Tag Archives: nj photographer

Scotch Plains | Newborn | Vada

June 1, 2022

When I ran a model call I was only going to book 1 model, but oops! I wound up booking 2! LOL, no seriously though. I love newborn photography so much that I decided what the heck!? Let’s do 2! Vada was a tiny little adorable peanut. And as luck would have it, she wasn’t thrilled about modeling either. LOL. But that doesn’t bother me. I know that I will always win HAHA!

As a newborn photographer and an ARTIST, I want to capture and create beautiful art with your babies just as much as you want that! This is part of why newborn sessions are scheduled with a 3 hour timeframe. Babies are gonna “baby”! They get hungry, they need diaper changes. And sometimes they just need a little TLC. I plan for these things!

I’ve been doing newborn photography for 10+ years and I still am head over heels for it! And you know what else I’m head over heels for? Little girls in BLUE! I mean, just look at this little SQUISH! Thank you so much Jen and Vada for volunteering your time to help me perfect my craft even further. You ROCK!

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.

MOMA | NYC PHOTOGRAPHER | JOAN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

March 3, 2020

This past Saturday I was so lucky to be able to spend the day in NYC. I live so close, but find that I visit the City maybe twice of year. If it’s more than that, it’s because The Boys (Phish) were in town and my FOMO was so heavy that I had no choice but to suck up the inconveniences associated with commuting to the city to get to a show (or more likely, shows – LOL). And you know what, I’m a brat because NJ Transit is actually quite convenient and really does a great job overall with their schedule and availability of buses and trains. I say that as NOT an everyday commuter because I’m sure there are people who would disagree! HA!

This weekend was actually the first time I took the bus into the city. And I was rather impressed with the quality of the bus, the seats, etc. I won’t talk about how I was looking at the window next to the seat infant of us noticing that the emergency bar was lifted up making me worried that the window was going to come flying off…oh wait, it did actually come loose and the guy infront of us had to quickly pull it back in before we got into the tunnel and I had a minor heart attack. YIKES!

Anyway, I digress. So, I went to the MOMA and I honestly don’t remember if I ever have been and if I have it was many, many years ago and I have no recollection of it. But what was the best part about it for me, was that they were featuring a Dorothea Lange exhibit. Most people know her for her famous picture of the Migrant Mother. It was taken in February/March of 1936 and was the iconic image of The Great Depression. It was actually one of a series of images and I recently watched a quick youtube video that details the progress of the photograph and the story behind it, first driving past the camp of migrant farmers altogether before turning around to document them, going from one shot, to removing the older daughter from the shot, to leading lines, etc. All about the creative process the Artist went through to end up with the strong and compelling composition we can see in the final work. What I also find so interesting is that she actually “removed” her thumb when she was processing the image because it was taking away from the powerful composition. This isn’t Photoshop you guys, this is in a dark room. I love it. This image is probably my most favorite photograph. But while I was there I was able to see some other images of hers. She was such an important figure to the social injustices of our country at the time. She used her “super power” (photography) to speak up against and bring awareness to the social situation in the US at the time. And I have so much admiration for her. If you don’t know about her, look her up. There is also an awesome Documentary about her called “Grab a Hunk of Lighting”. I highly recommend it!

Here are some pictures from my day with my favorite guy in NYC.

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 Family Photograper | Union County

October 8, 2019

I photographed the beautiful love and connection between multiple generations a week ago and it was nothing short of magical. Lori and her sister, Amy, both went to my high school and it was so much fun being able to reconnect and witness the love they share for Mimi and their children.

Amy has 2 GORGEOUS sons, around the same ages as mine. If you don’t have 2 boys or more…you might not understand what that can be like. But I do! In fact, Amy’s sons went to preschool with mine (an interesting fact that neither of us realized until quite a ways into the school year). And I was blown away by their personalities and ability to “hang out” and converse with me. I haven’t seen them for maybe FOUR years now and I can’t describe the joy I feel being able to see how little boys have grown.

Lori was in my graduating class (I won’t say the year ;)). And the last time I saw her was when I took newborn pictures of her little Olivia. Olivia was the tiniest little peanut when I met her and now she has grown into a beautiful little girl. Lori has since been blessed with another beautiful daughter since I last saw her and I was able to meet her during our Sunday family session. Poor little Zoe was less than thrilled that I was interrupting her nap time, but she persevered and I managed to get some adorable shots of her too.

Maybe the most touching part of my session was the reason for it. Lori and Amy gifted this session to their mom, Mimi, for a Birthday present. They wanted to document the love between their Mom and children. This, this right here people, is what makes my heart Split Open and Melt (props to you if you got this Phish reference). But in all seriousness, this is what gives me life. And I saw the love between all of them. I witnessed it for myself. And it was beautiful and heart breaking and amazing and inspiring and ALL THE THINGS. And I hope that I was able to document that for them in the images that I delivered.

At the end of our session a beautiful butterfly appeared, and all the kids new that it must be their Great Grandma letting us know that she too was a part of our special morning.

This is my purpose and I am so grateful for the people who choose me to do this work.

Thank you, Hart Girls! Thank you, thank you, thank you!