Tag Archives: hinge

Online Dating Photos | Lisa | NJ

Dating Photos and Puppy Love

Lisa reached out to me when she stumbled upon my first dating blog post about ME! When she emailed me I happened to be sitting on my computer and I immediately saw the notification. She basically said she felt like she was reading about her own life. I LOVE THAT! I mean not that I am happy that anyone goes through a divorce and then ends up in this weird online dating internet world, but that she found me relatable. That she connected with what I shared.

We chatted for a little bit about our lives and similarities. Lisa has 2 dogs and cat (I have 1 dog and a cat) and how they get along (or don’t LOL) And ultimately what it’s like booking an online dating photo session with me. And she was in.

“Have fun storming the castle”

As per usual, I sent Lisa my online dating photos questionnaire. I really love these questionnaires because it gives me a little insight about the person I am meeting and I think it gets them into a good mindset about what THEY are looking for and what THEY like. Sometimes with online dating we tend to start thinking about what other people are looking for and how we can craft our profile to attract what THEY want. But listen, that is NOT how to do it. You need to attract what YOU want into your life! So flip that script! Here is a little bit from Lisa’s questionnaire:

What brings you joy?

My pets, PBS Masterpiece Theater programs, my home (I live on a lake!), and hiking in the woods.

What kind of music do you like?  Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

I like music of all kinds. lately, I have been listening a lot to Amos Lee.

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

Confidence, strength, integrity, health-conscious, etc.

To thine own self be true

I’m pretty sure that Lisa has a good handle on who she is. She knows herself, she is successful and confident and she has a pretty awesome life. She’s just missing that one thing. And honestly, I don’t think she thinks that she is “missing” anything. She just is open to finding the person that adds to her life. Someone she can go hiking with, watch Philly sports teams with, watch sunsets on the lake with. She would like to meet that person that can grow old alongside her with. And I’m pretty sure they’d be pretty lucky to find her too! As I was editing her online dating photos I realized that she looks like a mixture of Nicole Kidman and Meg Ryan! What do you think?

Lisa I had so much fun with you. I can’t wait to hear how your story unfolds!

AS YOUUUUU WISSSSHHHHHHHH!!!

Here are some of Lisa’s online dating photos from our session.

Dating Photos | Union County, NJ

Dating Photos with Karen!

Karen reached out to me online when she came across my information for dating photos. There was no hesitation in her booking me. She was sure from the get go and as soon as I sent her my booking information, she hopped right on it and booked! I love that! Not only did she know what she wanted, but she put her trust in me immediately. That really made me so happy!

We met at my new favorite spot, Hatch 44, where I have been meeting lots of my clients at lately. There is so much I love about it. The food and drinks are amazing, the staff is so friendly and accomodating, and the atmosphere is buzzing with good energy. And the ambiance aint too shabby either ;). We sat and sipped on some tea and coffee and put in our orders for empanadas (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)! As we enjoyed our food and drink we talked a little bit about our experiences with dating, our interests, and occupations. I really enjoyed meeting up with Karen and I had a great time roaming around Metuchen while we got some good quality dating photos for Karen’s dating profile.

Is Tinder a 4 letter word in the dating world?

I have this conversation probably with every dating profile client I work with. When I first got into the online dating scene I was dead set against using Tinder. I had my own preconceived notions of what Tinder was all about and who was using it. Not to mention WHAT they were using it for. Random hookups, no commitments, blah blah blah. No thanks!

But I am someone who really truly believes in not having limiting beliefs. For having a positive mindset. For thinking outside of the box. And what I was doing was creating a limiting belief system and it was downright negative! And while I may have had to “kiss” a few toads to find my prince, I found him…on tinder :). I tell this story to my clients so they can reflect on their own choices and approach to online dating. And I shared this with Karen. We can really use any of these apps however we choose to! And that’s how you make them work!

I loved the answers that Karen provided on her dating photo questionnaire (something I have all of my clients complete when they book). Here are a few of the ones that really stood out to me:

Favorite movie/movie quote?

“Yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki from Lion King

What kind of music do you like?  Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

My favorite band is Ghost, which I am very passionate about. I listen to all music but my favorites are rock and metal. I am open to new band interests always.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

I am currently in graduate school for my Masters of Occupational Therapy. My dream job is to use this education creatively to teach children to grow up with security, self-confidence and self-regulation through OT and spirituality.

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

My Spotify app!

