Category Archives: Family

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close up of family connection at maternity session in-home in scotch plains with joan marie photography

In-Home Maternity Sessions

I am a premium maternity photographer based in Scotch Plains, NJ. I have the pleasure of working with many incredible families. But there’s something particularly special about a cozy in-home customized maternity session. They capture the true essence of a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come and provide a comfortable and intimate setting for families.

Recently, I had the honor of photographing a beautiful family at their in-home maternity session in Scotch Plains. This family included mom, dad, their toddler daughter, and even their beloved dog. What stood out about this session was how personal and meaningful the location was. It was about capturing memories in the place where their family feels most comfortable and where their story truly unfolds.

Why In-Home Maternity Photography is a Timeless Choice

Cozy in-home maternity sessions hold a special place in my heart. It allows families to relax and be themselves, but it also adds a layer of sentimentality that cannot be replicated in a studio. The familiarity of home creates a warm atmosphere. This makes it easier for families to connect and feel at ease in front of the camera. For this particular family, their home was filled with meaningful details.

But what really made this session unforgettable was the inclusion of their dog. When I first met Max at the consultation, he was a little anxious and barked at me for quite awhile at our consultation. But by the time I was leaving, he had his head on my lap, giving me kisses and snuggles. We had built a level comfort and trust that really helped us on the day of the shoot. It’s another reason I love in-home sessions: they allow for pets to be included, making the photos even more personal and meaningful. And our pets are just as much a part of our family as our kids.

The Importance of High-Quality Prints and Products

One thing I always emphasize to my clients is the value of professional-grade prints and products. When you invest in an in-home maternity session with me, you don’t just get a few digital files. You’re investing in heirloom-quality products that will stand the test of time.

I offer my clients the option to purchase stunning wall art, albums, and prints. Each product is crafted with the highest standards. I provide professional products that are archival-quality and will last for generations. They are not like consumer-grade prints that can fade, deteriorate, or become damaged over time. These materials preserve the vibrancy of your images and ensure that they remain as beautiful as the day they were captured.

In fact, I include a printed copy of every image that clients purchase. So you can hold these precious memories in your hands. There’s something truly special about having your photographs printed and displayed in your home. You can relive those moments every day. Whether it’s a large piece of wall art showcasing a beautiful maternity portrait or a carefully curated album that tells your family’s story, these products are meant to last and be passed down through generations.

Serving Clients in Scotch Plains and Beyond

As a luxury maternity photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ, my clients are looking for more than just an average photography session. They’re looking for a photographer who can capture their most cherished moments with artistry and care. My goal is to provide an exceptional experience from the initial consultation to the final delivery of your beautiful prints and products.

fine art portrait double exposure of pregnant mother and flowers at her in-home maternity session with Joan Marie Photography in Scotch Plains

I would love to work with you if you’re seeking a cozy in-home maternity session and a maternity photographer, who can create timeless images that reflect your family’s personality and style. I can help you preserve your most treasured memories in a way that’s authentic, beautiful, and lasting. Whether you live right here in Scotch Plains or 20 miles away, let’s collab!

Book Your In-Home Maternity Session Today

Let’s tell your story! If you’re ready to book your maternity session, contact me today. We can create stunning, meaningful portraits that will be cherished for generations. I specialize in working with high-end clients who value photography as an art form and want nothing but the best for their families.

I also have First Year packages that yield a beautiful handcrafted album to hold the images we created over the course of that first year. It is truly a story book that you will cherish for years and years! Don’t have a baby? That’s okay! We can do the storybook for YOUR family too! So much can happen over one year. Let’s capture it all!

Together, we can create beautiful images that will serve as a reminder of this exciting time in your life—forever.

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twin boys and big brother first birthday with balloons behind him with scotch plains nj photographer

DOUBLE THE FUN!

As a professional photographer based in Scotch Plains, NJ, I had the pleasure of capturing a special baby milestone for two adorable twin boys. This twin birthday photos in Scotch Plains, NJ was unique as we skipped the cake and instead focused on creating timeless memories with a balloon garland in soft shades of green, tan, gold, and white. The session also included their big brother, making it a true family affair. Keep reading to see the magic we created during this heartwarming twin birthday photos in Scotch Plains, NJ and learn how you can preserve your own family memories with professional photography.

The Perfect Setup for a Twin Boys Birthday Photoshoot:

When it comes to baby milestone and birthday photos for young children, sometimes the most beautiful moments don’t need a cake! For these twin boys’ birthday photos, we created a fun and vibrant atmosphere with a stunning balloon garland featuring green, tan, gold, and white colors. The garland provided a playful yet elegant backdrop, perfectly reflecting the joy and personality of the twins.

