dating profile Archives - Joan Marie Photography

NJ Dating 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 Photography | Summit, NJ | Rahul

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!

Dating Profile Session | 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!

Dating Profile Session | Somerset, NJ

June 7, 2023

“Do or do not, there is no try”

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!

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!

Dating Profile Session | Cranford, NJ

June 1, 2023

“No Ragrets”

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!