Tag Archives: families

Scotch Plains NJ Portrait Photography

Images from the soul

As an award winning NJ Portrait Photographer, I know that there are many incredibly talented photographers to choose from. While many photographers highlight their work in one genre, I love many different genres of portrait photography. I am a child portrait photographer, a pet portrait photographer, a newborn portrait photographer, a family portrait photographer, a dating portrait photographer. So I guess, at the end of the day, my genre is portrait photography.

While I offer a wide variety of session types, I approach all of my sessions the same. With my heart. I pour my heart and soul into my work and capturing and making beautiful art with my Clients. I want people to book me not only because my work speaks to them, but because they connect with me. I am an open book. Not only do I want to deliver high quality imagery and products to my clients, but I want my Clients to leave having had an EXPERIENCE and feeling wonderful and connected <3

Remeber why you invested in a NJ Portrait Photographer

As an Artist it is my absolute pleasure to collaborate with my Clients. I want nothing more than to be able to create beautiful images of you and the people (and things) that matter most to you! From initial concept and vision to choosing the best wall art for you space or cover material for your album, I am there to help you every step of the way. I believe that images are meant to be displayed proudly on the walls of your home. I believe that every time you take out your beautiful velvet covered album to lovingly flip through with your family, that you are creating another memory and experience of connection and love. These are the things that matter in the end, when all is said and done. This is why I do what I do…

close up of family connection at maternity session in-home in scotch plains with joan marie photography

In-Home Maternity Sessions

I am a premium maternity photographer based in Scotch Plains, NJ. I have the pleasure of working with many incredible families. But there’s something particularly special about a cozy in-home customized maternity session. They capture the true essence of a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come and provide a comfortable and intimate setting for families.

Recently, I had the honor of photographing a beautiful family at their in-home maternity session in Scotch Plains. This family included mom, dad, their toddler daughter, and even their beloved dog. What stood out about this session was how personal and meaningful the location was. It was about capturing memories in the place where their family feels most comfortable and where their story truly unfolds.

Why In-Home Maternity Photography is a Timeless Choice

Cozy in-home maternity sessions hold a special place in my heart. It allows families to relax and be themselves, but it also adds a layer of sentimentality that cannot be replicated in a studio. The familiarity of home creates a warm atmosphere. This makes it easier for families to connect and feel at ease in front of the camera. For this particular family, their home was filled with meaningful details.

But what really made this session unforgettable was the inclusion of their dog. When I first met Max at the consultation, he was a little anxious and barked at me for quite awhile at our consultation. But by the time I was leaving, he had his head on my lap, giving me kisses and snuggles. We had built a level comfort and trust that really helped us on the day of the shoot. It’s another reason I love in-home sessions: they allow for pets to be included, making the photos even more personal and meaningful. And our pets are just as much a part of our family as our kids.

The Importance of High-Quality Prints and Products

One thing I always emphasize to my clients is the value of professional-grade prints and products. When you invest in an in-home maternity session with me, you don’t just get a few digital files. You’re investing in heirloom-quality products that will stand the test of time.

I offer my clients the option to purchase stunning wall art, albums, and prints. Each product is crafted with the highest standards. I provide professional products that are archival-quality and will last for generations. They are not like consumer-grade prints that can fade, deteriorate, or become damaged over time. These materials preserve the vibrancy of your images and ensure that they remain as beautiful as the day they were captured.

In fact, I include a printed copy of every image that clients purchase. So you can hold these precious memories in your hands. There’s something truly special about having your photographs printed and displayed in your home. You can relive those moments every day. Whether it’s a large piece of wall art showcasing a beautiful maternity portrait or a carefully curated album that tells your family’s story, these products are meant to last and be passed down through generations.

Serving Clients in Scotch Plains and Beyond

As a luxury maternity photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ, my clients are looking for more than just an average photography session. They’re looking for a photographer who can capture their most cherished moments with artistry and care. My goal is to provide an exceptional experience from the initial consultation to the final delivery of your beautiful prints and products.

fine art portrait double exposure of pregnant mother and flowers at her in-home maternity session with Joan Marie Photography in Scotch Plains

I would love to work with you if you’re seeking a cozy in-home maternity session and a maternity photographer, who can create timeless images that reflect your family’s personality and style. I can help you preserve your most treasured memories in a way that’s authentic, beautiful, and lasting. Whether you live right here in Scotch Plains or 20 miles away, let’s collab!

