Tag Archives: dating app photographer

September 8, 2023

“Jersey Girl for LIFE!”

Time is once again getting away from me and I am realizing that I haven’t blogged about some of the best shoots I’ve had this Summer! The dating profile session I did with Ali was nothing short of AWESOME!

When Ali first reached out to me she was on the fence about doing a dating profile session. I get it. Believe me I do! Would we be able to get enough variety, could we capture her personality, could we REALLY get enough material in the one hour session to yield 5 unique images that are included in the package? My answer is always a resounding YES!

Questionnaires

I think part of this can be credited to the questionnaire that my Clients fill out. I don’t know what it is, but I really find it helps me connect with the individual and almost know them personally before we even meet. The questions I ask aren’t only for MY benefit, but I think they help get my dating peeps in the right mindset and remembering who THEY are and not so much who they want to meet. I think that’s really important! We all have something to offer and we need to remember that. But it also helps us to come up with outfit ideas and “props” for the shoot. These are simple things that can really create a completely different look and feel!

When Ali and I first spoke she mentioned wanting to give 80’s vibes in her dating profile. I loved it and I had the best idea! Let’s turn one of the images into a polaroid with some cool prism like colors overlaid on it! I knew right away we were on the same page! And that was confirmed once again when I read her answers to the questionnaire. She is a really freakin’ cool girl!

Ali and I originally planned on meeting at Van Gogh’s Ear in Union only to find out the day of that it was CLOSED! But, we go with the flow and we pivot! PIVOT!!! (Friends reference ;)) And I really believe that these things do happen for a reason and when you go with the flow, it all works out in the end! We ended up at a cute little spot in Westfield called Reeve’s Smoothie Cafe. We got the Berry Betsy and it was delicious!!

So let’s get right into it! Here is a little bit more about Ali <3

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy gardening, playing chess, dancing, running, checking out new restaurants/going cruising in the car.

What are the 3 most important things you’re looking for in a partner?

(Ali listed five LOL!)

Fun
Kind
Good conversationalist.
Loves/ed his mother.
Sense of Humor

Favorite book? (this was a good one…she listed some of my own personal favorites.)

I have a couple books I enjoyed reading. The Alchemist, The old man and the sea, The Four agreements.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Coffee and hugs!

So yeah, now you can see why I think Ali is so cool! One of my favorite answers she gave was whether or not she has any strange or unique talents. She made me promise that I wouldn’t include her answer here…so if you want to know what it is, I guess you’ll just have to meet Alide for yourself! HAHA!

Ali – I had so much fun gettting to know you! I know that you will meet someone who is worthy of you because you are true to yourself! Best of luck!! XOXO

View More Dating Profile Sessions

June 23, 2023

A Dating Session with Howard in Westfield NJ

“There is a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”

I heard from Howard today and realized that tomorrow will be ONE YEAR since we did his dating profile session! And he also just celebrated his ONE YEAR dating anniversary! If you are saying “wait, that doesn’t make sense. How did he have a one year dating anniversary BEFORE the one year anniversary of his dating shoot”, then you’re right! It doesn’t really add up!

A gift to yourself

But let me explain…Howard and I scheduled his shoot when he was still doing the online dating thing. In fact I think we started talking about scheduling something about 2-3 weeks before our scheduled shoot date. And when he showed up on the day of our session he confided in me that he had started dating a woman that he really liked. But you know what? That’s the thing about these shoots! When people contact me about dating profile sessions, what they have in mind is getting some good shots that they can use for their online dating profile.

But every single time they leave with much more than that. These sessions are a confidence booster. It is an amazing feeling to have someone (me) completely excited about capturing YOU! Like the REAL you! Genuine and true and really having your personality shine through. And even though Howard had a really good feeling about the woman he had just started seeing, he went forward with our session. Because this was not just an investment in his dating game, but an investment in HIMSELF! And we had a great time!

I could write all about Howard and his likes and dislikes, but really I’m just super happy that he is still with the woman he met over a year ago. Because ultimately my goal for these sessions is to help people find love. And whether these pics helped with that or not is not important. But that he is happy and in a committed relationship, that’s what makes me happy.

