Tag Archives: dating photographer

Why High-Quality Professional Dating Profile Photos Make a Difference | Josh’s Session in Morristown, NJ

February 26, 2025

How Professional Dating Profile Photos in Morristown, NJ Can Help You Stand Out

Do professional photos improve your online dating profile? The short answer is YES!

In today’s world of online dating, first impressions are often, if not ALWAYS, made through a photo. Your dating profile photo is more than just a snapshot — it’s an introduction to who you are and what you’re looking for. That’s why professional dating profile photos can truly make you stand out, show that you’re serious about finding a partner, and reflect your personality.

I had the pleasure of working with Josh, a private pilot with a passion for astronomy, board games, and rock/metal music, during a recent dating profile session at LOKL Cafe in Morristown, NJ. During our session, we discussed how important it is to present yourself authentically in your photos, and how high-quality images can give you the edge in a crowded dating market.

Why High-Quality Photos Matter for Your Dating Profile

Josh understands the significance of making a great first impression, both in person and online. When asked about his ideal date, he shared that it’s all about “good food, conversation, and a relaxed vibe.” A great dating profile photo should do the same — show potential partners that you’re approachable, confident, and looking forward to getting to know someone.

Josh also emphasized that communication, empathy, and kindness are the three most important traits he looks for in a partner. A professional photo can help convey those qualities even before you start a conversation. It’s about showcasing your genuine self, not just a filtered image.

His relaxed and authentic demeanor really shines through in these photos. As Josh mentioned, he feels most “happy” when he’s with friends or enjoying a good game — a feeling we captured in the candid, fun shots during our session.

Showing You’re Serious About Dating

Having high-quality photos in your profile signals to potential partners that you’re taking dating seriously. It tells them that you’ve put thought into your profile and are ready for meaningful connections. For Josh, this wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures — it was about creating a visual story that reflected his personality, passions, and what he’s seeking in a partner.

Whether you’re into rock concerts, sports, or simply enjoy a relaxing evening with friends (like Josh), professional photos help communicate that you’re someone who is real, thoughtful, and ready to find someone special.

Conclusion: How Professional Photos Can Help You Stand Out

As Josh’s experience shows, high-quality photos can elevate your dating profile and help you attract people who resonate with your personality and values. Whether you’re passionate about music, sports, or quiet moments in nature, a great photo session can convey the essence of who you are. When you take the time to create an authentic and polished profile, you’re more likely to connect with someone who’s looking for exactly what you have to offer.

If you’re ready to stand out and show you’re serious about dating, book a professional profile session with me today — just like Josh did in Morristown, NJ. Let’s create photos that truly represent you and help you make the best first impression. For more information, click here!

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Westfield, NJ

June 23, 2023

“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!

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!

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Westfield, NJ

June 8, 2023

“Ditto”

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!

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Montclair, NJ

February 22, 2023

“I’d like to buy the world a coke”

Aidan and I met in Montclair a couple of days after Christmas. It was chilly, but the air was crisp and exhilarating! We decided on a great little coffee shop to start out, grab a cup and ease into our shoot. Only one slight problem…the actual coffee shop side was under construction. Doh!

Luckily for me, and for the beauty of random street closures in our beautiful State of NJ, I just so happened to drive by a cute little section that I had never been to before. However, it had some major potential! And coffee…don’t forget the coffee! I looked at Aidan and asked if he was down to do some exploring and thankfully he was! That’s the thing, these sessions are very go with the flow. And the more “go with the flow” you are, the better the images will be! We hopped in our cars and drove over towards the Red Eye Cafe to warm up with some coffee.

After we grabbed some delicious caffeinated beverages we made our way to the streets to start our dating profile shoot. Why do I love these so much? Because people’s hearts are in this, because I met my partner online dating 6 years ago, because I simply love LOVE! And exploring and photography and meeting and connecting with new people. It’s literally all of the things <3

Learning a little bit about my Clients

All of my dating profile clients have to fill out a questionnaire when they book with me. Dont’ worry, it’s short and sweet and it allows me to have a little window into what you’re like. I think it also helps my Clients focus on what they are about, what’s important to them and what they’d like to find in a partner. It’s kind of an ice breaker in a way because it gives us some things to talk about too.

Aidan is active and into health and fitness, but not at the expense of having a good sense of humor and wanting to connect with someone who he can do fun active things with and then head home grab some takeout and wine and cuddle up on the couch to watch a good movie. And trust me, I know he’s cool because his favorite movie is Good Fellas. “What am I here to amuse you”? He listed his hero as Steph Curry. The reason why? Because he seems to have figured out career, family and happiness. MY HEART!!! Yes, these things are so IMPORTANT!

The one thing you can’t live without…

What is the one thing that Aidan cannot live without? Is it his favorite hat? His cell phone? Camera? No. It is his Coca-Cola 🙂 And since the last thing he wished for was Peace, it made me think of the old commercial:

“I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I’d like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company
That’s the real thing”

Thank you, Aidan, for trusting me take your photos and I hope that just like Steph Curry, you too can figure out career, family and happiness!

“Joan Marie Photography was an awesome experience. Joan’s creative approach is not only incredibly effective, it’s also fun! 5/5 would recommend to anyone looking for high quality photography.”
Aidan

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Westfield, NJ

January 6, 2023

Who you Gonna Call…to up that Dating Game?!?

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! I know this from my first hand experience surfing the dating app scene. I was in it. And I saw the photos people CHOSE to represent themselves when they have a very unique opportunity to make a conscious choice of the first impression others make of them! And 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!

I 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).

I found love online. 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. I reworked 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!! Well anyways, 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! 😉

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??

“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