As a baby milestone photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ, I always strive to create a session that feels as personal and memorable as possible. The colors of the garland were thoughtfully chosen to complement the twins’ energy while remaining neutral enough to match their personalities. The simplicity of the setting allowed for plenty of candid moments, ensuring that the focus stayed on the children’s natural expressions and interactions.

Including Big Brother in the 1st Birthday Session:

One of the highlights of this session was having big brother join in for a few photos. Siblings are such an important part of any family, and I always make sure to include them in the photos when possible. Whether he was cuddling with his younger brothers or laughing alongside them, big brother brought so much joy to the session, and it’s always wonderful to capture these precious bonds between siblings.

For families with more than one child, including everyone in the session can be a great way to tell a fuller story. The playful dynamic between the twins and their big brother added an extra layer of love to the images, making them even more special for the family to look back on for years to come.

Family Portraits to Cherish Forever:

No session is complete without capturing beautiful family portraits, and we made sure to create those timeless images during this twin boys birthday photos in Scotch Plains NJ. With mom and dad included in some of the shots, this family portrait session truly showcased the love and joy that they all share. The combination of posed family portraits and candid moments made for a wonderful collection of images that the family will treasure forever.

Professional family portraits, especially when taken during milestones like a birthday, are invaluable memories. As a photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ, I aim to capture the true essence of a family’s connection and personality in each shot. These moments are the ones that will be displayed in your home and passed down for generations, so investing in high-quality photography ensures that they are beautifully captured.

Why Choose Professional Photography and cake smash in Scotch Plains, NJ:

When it comes to preserving memories, you want to make sure you’re working with a photographer who understands the importance of each milestone. Professional photography provides more than just a set of images – it captures the unique emotions and moments that make your family’s story special (and don’t forget the WALL ART and ALBUMS!).

For families in Scotch Plains, NJ, I offer custom photography sessions tailored to your needs and vision. Whether you’re celebrating a first birthday, an anniversary, or just want to update your family portraits, I will work with you to create a session that reflects your family’s unique style and personality.

The 1st birthday session with these twin boys was an absolute joy to photograph. From the playful balloon garland to the sweet family portraits, this session was full of beautiful moments. As a photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ, I love creating memories for families that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking to capture your family’s special moments with professional photos, I’d love to work with you! Let’s schedule your next family photo session and create lasting memories together.

More First Birthday Photos…

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large photo of mother and sons hangs on living room wall

Motherhood Mini Sessions in March

Celebrate Motherhood with a Special Mini Session in Scotch Plains, NJ

Motherhood is filled with fleeting moments that we want to cherish forever. As moms, we often find ourselves behind the camera, capturing precious memories of our children—yet, we rarely take the time to be in the photos ourselves.

This March, I’m offering a unique opportunity to change that with my Motherhood Mini Sessions on March 28th and 29th at my Scotch Plains, NJ studio. It’s the perfect chance to create lasting memories with your little ones. And your children will have beautiful images of you, their mother, to treasure for years to come.

Details of the Session:

  • Date: March 28th and 29th, 2025
  • Location: Joan Marie Photography, 1589 E 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ
  • Price: $390 ($150 deposit is due at time of booking, balance due 1 week prior)
  • Includes: 2 professionally retouched digital images

As mothers, myself included, we often forget that our children will look back on their childhood not only through the lens of their own experiences but also through the images they have of us together. But these photos are not just for us—they’re for them. They will look at these images as adults and remember the love, the laughter, and the connection they shared with us.

In just a short and stress-free session, you’ll walk away with two beautifully retouched digital images. I focus on the powerful bond between you and your children. Whether it’s an intimate moment with your newborn, playful interactions with toddlers, or an elegant portrait with older kids, these images will be a lasting testament to your role as a mom. And the best part, you’ll be able to use these as your profile picture for Mother’s Day!

Why This Session Is So Important:

  • For Your Children: Your kids will treasure these images as they grow older, knowing that their mother was there with them through every moment of their journey. It’s a legacy of love they’ll carry with them always.
  • Memories That Last: You deserve to have photos with your children, not just of them. These moments are a celebration of the beautiful relationship you share.
  • A Lasting Bond: Being in the photo with your children creates memories that strengthen that bond and will live on in these images for generations to come.

And Mom, I don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity to be part of your child’s memories! Let’s create something beautiful that will be cherished forever.

BUT WAIT! These sessions are NOT just for moms with young children. Oh no, way! As a mom of 2 teens, I want photos with MY kids too! Or what about moms of ADULT children? You deserve photos too! And wait, what about those of you who want a photo with your OWN mom? These are for you too!

How to Book: Availability for these sessions is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early! Use the booking form below or click here!

NJ Holiday Photos

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 👇🏻

Sign Up!

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???

joan marie

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

379968614