Tag Archives: dating

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

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Westfield, NJ | Andrei

April 12, 2021

I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Andrei to take pictures for his dating profile. We had a blast! He is genuine, kind and confident. The first thing I noticed about him was his height! He is TALL! I think one of the first things I said was, “Dang! I should have brought a step stool!”. The next thing I noticed was his accent. Although he has lived in the US for a long time, he still has a slight, but distinct, accent from Romania. Gotta love an accent, am I right?

Before my dating profile sessions I send out a questionnaire that helps me get to know my clients. I have to admit that I think it might be a little lengthy right now, but Andrei had no problem entertaining me by filling it out. I consider myself a bit of an empath and I am intuitive by nature. I honestly feel that when I read the answers to these questions I get to know each individual at a deeper level and this helps guide me through our session.

When I read Andrei’s answers to the questionnaire I was moved; he knows what he wants and what is important to him. I even got the chills when he mentioned that he recently asked for something and The Universe listened! I love that so much because I do believe that when you ask for something the Universe does listen. One of my favorite quotes comes from Paolo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist”. It reads, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it”. Andrei is a Spiritual person who likes meditation and exercise. He is also goal oriented and is on the path to fulfilling those goals!

For Andrei, the 3 most important things he is looking for in a partner is

Kindness towards others
Goal Oriented
Open Minded

Andrei is looking forward to scheduling another shoot with me, but honestly? I’m pretty sure that he is going to meet that special someone really soon and won’t be needing my services come Summertime. He is living his life in alignment, knows what he wants, is spiritual and he understands that when you ask the Universe for what you want, you usually get it. 😉

Here are some shots from our session in Westfield, NJ.

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Cranford, NJ| Elena

February 8, 2020

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.

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. She is a woman who is confident in her power, her beauty and her grace. 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!

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Scotch Plains, NJ | Me

February 7, 2020

Okay, ya’ll! We need to talk. We have a serious situation on our hands and I’d like to be the one to address it. I say this with LOVE. Your dating profile pictures need some help. Like FOR REAL!

Here is the thing… I know that some of us (younger than me obviously) have grown up in a time where dating apps are their “normal”. Its like riding a bike. They are from a different generation than me. Maybe its more familiar to them. I don’t know…but regardless, I am talking to you. The one who has been out of the dating game for awhile. Maybe you’re divorced. Maybe you were in a bad relationship for far too long. Maybe you were focusing on other things like your career. But here you are. You find yourself wanting to find a real connection. But you’ve hear about these “apps”. How people “use” them. That they are only for “hook ups” and casual dating. But you guys, stop with these limiting thoughts! These apps are whatever you make of them! And let me tell you, you CAN use them to find your special someone. To find LOVE. I promise you, I speak from experience.

I was married for almost 7 years. Dated for 5 years before that. I was “out of the game” for twelve years. TWELVE YEARS! That is a LONG ASS time! I don’t even think there WERE dating apps when I was dating. And if there were, I had never used them. And actually, it was probably a year and a half AFTER I got divorced that I even started to consider dating again. So now we are talking about 13 years! I can hardly even believe it as I type it out.

How do you start dating again? Mom of 2 boys, no idea even how to date casually, and a career to balance. But if you want to meet someone you have to put yourself out there. Yes, we all probably start out by saying “I just want it to be organic and natural” “we will meet in a cafe” “why couldn’t we just bump into each other at the grocery store”. And those dreams are fine and dandy, but the chances of that happening are probably pretty slim. So I think “organically” we start to consider the possibility of online dating. And it is a strange thing when you start to really consider it.

If you’re like me, you start off saying you want to do something that has scientific match making algorithms to help you find someone you are actually compatible with. These services are usually NOT free and so you sign up and start building a profile and yada yada. Honestly, I’m bored even thinking about it. But you know what I get excited about? The OTHER online dating apps. The free ones. The ones that you can literally swipe through hundreds of potential romantic partners a day. And listen, this is a process. It takes time to figure out how to use these to find the right type of person or relationship. It takes time to decide who is worthy of YOUR time. It takes time to realize that you should even be THINKING of it that way! YES!!! You need to be PICKY about who you are giving YOUR precious time to! Because you are WORTHY of someone who isn’t going to waste it. Unless of course that’s what you want because don’t worry, you can find that too LOL.

Now back to the apps. The initial matching process in every single one of these apps is based PURELY on looks. Which honestly is NOT a bad thing. I do think it is important that there be an initial physical attraction. But that is what this post is all about. So many people are missing out on potential matches purely because they need a little help in the profile department. Don’t get me wrong, some of you have it figured out and your pictures are good enough. But lots of you need some help. You need to be thinking of yourself as a product and you need to market the shit out of yourself! Why are you posting these pictures on an app where your FIRST IMPRESSION needs to be a stellar profile picture!?

I met my boyfriend on an online dating app almost 3 years ago. I don’t think my pictures were amazing in any way. But I also am a photographer so I put effort and thought into the types of pictures I put in my profile. I wanted them to tell a story about the kind of person I am, while also trying to make them somewhat cute 😉

But not everyone has the same “eye” as me. And that is what I want to help you with. I really actually want to HELP you find LOVE (if that’s what you’re looking for). And I think I can help you with your pictures. No, I KNOW I can help you with your pictures!

So this is the NEWEST product I’m offering. Dating profile sessions. They will be awesome and fun and laid back and more of a documentary style session. We will talk and laugh and swap stories. And you’ll get images that will stand out in your profile; “right swipe” worthy pictures. I am all about using my super power (photography) to empower and help others and this is a department that I have experience in.

What do you say? Isn’t it time you invested in YOU???

Oh, and if you aren’t looking for love, just hookups, no judgement. I can help you with those too LOL

Stay tuned for some awesome pics I took from my most recent Dating Profile sesh! I can’t wait to share them!