Here are some shots from our shoot almost a year ago!

June 20, 2023

“Another one rides the bus”

If you know where those lyrics are from, then you are probably a fan of Weird Al Yankovik. Which means you’d probably have a great time hanging out with Rahul who has seen Weird Al multiple times! I thought that was an interesting bit to find out about him.

I always ask my clients if they could live anywhere, where would it be? Rahul’s answer? Toronto! And if he could choose between the city or the country he would pick the city. While he enjoys the beauty of the country, he is really drawn to the culture you find in the city.

When I asked Rahul what it is that makes him happy, he responded as I would imagine a psychiatrist would:

I mostly find joy in helping others feel better.

Imagine that!? A man who finds joy in helping others feel better. Rahul is generous and is looking for the same in his partner(s). He is smart, interesting, skeptical, and enjoys connecting on a deeper level. He even enjoys yoga and has experience with salsa dancing!

We had a beautiful day for our dating shoot and we even got to experience the 11AM Pack Walk with Wonder Dog Studio! Imagine turning a corner to see a sea of Golden Retrievers coming towards you!? It was so awesome and impressive!

Thank you Rahul for trusting me to capture YOU last week and I can’t wait to hear how things work out for you!

June 8, 2023

Colleen’s Dating Session in Westfield NJ

“Ditto”

I’m a NJ Dating Profile Photographer and I’m shocked to realize that it was more than 4 months ago that Colleen and I got together for her Dating Profile Session! But yes, here we are! I hope she updates me on what’s going on in the love department since our session! Because I legit get invested! I’m a romantic and I do truly want my dating profile clients to find love! Seriously!

Colleen is adorable and she is also ambitious. She’s one of those women who sees what she wants, and with focus and determination, reaches her goal. I think she also KNOWS what she wants. And she isn’t going to settle for anything less.

What are the most important things you are looking for in a partner?

That they are loyal That they enjoy traveling That they are employed That they are ready for true love and know it when they see it.

Colleen loves her job, but when she comes home she enjoys relaxing on the couch and getting into a good documentary. Now she just needs to find a good man with character who she can snuggle up next to.

Colleen! I had so much fun on our shoot! I love meeting strong and ambitious women who know not only what they want, but what they deserve. Thank you for our time together and I am wishing you find someone amazing!

Are you Interested?

If you are looking for a NJ Dating Profile Photographer, look no further! Fill out my contact form and let’s start planning YOUR dating profile session TODAY!

June 7, 2023

Tim’s Dating Profile Session in Somerset, NJ

“Do or do not, there is no try”

We did Tim’s Dating Profile Session in Somerset NJ. I really enjoyed hanging out with and getting to know Tim. He had a location in mind for our shoot and I’m so happy he introduced me to it! Actually, truth is that I’ve heard of this place for awhile, but just never had a chance to get there. And funny thing…lol. We got there and I was so impressed by the gardens that I was just wide eyed thinking of all the potential photo ops. I got to talking to one of the groundskeepers and that’s when I was informed that I needed a permit to shoot in the gardens. DOH! I mean, I kind of figured when I saw it. But I’m an idiot and literally walked right by the sign that said you need a permit. And then she tells me there is also a ROSE GARDEN there! So if you want to shoot at a rose garden, hit me up! Just know that a permit is required!

Roll with it

So after that slightly embarrassing situation, we took a stroll nearby and continued our shoot. Tim already had an idea of the types of shots he wanted and I think we got just what he was looking for!

I always have my dating profile clients fill out a questionnaire before our shoot. It really helps me go into the shoot with a feeling that I already know them a bit. And I always find out something interesting about them! What I learned about Tim is that he threw the javelin in high school! I mean, what?!? That is pretty cool! He is active and it seems like Summer is his time of year because he likes to go down the shore, get some sun and go kayaking or bike riding. Not only that, but his ideal date would be having drinks; cocktails or craft beers. Where are my craft beer girls at?!