Karen – I could tell just from reading your answers to the questionnaire that you are a compassionate, kind and loving person. Your choice in profession is proof of that. I have a son with emotional regulation challenges. I don’t know if I mentioned that during our little brunch time. But people like you are SO IMPORTANT to parents like me. We need you. So thank you for choosing to work with kids like my son to give them the tools to grow up to be successful adults.

I wish you the absolute best and can’t wait for you to e-mail me to let me know that you’ve found your person!!

Dating Profile James | Metuchen, NJ

dating photos

“Such is life”

James and I had to reschedule his dating profile date to a week later. But I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And sure enough, I got sick that day and so it worked out for everyone.

When we started our session James wasn’t sure if I would be able to get any good pics of him. He mentioned not really having any good pictures of himself. I found that shocking! And also, challenge accepted 😏

“It’s now or Never..to get your dating profile photos done”

I didn’t really realize it during our dating profile shoot, but afterwards while I was editing, it hit me! James resembles a young Elvis! Do you see it? But when it comes to music, Elvis didn’t make it to the top of James’ list

What kind of music do you like?  Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?

Three Days Grace has always been my top band or that’s at least what Spotify says. I also like foo fighters and cage the elephants. Reggae and gym funk is also my top genres at the moment.

Is it Destiny?

James has a bunch of interests from chess to playing with his new adorable kittens. But he also enjoys chilling out with his video games. One of his favorites? Destiny!

James I had a great time at our dating profile session and I can’t wait to hear more about how things work out for you! Best of luck!

Want to see more?

You can see more of my dating profile sessions here!

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Metuchen, NJ| Vincent

From Louisville, KY to NJ to dating photos!

As an online dating photographer I have the pleasure of meeting so many cool and interesting people from all over. Vincent contacted me about doing photos for his dating profile. He was coming from South Jersey and I always like to try and make the location mutually convenient, as much as I can. Also, I saw this as a great opportunity to check out a Cafe that I have been wanting to visit. My son’s friend told me about a place that her mom owns and it looked so damn cute! And the menu? OMG, mouth watering! It’s called Hatch 44 and it’s located about 20 minutes from me in Metuchen. The ONLY downside was that I had JUST went back on keto and it was torture looking at the delicious items on the tables around me! If you’re ever in the area you HAVE to check it out!

But back to my time with Vincent, or Vincenzo, as I was calling him by the end of our time together 😊. As a dating photographer, I have to say, sometimes I notice things AFTER the session while I am editing my Client’s dating photos. And one thing that I kept thinking as I was working on his gallery was that he reminds me of a young Christian Slater! For those of you who aren’t familiar with who that is, you should. Take a look here and let me know what you think!

Farm to Table

Vincent was a pleasure to hang out with and talk to. We talked about growing up in Kentucky, farms and animals and the differences between here and his “home”. And we also talked about our experiences skiing out west, something we both really enjoyed!

Our photography session was shortly after Thanksgiving and he had just gotten back from visiting with his mom. The way he spoke about her and her cooking was so sweet. His eyes lit up and you could just see the love he has for her. He told me about her home cooking and how delicious it is!

So as I mentioned, Vincent and I met up at the cafe and shared some conversation while we sipped coffee and hot chocolate. He even had an empanada that looked delicious, but…keto 😭 He was a joy to converse with and radiated positive energy and joy. He loves skiing, hiking and video games. One of his faves is Sonic, which I played ALL THE TIME when I was younger. Also, he is a genuinely nice and interesting guy. I’ll share a little bit about him here:

Do you have any hobbies?

Hiking, skiing, kayaking, camping, history, coding, gaming, anime.

What brings you joy?

Long days at the museum or in the mountains. Spending time with friends and family. Good food.

What is your ideal date?

A day hiking while swapping stories, followed by some fancy food, then video games or TV.

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

  • Open mindedness
  • Energy
  • Common interests

Who is your hero and why?

It was my grandfather. Great academic and vocation success as doctor; successful marriage of nearly 60 years; involved with charity throughout life; amazing father and grandfather.

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

Cheese

Here are the photos that we created together! And Vincenzo, I hope you find the love that you so much deserve to have! And he’s not in a rush, he is patient and has no problem waiting for the right one to come along! He even took the time to leave me a 5 star google review 😊🫶🏻 Thanks, Vincent!!

The photoshoot!

Online Dating Profile Photographer

If you or someone you know is interested in my online dating profile photography, here you can find more information and fill out a contact form to get in touch!

NJ Dating Profile Photographer | Westfield, NJ

“Jersey Girl for LIFE!”

dating profile photographer nj

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!)

  1. Fun
  2. Kind
  3. Good conversationalist.
  4. Loves/ed his mother.
  5. 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


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joan marie

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

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