joan marie photography Archives - Joan Marie Photography

Block Party Scotch Plains NJ | Joan Marie

September 4, 2023

I’m still Joni from the Block – BLOCK PARTY, that is!

If my sons read that or knew that I used that in a blog post they would tell me how cringe I am. LOL, oh well! I will wear it proudly!

This Saturday is the first East 2nd Street Block Party in Scotch Plains! I’m super excited to be participating in it along with a bunch of other local businesses! There is even going to be a car show! I never had that official tape cutting Grand Opening for The Studio so while it has been so exciting getting that space, it was also pretty anti climatic! HAHA! So I feel like this Saturday will be a great opportunity for me to meet people and the other business owners that I haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I’m a Fanwood resident so not only is this where my business is, but it’s my COMMUNITY.

I know that some of the businesses will be offering things from their establishments, but I am a Portrait Studio so it’s a little bit different. I AM thinking about doing a fun selfie station (think pink), having photographic prints available for purchase, maybe even do a raffle? But I am excited to show my face and also talk about the services and products that I offer which make me different than other photographers.

To read more about The East 2nd Street Block Party and the participants, click HERE!

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!

Scotch Plains Newborn Photographer | Cyril

November 4, 2021

It’s been a minute since I posted, but that just means I’ve ben busy! Which is a great thing! I’ve been lucky to be able to photograph a number of babies in the last few months. I consider myself a “Joan” of all Trades when it comes to what I like to photograph. But really, newborns have my heart. I feel so lucky to be able to capture all their little features in the first days of life. Not only to be able to capture them with my camera, but just being in their presence. It’s an amazing thing. It’s magical. And it literally fills my heart and soul. It reminds me what a miracle life is and how incredibly lucky we are to be able to have this experience here on this planet.

Here are some pics of Baby Cyril. Such a little peanut with incredible skin. Thank you for trusting me to capture your sweet little guy <3

NJ Family Photographer | Chatham, NJ

June 8, 2021

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing this wonderful extended family in Chatham. This was a referral from one of my Clients who I not only have been able to photograph in the past, but also someone who I have called “friend” for close to 30 years! I know, I can’t believe I’m that old either LOL! And I have to take a minute to say that I am so grateful for these friends and for their referrals. Most of my clients find me from referrals and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. And many of these referrals become my friends. Thank you Kim for introducing me to your friend and her beautiful family.

Nichole is momma to 3 beautiful girls. And when we started planning our shoot she mentioned how she wanted to have the session in her backyard and we were hopeful that the flowers would be in bloom and the grass would be green. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! We had to reschedule at least once due to rain, but the sun showed up for her session. And oh boy did it show up! Her backyard was magical and so was her family!

Here are some of my favorite images from our outdoor family session.

NJ Food Photographer | The Swiss Pastry Shoppe | Union County, NJ | Cookies!!!

February 1, 2021

I started this blog post writing about Seasonal Mood Disorder and how I hate the cold and darkness coming early, but what’s the point. HA! If that doesn’t show you how I feel about the cold Winter months, I don’t know what would.

So instead I’m going to jump right into it! I try to find things to boost my spirits in these times. Between COVID and the cold, I look for things that bring me joy. Sometimes it means looking forward to the next Holiday. Sometimes it is thinking about ways to help others. Sometimes it’s just taking a mental health day and resting and taking it easy. Sometimes all of those things come out to be the same thing.

I started the New Year jumping back into my keto diet. And yes, it was difficult to get back into the swing of it. Sometimes we do hard things, ya know? But I also still have 2 little boys and a love for food photography. And I don’t have that much love for actually cooking or baking things myself. This month I chose to purchase some baked goods from a local bakery, The Swiss Pastry Shoppe. This Scotch Plains bakery has been family owned and operated for the last THIRTY YEARS! Wow! And when you go inside and smell the delicious fresh baked aromas, you can understand why.

They have everything from fresh baked bagels to decadent blueberry tart pies. And I’m not kidding, the smells in here dance upon your old factory senses like a beautiful ballet. It took everything in me not to cheat my diet and buy one of everything. It also feels a bit like walking back in time. In fact, it actually reminds me of the bakery that Mr Rogers used to visit on his show. It’s nothing fancy, just the essentials needed to make delicious treats. And I mean…they are truly DEE-LISH-US.

This Valentine’s Day, consider supporting small businesses in your area. Small businesses are essential to our communities and with the big mega stores and Supermarkets, and now COVID, our small businesses need our support. Go to your local florist for those roses! Get those chocolates from the local bakery! Get a stuffed animal from that adorable little toy store! Plan ahead, place your order, and help our small businesses!

So anyway, here are some pics I took of the pretty little cookies I got for the kids. For my food photography loop this month and also because they were perfect for the Valentine’s Day theme I was going for.