Finding Joy (and Cookies!) at a Local Favorite: The Swiss Pastry Shoppe

I originally started writing this post about Seasonal Mood Disorder and how much I struggle with the early darkness and the cold. But honestly? What’s the point! If that doesn’t tell you exactly how I feel about the winter months, I don’t know what would.

Instead, I’m jumping right into the things that actually boost my spirits. Between the cold and the lingering “COVID-cautious” lifestyle, I find myself constantly looking for little pockets of joy. Sometimes that means looking forward to the next holiday, finding ways to help others, or simply taking a much-needed mental health day to rest.

Recently, all of those things collided in the most delicious way possible.

Doing Hard Things: Keto and Food Photography

I started the New Year by jumping back into my Keto diet. I won’t lie—getting back into the swing of it was difficult. Sometimes we have to do hard things! However, I still have two little boys at home and a deep-seated love for food photography.

The catch? I don’t actually love cooking or baking things myself.

To satisfy my creative craving (without ruining my diet), I decided to visit what many locals consider the best bakery in Scotch Plains, NJ: The Swiss Pastry Shoppe.

A Step Back in Time at The Swiss Pastry Shoppe

This Scotch Plains bakery has been family-owned and operated for thirty years! The moment you walk inside, you understand exactly why they’ve stood the test of time. The aromas of fresh-baked goods dance upon your olfactory senses like a beautiful ballet.

From fresh-baked bagels to decadent blueberry tart pies, they have everything. Walking into this shop feels like a trip back in time—it actually reminds me of the bakery Mr. Rogers used to visit on his show. It’s not about fancy frills; it’s about the essentials needed to make treats that are truly dee-lish-us.

Support Small Businesses This Valentine’s Day

As we approach February, I want to encourage everyone to support the small businesses that make our community special. Between big-box supermarkets and the challenges of the last few years, our local shops need us more than ever.

If you are looking for the perfect way to celebrate, skip the mega-store and try these local alternatives:

• The Florist: Get your roses from a local shop.
• The Bakery: Pick up Valentine’s chocolates or cookies from a local Scotch Plains bakery.
• The Toy Store: Find a unique stuffed animal at a small boutique.

Plan ahead, place your order, and help keep our community vibrant!

A Valentine’s Food Photography Loop

Since I was there, I couldn’t resist picking up some “pretty little cookies” for my kids. They were the perfect subjects for my food photography loop this month, especially with the Valentine’s Day theme I was going for.

It took everything in me not to cheat on my diet and buy one of everything in the shop, but seeing these photos almost feels as good as a taste!

Beyond the Marshmallow: Exploring Dark Food Photography in NJ

It has been a little while since my last update, but I am back and ready to share something a bit different with you today: some delicious, dark food photography!

I’ll spare you the “blah blah blah” about my Great Aunt Dottie’s favorite marshmallow recipe. (Does anyone actually want to read those long-winded stories? I’m guessing no, but let me know if I’m wrong!) Instead, I want to talk about the mood, the setup, and the curious “love affair” between winter drinks and sugar.

The Aesthetic of Moody Food Styling

When I’m working on a dark food photography set here in New Jersey, I’m looking for more than just a picture of a snack. I’m looking for texture, shadows, and a story.

I’ve had a few people ask lately: Do you want to see the behind-the-scenes? Are you interested in the lighting setups? If you’re a fellow photographer or just a fan of the process, let me know! I’d love to pull back the curtain on how I create these high-contrast, atmospheric shots.

The Hot Chocolate Confession

This time of year, it seems like the entire world is obsessed with hot chocolate. But I have a confession to make: I am not a huge hot chocolate fan. I actually spent most of my life not even “liking” chocolate at all. I finally gave in recently and ordered a hot cocoa solely because… well, it’s December. But that’s not my only controversial opinion. I’m also not a fan of marshmallows!

We all know there is a legendary love affair between hot chocolate and “Miss Marshmallow,” but it makes me wonder: Am I missing out on something amazing here?

Is It Even Cocoa Without the Clouds?

Tell me—is it even hot chocolate if you don’t have those puffy white clouds floating on top? While I might not enjoy eating them, they certainly make for incredible subjects in professional food photography. Their bright, matte texture pops perfectly against a dark, moody background.

I took some time to do a little “marshmallow photoshoot” before finally tossing the last hot chocolate bomb in the gar-baj. Yes, you heard me correctly! It was melted, crushed, and honestly? My kids have had more than enough sugar over the last four weeks.

Elevate Your Brand with Professional Food Photography

Whether it’s a steaming mug of cocoa or a gourmet meal, the way your food is captured tells a story to your customers. If you are looking for dark food photography in NJ to give your brand or blog a sophisticated, artistic edge, I would love to chat about your vision.

Check out the dark and moody shots from this session below:

A Dream Realized: Recognized as a Top 7 Food Photographer by Peerspace

Well, you might just have to start calling me a witch, because I think I just manifested myself a spot on the list of the Best Food Photographers in Newark, NJ!

I am beyond thrilled to share that I’ve been recognized by Peerspace as one of the top seven talents in the area. While the accolade itself is an incredible honor, I have to be honest. I might be even more excited about the actual write-up and the way they described my work than the title itself!

Refusing to Fit into a Box

If you’ve followed my journey for a while, you know I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am deeply passionate about all photography genres. I’ve never been able to squeeze myself into a tiny “specialization” box.

Some people might see that as a challenge, but I just can’t help it. My heart is in every frame! Whether it’s a family connection or a moody plate of food. What touched me most about the Peerspace feature was that my versatility actually stood out to the writers. Seeing my “un-boxable” nature celebrated as a strength made my heart burst with joy and gratitude.

The Power of Intentionality

This recognition completely caught me by surprise, but I’m not sure why! I actually “wished” this into existence just last week. It is a beautiful reminder that when you put your intentions out there, the Universe really does provide.

So here is a massive thank you to Peerspace for the recognition and for taking the time to truly see my art. To be listed among such talented Newark food photographers is a dream come true.

Explore the Best Food Photography in North Jersey

If you’re interested in reading the full article and seeing the work of the other incredible photographers featured alongside me, head over to the Peerspace write-up here.

Whether I’m shooting a local Scotch Plains bakery or a high-end restaurant in Newark, my goal is always the same. I want to create imagery that feels like art. Thank you to my clients and my community for supporting me and allowing me to stay true to my creative spirit!