Newborn photos of her baby girl who I believe was already close to 3 months old. Alot of photographers won’t shoot a Newborn after they reach 2 weeks old. And there is nothing wrong with that. It isn’t personal. They just may not feel like they will be able to get those beautiful sleepy, cuddly, newborn shots after that small window.

I said YES for the Birthday Girl!

You see, Ari spent the first couple of months in the hospital because she was born early. Regardless, I will never turn down a newborn because of their age. I know that I can get at least some of those shots. I will set realistic expectations and then if it goes great, even better! You can see more of Ari’s newborn session here.

Ari’s mom had a Little Mermaid theme in mind for her Birthday Photos. And while I don’t normally do themed cake smashes (I like to keep it simple), I couldn’t say no! I mean…The Little Mermaid’s name is ARIEL!! ARI – ARIEL…get it?? It took me a minute but then I put it together LOL. So that’s what we did! But I include parent poses and birthday portraits in addition to the cake portion so we actually got alot of variety of this little peanut! And Ari’s parents got the most BEAUTIFUL velvet album to display them in. Something they will be able to look through with Ari for years and eventually be able to hand down to her. I am a SUCKER for beautiful albums!!

Here are some of the images we captured of Baby Ari with those big beautiful eyes <3

How can I book?

If you are interested in scheduling a cake smash or first birthday portraits, fill out the form on the bottom of this page.

November 14, 2023

Natalie’s Cake Smash Session

Let them eat CAKE!

I was so happy to have Natalie back in The Studio for her First Birthday session! I do not get tired of seeing how “my” babies have grown over the course of a year. Especially when they haven’t been in since their newborn session! It is so fun to see the similarities to when they were babies, but also to see the changes that have happened since then! I genuinely LOVE it!

I also LOVE getting to see the parents and talk to them about the year and how much has happened and how THEY’VE GROWN! It’s especially fun when this is their first baby and they go from being brand new to the whole parenting thing to having a year of experience under their belts. You can see photos from Natalie’s Newborn Session here.

If it doesn’t come through in my writing on this page, I REALLY LOVE what I do! And I REALLY LOVE the families that choose me to capture the most important times in their lives. It’s really an honor and I am so grateful <3

We started Natalie’s Birthday Session with family pictures, then took some portraits of just Natalie and then we went to town on that cake!

Thank You

Thank you so much Kathryn and Eric for trusting me with these special moments and the opportunity to watch your beautiful baby as she grows! THOSE EYES!!!

June 30, 2023

Communion Photography

This is a little story about an event I did for communion photography. This post is kinda personal. I don’t like to talk about religion. I believe everyone has a right to believe what they want. I was raised Catholic. I went to public school my whole life, but ended up at an all girls Catholic high school, The Academy of St Elizabeth, when I was 14. Going from knowing no one and having no friends, feeling lost and sad and angry, to meeting some of the most amazing girls (now women) that I will ever know. Some of my best friends to this day are girls that I met in my four years at this small and tight knit school. I am by no means a deeply “religious” person, but I am spiritual and I LOVE my St E’s girls.

My friend Lauren

One of the girls I met was Lauren. Lauren was younger than me, but we both played softball. Age didn’t really matter much once you crossed that sports line. Our teams were like family and we really genuinely cared about each other. Lauren was a hell of a pitcher too, so she had that going for her 😉

Years later (not telling how many LOL) and Lauren reached out to me for family Christmas photos. When I met her 2 girls I immediately fell in love! They were little fire crackers! And seeing Lauren was like a sweet memory of being young again. Now it’s 2021 and her older daughter was making her Communion. I was lucky enough to be able to come and document the reception. Lauren’s family is pure and loving and genuine and real and sweet and I honestly feel like another one of the family when I am around them. So I was so happy when she asked me to do their communion photography.

Sweet Papa

But one of my favorite memories of this day was Lauren’s Papa. He was the same age as my Grandma and had this twinkle in his eye. The love that poured out of him when he looked at his family was literally tangible. And I caught it that day. The way he looked at Lauren’s daughters, the way he looked at Lauren. I caught it. This is what I live for…

Lauren recently lost her Papa. I recently lost my Grandma. They were both in their late 90’s. So when I saw her share that he had passed away I immediately understood her sorrow. We were so lucky to have these strong and important people in our lives for so long. To have our kids know their Great Grandparents is such a gift. And while we understand how lucky we are, it is still such a deep loss. Maybe BECAUSE of all the time we had with them.

The Meaning of Communion

So when I write this and share pictures from Giuliana’s Communion, the definition of Communion holds so much more meaning. “The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.” I’m sharing the communion of the day I captured with Lauren’s family. I am letting Lauren know that I love her and I am so grateful for her and for the honor to be able to capture these special moments in time for her and her family.

Lauren I am so sorry about your Papa. I met him ONE time that I can remember. Who knows, he may have been at some of our softball games! But he was special. I felt it. I saw it. And you were so lucky to have him in your life. XOXO

All the love to my SEAster, Lauren and her amazing family <3

Here are some photos from 2021. Next time I won’t be 2 years behind on blogging and will share pics from Olivia’s Communion soon!

June 2, 2023

Baby Theo’s Newborn Session in Scotch Plains NJ

What a blessed baby <3

Seriously, how did I get so lucky?? I don’t know what it is, but I just seem to get the absolute best Clients. When I met Kevin and Tommy they were just the sweetest and knew that they wanted to document this very momentous time with Baby Theo. I always say that I love the connections I get to experience with my Clients. But what I am realizing is I really love to hear the stories of the people that I meet. The love stories, the things that people overcome, the histories and the futures.

Theo’s story is one of adoption. And the adoption stories are always so moving. Sometimes people wait and wait and wait. Well, probably most times! And I can’t imagine how difficult that can be! Sometimes they wait and they get a call that they MAY have a baby, but then something doesn’t work out. I mean, how hard it must be to not get your hopes up or to just constantly be waiting and thinking about that phone call?

I don’t know, I don’t have experience with that myself, but I can only imagine. And then…you get the call that your baby has been born and you’ll be picking him up?! Ugh, my heart explodes. My heart explodes for the couple and for that baby. Just knowing how much they will love and be loved.

Kevin and Tommy are the cutest and I just recently saw a photo of Theo and I can’t believe how much he has grown and how HANDSOME he is!

Something else that I love about this session is the ARTWORK that they picked out for their home. They chose to get a large family portrait on canvas and it came out gorgeous! But that wasn’t without help! The Artist Framer in Cranford designed the most beautiful frame for their piece. I am so impressed by the work that they do and the thought that goes into their frame design. It is an ART in itself! Tommy and Kevin told them about their fireplace with the gunmetal facade and their natural wood coffee table and The Artist Framer designed the most perfect frame, marrying the 2 materials together. Pics below!

HAPPY PRIDE!

It’s PRIDE month and I am SO proud to be able to share this beautiful session. And no, I haven’t been saving this blog post for PRIDE, I’m just REALLY behind on blogging and now it seems like a good time to share this session <3

Thanks Kevin, Tommy and Theo! And thank you to The Artist Framer for displaying my artwork so beautifully! XOXO!