Category Archives: scotch plains, nj

Capturing Vibrant Personalities: A Look at Bold and Colorful Backdrops in Headshot Photography

therapist poses for headshot on a colorful marigold backdrop

In the world of professional photography, headshots play a crucial role in establishing a strong personal brand and making a lasting impression. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients who wanted to step away from traditional headshot norms and embrace bold, colorful backdrops to reflect their vibrant personalities. In this post, I’ll delve into the creative process behind these unique headshot sessions and explore the impact of using colorful backgrounds to make a statement.

Embracing Colorful Backdrops for Personal Branding

Each headshot session begins with a consultation where I work closely with clients to understand their brand, personality, and the message they wanted to convey through their headshots. It was exciting to see individuals who were eager to break away from the typical neutral backgrounds and embrace the power of color to showcase their unique style and energy.

The Impact of Color on Visual Communication

One of the key advantages of using bold and colorful backdrops is the ability to instantly grab attention and create a memorable visual impact. Whether it was a striking red backdrop to convey power and confidence or a lively blue backdrop to exude calm and trustworthiness, each color choice played a significant role in shaping the overall mood and tone of the headshots.

Creative Expression and Customization

Moreover, the use of bold and colorful backdrops allows for greater creative expression and customization. By carefully selecting backgrounds that complemented the client’s skin tone, outfit, and overall aesthetic, I was able to create headshots that felt authentic, engaging, and visually stunning.

Personalized Branding Through Vibrant Headshots

Throughout the sessions, I encouraged clients to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely in front of the camera. The colorful backdrops served as a dynamic canvas for clients to showcase their personality, passion, and unique sense of style, resulting in headshots that felt truly personalized and impactful.

Neutral is still GREAT!

While we introduced color for some of our headshots, we also included a couple of neutral and classic colors, which also came out great! Grey and beige are 2 timeless and classic colors to use for professional headshots. And I am REALLY happy I tried a shot out on my Studio wall because the color photographed as the perfect greige that I will FOR SURE be using in future shoots!

In conclusion, the recent headshot sessions embracing color in headshots were a testament to the power of creative expression and individuality in professional photography. By stepping outside the traditional boundaries of headshot photography and embracing vibrant colors and bold backgrounds, clients were able to make a bold statement and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

If you’re looking to elevate your personal brand and make a lasting impression with headshots that reflect your vibrant personality, consider exploring the world of bold and colorful backdrops. Contact me today to schedule your own headshot session and let’s capture your unique essence in a truly memorable way.

Professional Headshot Sessions in Scotch Plains, NJ: Unveiling True Personalities

Shots, shots, shots! … Headshots, of course!

Capturing Essence: A Fun Ride through Recent Headshot Sessions in Scotch Plains, NJ

Hey there! Grab a seat and let me take you on a whirlwind tour of my recent headshot adventures right here in Scotch Plains, NJ. From corporate climbers to aspiring actors, it’s been a blast capturing the essence of each unique personality that walks through my studio doors.

The Conversational Click

Picture this: a serious discussion about career aspirations interrupted by my sudden “wait, that lighting is perfect!” moment. Yes, my clients have learned to expect my random bursts of photographic enthusiasm. But hey, it’s all part of the magic of creating that perfect headshot.

Lighting Shenanigans

Let’s talk about lighting – the unsung hero of every good photograph. There’s a fine line between “professional glow” and “alien abduction.” Thankfully, we’ve managed to steer clear of the latter (mostly). It’s all about finding that sweet spot where your confidence shines brighter than any studio light can.

Expressions Galore

Ever tried to coax a natural smile out of someone who’s had too much coffee? Trust me, it’s an art form. From the classic “smolder” to the “I’m approachable but not too approachable” vibe, we’ve nailed them all. And yes, I’ve seen the full spectrum of eyebrow raises – from “I’m intrigued” to “Did you just say what I think you said?”

Diverse Tales, Shared Laughs

Seriously though, the best part of these sessions is the stories. I’ve had CEOs plotting world domination (in a good way, of course) and budding actors channeling their inner Meryl Streep. Each click of the shutter captures a snippet of their journey, and I’m just here for the ride – camera in hand and ready for whatever expression comes next.

Looking Ahead (Literally and Figuratively)

As I reflect on these sessions, I can’t help but grin at the memories we’ve created together. Scotch Plains, you’ve been an awesome backdrop to this photographic rollercoaster. And to my clients – thank you for trusting me to freeze-frame your brilliance, quirks, and everything in between.

So, whether you’re gearing up for that big career move or just want a killer LinkedIn profile pic (because who doesn’t?), let’s make some magic happen. Get in touch, and let’s capture your essence – with a side of laughter and maybe a few eyebrow raises thrown in for good measure.

You can see more of my headshot work here!

Ready to shine in front of the lens? Contact me today and let’s create headshots that are as unique as you are.

Italian Restaurant in Scotch Plains

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.

First Birthday Family Shoot | Scotch Plains, NJ

cake smash, first birthday

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!!!

Dog Photos | Pet Portraits

Zena (with a “z”) Warrior Princess!

Zena’s mom and dad reached out to me wanting to get some printed portraits of their baby Zena. Although Zena isn’t a baby. I believe she is about 5 years old. But dang, she has some puppy energy!

I love that about photography. I can be photographing Newborns one day and then dogs the next! Have you seen my dog photos? No? Well, you can see more of them here.

Mountain Dogs

Zena is a Entlebucher Mountain Dog, a breed related to the Bernese Mountain dogs. If you know anything about Bernies, you know that they are BIG dogs! They’re awesome actually. And lately you may have seen some Bernese Mountain Dogs mixed with Poodles, yielding the Bernedoodle! These dogs are so beautiful and I especially love their coloring. You can see the relation between Zena and the Bernies by their coloring for sure! I took an adorable photo of my friend’s Bernedoodle, Dexter, a couple of years ago. Here he is after stopping by my neighbor’s place, Simply Groomed.

dog photos

Say Cheese for your dog photos!

We took a ton of photos of Zena and in the end her mom and dad chose these 2 final images for their selections. And I have to say, I think they picked some good ones!

I don’t think it occurs to many people to have their dog photos done, but I love it! And they ARE a part of our family so why wouldn’t we want some portraits of them to hang around the home?

joan marie

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

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