Book Your In-Home Maternity Session Today

Let’s tell your story! If you’re ready to book your maternity session, contact me today. We can create stunning, meaningful portraits that will be cherished for generations. I specialize in working with high-end clients who value photography as an art form and want nothing but the best for their families.

I also have First Year packages that yield a beautiful handcrafted album to hold the images we created over the course of that first year. It is truly a story book that you will cherish for years and years! Don’t have a baby? That’s okay! We can do the storybook for YOUR family too! So much can happen over one year. Let’s capture it all!

Together, we can create beautiful images that will serve as a reminder of this exciting time in your life—forever.

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large photo of mother and sons hangs on living room wall

Motherhood Mini Sessions in March

Celebrate Motherhood with a Special Mini Session in Scotch Plains, NJ

Motherhood is filled with fleeting moments that we want to cherish forever. As moms, we often find ourselves behind the camera, capturing precious memories of our children—yet, we rarely take the time to be in the photos ourselves.

This March, I’m offering a unique opportunity to change that with my Motherhood Mini Sessions on March 28th and 29th at my Scotch Plains, NJ studio. It’s the perfect chance to create lasting memories with your little ones. And your children will have beautiful images of you, their mother, to treasure for years to come.

Details of the Session:

  • Date: March 28th and 29th, 2025
  • Location: Joan Marie Photography, 1589 E 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ
  • Price: $390 ($150 deposit is due at time of booking, balance due 1 week prior)
  • Includes: 2 professionally retouched digital images

As mothers, myself included, we often forget that our children will look back on their childhood not only through the lens of their own experiences but also through the images they have of us together. But these photos are not just for us—they’re for them. They will look at these images as adults and remember the love, the laughter, and the connection they shared with us.

In just a short and stress-free session, you’ll walk away with two beautifully retouched digital images. I focus on the powerful bond between you and your children. Whether it’s an intimate moment with your newborn, playful interactions with toddlers, or an elegant portrait with older kids, these images will be a lasting testament to your role as a mom. And the best part, you’ll be able to use these as your profile picture for Mother’s Day!

Why This Session Is So Important:

  • For Your Children: Your kids will treasure these images as they grow older, knowing that their mother was there with them through every moment of their journey. It’s a legacy of love they’ll carry with them always.
  • Memories That Last: You deserve to have photos with your children, not just of them. These moments are a celebration of the beautiful relationship you share.
  • A Lasting Bond: Being in the photo with your children creates memories that strengthen that bond and will live on in these images for generations to come.

And Mom, I don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity to be part of your child’s memories! Let’s create something beautiful that will be cherished forever.

BUT WAIT! These sessions are NOT just for moms with young children. Oh no, way! As a mom of 2 teens, I want photos with MY kids too! Or what about moms of ADULT children? You deserve photos too! And wait, what about those of you who want a photo with your OWN mom? These are for you too!

How to Book: Availability for these sessions is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early! Use the booking form below or click here!

black and white portrait of child

Capturing the Essence: Black and White Child Personality Portraits at Westfield’s Local Play Café (Small Town Play Café)

As a child portrait photographer, I’ve always believed that capturing a child’s true essence goes beyond just snapping a picture. It’s about encapsulating their personality, their unique spark, and their individuality. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting a special event that allowed me to do just that—through black and white portraits at our local play café, Small Town.

The Setting: A Playful Backdrop

The play cafe, with its vibrant colors, cozy corners, and interactive play areas, provided the perfect backdrop for our portrait event. It’s a place where children feel at ease, free to explore and express themselves. This setting, brimming with energy and joy, was the ideal environment for capturing authentic moments.

Why Black and White?

You might wonder why I chose black and white photos for this event. While color photography is often associated with vibrant and dynamic images, black and white has a unique way of distilling a photograph down to its essence. By removing the distraction of color, we can focus more on the emotion, expression, and personality of the subject.