When I do dating profile sessions I like to try and incorporate hobbies or interests in the images we create. One of the things that Tim enjoys is cooking. So we talked about getting some shots of him preparing one of his favorites that he could enjoy later with his family. What was it you ask? Well it was SAUCE and meatballs. And yes, we both say “sauce” not “gravy”. Fight me. LOL! An interesting thing that Tim told me is that one of his relatives, I think his Aunt, published a family cookbook! And I was surprised when he put pieces of pepperoni (I think it was pepperoni) into the sauce. I am definitely going to try that! I bet it’s delicious!

What are the 3 most important things you’re looking for in a partner?

– Active
– Family oriented
– Easy going

So if you’re looking for a nice Italian Jersey Boy who enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, being active in the Summer Sun, but is also down to hang out and get into the latest tv series, then Tim is your guy! P.S. Tim may be a Jersey boy, but he’s got some Country in his soul too…from music to location. He prefers country over the city and is ready to get down to some country tunes!

Tim, I had a great time during our shoot and can’t wait to see where this journey takes you!

June 1, 2023

Josh’s Dating Profile Session in Cranford NJ

“No Ragrets”

We scheduled Josh’s dating profile session in Cranford NJ. I had a great time hanging out with Josh during his shoot a few weeks ago. It’s always so much fun getting to know more about the people I am shooting. I find there is always something beautiful and interesting to learn about each other. I think we are missing that these days. So many people are rushing from one place to the next and we really miss out on that human connection. I’m not saying we need to make friends with everyone we meet, but sometimes a smile or a hello can go a long way!

One thing I love about these sessions is that I really genuinely want to know more about my clients. I feel like making that connection is essential in the way that I capture their portraits. It helps me to be able to get honest shots of real smiles and whatnot. And it also helps everyone feel more comfortable!

Josh is fun, outgoing, talented (he’s pretty good at the Chinese yoyo!). He is interesting and loves traveling. Not only has he been to Japan, but he actually attended all 4 years of college at Osaka University! If he could have ANY JOB it would be a tour guide, hands down.

Tour guide hands down. Or the owner of an onsen-hotel or boba shop in Japan where the vibe is chill, people are diverse, and I can make my own schedule.

Hobbies?

I love traveling (I grew up in Edison but actually went to Japan at Osaka university for all four years or my undergrad) Also love boxing (hard work and focus can’t beat the feeling…) I’ve been sparring less recently though to make time to study for the bar exam. To relax I usually just read Steven king haha. His stuff isn’t too dark or weird for me, I think he has an unshakable grasp of the human psyche and just shows it for what it is…) My worst “hobby” though, is that sometimes I can get lost on YouTube for hours and sleep at like 3 am…

I know it won’t take Josh very long to meet the person he’s looking for. He has a great smile and a good heart. Thanks for choosing me to capture you, Josh! I really enjoyed it!

May 1, 2023

Jason’s Dating Profile Session

If I could have ANY job, I would love to own a candy shop…. you’re literally handing out “happiness” all day long… how could anything be better!?

I had a great time hanging out with Jason on an early weekday morning in Somerville, NJ! We were a little worried about the weather, but the sun showed up and helped us capture some awesome shots!

Jason has a demanding job, but he understands the importance of balance between work and family. He also is serious about finding the right person and was able to dedicate some time from his busy schedule to meet with me for our photoshoot.

While Jason’s job may be demanding, it is also extremely fulfilling. He is doing really important work that is quite literally changing and saving lives! But if he could have ANY job, it would be owning a candy shop so he could put smiles on other people’s faces. How “sweet” is that?!?

When I was younger I thought I had the right temperament to be a great doctor, but then I realized how much school was necessary! My current job brings me a lot of fulfillment and is rewarding.

I asked Jason what the last thing was that he wished for. His answer was the perfect amount of seriousness and humor, in my opinion. His initial response was:

I feel blessed to have my health, happiness, and a constant flow of opportunities coming my way to learn and grow. So, whenever I’m offered a chance to make a wish, I always say “I’m thankful for what I have, and I want nothing more.”

Which he quickly followed up with:

But I wish I could eat a pound of M&M’s a week and not get fat!! That’s my favorite candy by the way!