In black and white portraits, the interplay of light and shadow becomes more pronounced, highlighting the nuances of each child’s character. The textures and contrasts draw attention to the subtleties of their expressions, allowing their true selves to shine through.

Personality Portrait: A Journey of Discovery

Each child who participated in the event brought their own personality and charm to the session. Some were shy at first, peeking out from behind their parents, while others were bursting with energy, eager to strike a pose. The beauty of these portraits lies in their authenticity. Whether it was a contemplative gaze, a playful grin, or a moment of quiet introspection, every image told a unique story.

Creating the Perfect Shot

To capture the best possible portrait, I focused on creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere. I encouraged children to be themselves, to laugh, to play, and to interact naturally. The play cafe’s environment allowed them to be in their element, making it easier to capture candid, genuine moments.

I also utilized various techniques in black and white photography to emphasize the textures and contrasts that bring out the best in each child’s portrait. From experimenting with different lighting setups to playing with angles and compositions, each photograph was carefully crafted to showcase the child’s individuality.

The Result: Timeless Treasures

The end result was a collection of stunning black and white portraits that not only highlight each child’s personality but also create timeless keepsakes for their families. These portraits serve as a beautiful reminder of their early years, capturing a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come.

Reflections on the Experience

Hosting this black and white portrait event at the play cafe was a rewarding experience. It allowed me to see each child in a new light. And to explore the depth and range of their personalities through the lens of black and white photography. The feedback from the families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how deeply moved they were by the portraits.

When capturing the essence of a child through black and white photography is a powerful way to create lasting memories. It strips away the distractions and focuses on what truly matters—their spirit, their joy, and their unique presence.

So thank you to the play cafe for hosting this event and to all the families who participated. I look forward to our next event (THIS FRIDAY). We will create meaningful and memorable portraits that celebrate the incredible personalities of the children I have the pleasure of photographing.

Newborn Shoot in Scotch Plains with Logan <3

Newborn Photoshoot in Scotch Plains with a newborn baby on a backdrop of stars and moon

There’s nothing quite like the joy a newborn brings to a family. I had the incredible honor of capturing that magic during a recent photoshoot with baby Logan. Logan is the adorable new addition to a lovely family in Fanwood, NJ. As this little boy’s first newborn photoshoot, it was a heartwarming experience filled with love, laughter, and precious moments.

A Warm Newborn Welcome

On the day of the newborn photoshoot, I welcomed Logan’s family into my new studio, designed for comfort and creativity. The moment Logan’s parents walked in, you could see the excitement in their eyes—it was clear how over the moon they were to finally meet their little boy.

A Perfect Little Baby Model

Logan was just a few days old, and like any newborn, he had his sleepiest moments mixed with tiny stretches and yawns. It took Logan a little while to settle into the poses, but we still captured magic! And with the help of his parents, we used a variety of setups and adorable little outfits.

A Family’s Love

As we moved through different poses and setups, it was heartwarming to witness the love and affection Logan’s parents have for him.

Editing and Final Touches

After the newborn shoot in Scotch Plains, I carefully curated the images and brought out the vibrant colors and soft textures. From dreamy, sleepy poses to tender prop set-ups, it was a joy to edit these images, knowing they would soon fill the walls of their home and their hearts forever. I even added an American Flag to one of the images for the 4th of July! Which do you like better?

Newborn Photoshoot in Scotch Plains with a sweet newborn sleeping in wooden bowl crate with american flagNewborn Photoshoot in Scotch Plains with a sweet newborn sleeping in wooden bowl crate with american flag

Conclusion

As I completed the final edits and prepared the gallery for Logan’s family, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this joyous moment in their lives. Newborn shoots are a beautiful reminder of how fleeting these early days are. And I strive to freeze those moments in time for families to cherish for years to come.

So to Logan’s family, thank you for trusting me to capture the first memories of your precious baby boy at his newborn shoot in Scotch Plains. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for your beautiful family!

Finally, if you’re looking to capture the magic of a newborn in your life, I would love to help you. Let’s create some unforgettable memories together!

To keep up to date with my most recent work, come follow me on Instagram!

joan marie

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

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