Jason has “the world’s most amazing 11 year old boy… he has no idea how much I love him”. But that’s not all! He also is the proud Dad to 3 pathos plants! He even named them! Gertrude (she’s a southern belle), Mariah (cuz she’s on fire!), and Suzanne. LOL!

I asked Jason what are the 3 most important things he is looking for in a partner.

Honesty, Trust, and Communication are essential for me.

Jason, I had a great time learning about you and exploring around Somerville. I hope you find your special someone <3 You may have to meet some frogs before you meet your princess!

So let’s get to the photos!

Read more about why high-quality professional photos make a difference here.

If you are interested in scheduling a dating profile session with me, fill out my contact form for more information!

January 6, 2023

A dating profile photography session in Westfield, J

How serious are you about meeting “The One”?

In my original post (from a couple of years ago now) I shared that there is a need for dating profile picture help! This was from my first hand experience surfing the dating app scene. I was in it. And I saw the photos people CHOSE to represent themselves. But, they have a very unique opportunity to make a conscious choice of the first impression others make of them! Oh boy, it was very interesting.

Now don’t get me wrong, if you’re online dating for random hookups, it probably doesn’t matter all that much what image you choose to define you. Or maybe it does! And perhaps you want to contact me to setup a Boudoir Shoot. That’s cool too LOL! But if you are looking for lasting love, then that’s when you need to make yourself standout. And there is really so much you can do in this online dating world.

Tom reached out to me awhile ago. He inquired about my Dating Profile Sessions and investment details. But he didn’t book during our initial conversation. Quite honestly, I understand people’s hesitation! It is an investment! Not everyone is ready to invest in a dating profile session. I get it! But, a few months later he got back in touch with me. He was ready to schedule his session and get serious about meeting that special someone.

Online Dating is a Process!

Think of the dating process as exactly that; a process. And all the people in the world can give you advice about what you should and shouldn’t do. It’s normal. And it all comes from a good place. Because I think genuinely everyone wants happiness and love for others. But what I can tell you with absolute certainty is that a dating profile session is so much more than hiring a person to take some shots of you. I find it to be empowering, fun, exciting, and so much more than a photoshoot. When you book a dating profile session, you are not just investing in dating profile pictures. You are investing in YOURSELF, in your FUTURE, in your CHANCES at finding and keeping lifelong love (if that’s what you want of course).

Finding Love Online

I found love online when I opened myself up to step outside of my comfort zone. I even eventually let go of my preconceived ideas about Tinder and created my own Tinder profile. Reworking my profile to include things that I am interested in, and removed anything that catered to what I thought OTHERS would want to see. I TRANSFORMED the experience to be about ME! And that is exactly what my dating profile shoots are all about. It’s all about YOU and capturing the absolute BEST but also REAL version of you so you can attract the person who matches YOU! Am I making sense? HAHAHA!! Consequently, I had a great time with Tom during our session and I know that he is destined to meet someone who will game with him and watch Ghost Busters with him and even appreciate his taste in Metal! 😉

About Tom

I asked Tom some questions, I do this with all of dating clients. He had some really great answers 👏 😊

Do you have any hobbies? I play guitar. I like to travel. Play video games. Go to concerts.

What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to? Metal. Love Metallica, Slayer, and Iron Maiden to name a few.

If you could have any job, what would it be? Hospital Patient Care Work Coach. As a health care worker, I am very passionate about how to care for patients. I would like to be able to teach and guide others, in order to set a better standard when it comes to care for those in need.

What was the last thing you wished for? For my family to be happy

What is your ideal date? Go to a nice quiet bar, have some drinks, and get lost in conversation.

Do you have any turnoffs? Texting and looking at your phone during conversation. Every so often is fine, but when it’s constant? Nope. Not happening.

Favorite book? Salems Lot

Any pets? A cat

What is the one thing you can’t live without? 2 things: Music and Hibachi. You take those away, then what’s left to live for??

Love Notes

“Joan is awesome! When doing the shoot I felt a little nervous, but Joan made the experience very pleasant and fun. She pays attention to the little details and genuinely cares about getting you the photos you need. Thanks Joan!”
Thomas

May 25, 2021

WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE AN ONLINE DATING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Online dating…let’s face it, dating isn’t like it used to be. I think we all really felt that in 2020! Life is different, dating is different. Because are living in the digital age… a world where we can do nearly everything virtually, including dating! And you’re going to need some good dating pictures!

It’s actually a great way to meet prospective partners. It is a way to meet people with common interests. People you might never stumble into at the grocery store in a simple twist of fate. Nowadays you might just “swipe” to find that special someone’s photo looking at you!

It’s time to let go of the old way of thinking and embrace the new! The online dating apps are fun and exciting and it is a way to market yourself and your talents and interests and match up with someone who just might be that perfect fit.

With online dating, you have a unique opportunity to show yourself in your best light. You have the ability to CHOOSE the first impression you want to give to your prospective partners with your photos.

Sell yourself!

Basically YOU are the product. What do you want your product to say? To attract? Because I do believe that you certainly have the power to do just that especially with good dating pictures!

Let me help you with photos that will stand out. When you invest in professional pictures, not only do you get quality photos that make you look and feel amazing, you’re also telling those people that are swiping through a sea of potential partners that you are taking this dating thing seriously! You can say it just with getting some good dating profile photography done!

When you invest in photos, you invest in yourself and your future! Read more about my own experience with online dating here.

February 8, 2020

Dating App Photograpy Shoot in Cranford NJ

It was an absolute pleasure meeting up with Elena to take some pics for her to use for her online dating profile! We met at a local coffee shop where we were able to relax into our session, sipping on coffee and discussing the online dating scene. During our initial consult we started talking about how there is so much to know and be aware of and LEARN as you go through the experience that is online dating. Because, listen people, it IS an experience. It is a process. It can take TIME. So we talked about our experiences with the online dating apps. We talked about things we didn’t know, things we wished we DID know and things that we would want to tell other people who are new to the online dating scene.

About Elena

When did you start online dating?

About 3 weeks ago.

Which app do you prefer to use?

Hinge

What was the most surprising thing for you about the online dating world?

Something called “catfishing”. I had no idea what that was. It is when someone pretends to be someone they aren’t.

What do you want to see in a potential partner’s profile?

I want to see pictures that match the person’s profile description. Their profession, hobbies, activities, interests. If you say you are a real estate agent by day and a woodworker by night I want to see that. You like concerts? I want to see you at one!

What is your biggest turnoff?

Lack of conversation, texting. It is important to have that initial attraction, but communication should flow naturally. And if that’s not there, it’s a red flag, and you shouldn’t ignore it just because you feel a physical attraction.

Do you have any warnings for people who are new to the online dating experience?

Be patient. It’s okay to follow your instincts and decline matches. Don’t compromise on your deal breakers and know what your deal breakers are!

Do you have any deal breakers?

Yes. If someone is looking to have kids or drinks too much. Those are my deal breakers. I have 2 kids and I don’t want to have more.

What is your ideal first date?

Maybe go to a cafe so you can talk and be in a public place. And if things are going well and the conversation is flowing, maybe continue on to have dinner together.

Do you have any advice to share?

Sometimes people share too much too soon. You don’t have to unload all of your “baggage” on the first date. Be casual and carefree and enjoy the experience. If you start talking about being exclusive then you can have more in depth conversations about it.

We both have kids. What are your thoughts on dating and children?

Conventional won’t always work and social norms won’t always match YOUR norm and that is OK! I do think that people who have kids may better understand the complexities and demands of being a single parent. You should also have a waiting period before you start introducing the kids to the person you are dating.

Elena is an awesome single momma who is totally rocking it for her kids. She has a career and is health focused and understands the importance of self care and self love. A woman who is confident in her power, her beauty and her grace. And she has put in the work. I can’t wait to meet the lucky guy that gets to date Elena because this is a woman who knows her worth and if she thinks you’re worthy of her time, you must be a pretty incredible guy!

Here are some of my favorite pics from our shoot. She is smart, sexy, sarcastic and totally ADORABLE!