Tag Archives: scotch plains

Capturing Vibrant Personalities: A Look at Bold and Colorful Backdrops in Headshot Photography

July 18, 2024

In the world of professional photography, headshots play a crucial role in establishing a strong personal brand and making a lasting impression. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients who wanted to step away from traditional headshot norms and embrace bold, colorful backdrops to reflect their vibrant personalities. In this post, I’ll delve into the creative process behind these unique headshot sessions and explore the impact of using colorful backgrounds to make a statement.

Embracing Colorful Backdrops for Personal Branding

Each headshot session begins with a consultation where I work closely with clients to understand their brand, personality, and the message they wanted to convey through their headshots. It was exciting to see individuals who were eager to break away from the typical neutral backgrounds and embrace the power of color to showcase their unique style and energy.

The Impact of Color on Visual Communication

One of the key advantages of using bold and colorful backdrops is the ability to instantly grab attention and create a memorable visual impact. Whether it was a striking red backdrop to convey power and confidence or a lively blue backdrop to exude calm and trustworthiness, each color choice played a significant role in shaping the overall mood and tone of the headshots.

Creative Expression and Customization

Moreover, the use of bold and colorful backdrops allows for greater creative expression and customization. By carefully selecting backgrounds that complemented the client’s skin tone, outfit, and overall aesthetic, I was able to create headshots that felt authentic, engaging, and visually stunning.

Personalized Branding Through Vibrant Headshots

Throughout the sessions, I encouraged clients to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely in front of the camera. The colorful backdrops served as a dynamic canvas for clients to showcase their personality, passion, and unique sense of style, resulting in headshots that felt truly personalized and impactful.

Neutral is still GREAT!

While we introduced color for some of our headshots, we also included a couple of neutral and classic colors, which also came out great! Grey and beige are 2 timeless and classic colors to use for professional headshots. And I am REALLY happy I tried a shot out on my Studio wall because the color photographed as the perfect greige that I will FOR SURE be using in future shoots!

In conclusion, the recent headshot sessions embracing color in headshots were a testament to the power of creative expression and individuality in professional photography. By stepping outside the traditional boundaries of headshot photography and embracing vibrant colors and bold backgrounds, clients were able to make a bold statement and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

If you’re looking to elevate your personal brand and make a lasting impression with headshots that reflect your vibrant personality, consider exploring the world of bold and colorful backdrops. Contact me today to schedule your own headshot session and let’s capture your unique essence in a truly memorable way.

BOOK NOW!

Professional Headshot Sessions in Scotch Plains, NJ: Unveiling True Personalities

June 19, 2024

Shots, shots, shots! … Headshots, of course!

Capturing Essence: A Fun Ride through Recent Headshot Sessions in Scotch Plains, NJ

Hey there! Grab a seat and let me take you on a whirlwind tour of my recent headshot adventures right here in Scotch Plains, NJ. From corporate climbers to aspiring actors, it’s been a blast capturing the essence of each unique personality that walks through my studio doors.

The Conversational Click

Picture this: a serious discussion about career aspirations interrupted by my sudden “wait, that lighting is perfect!” moment. Yes, my clients have learned to expect my random bursts of photographic enthusiasm. But hey, it’s all part of the magic of creating that perfect headshot.

Lighting Shenanigans

Let’s talk about lighting – the unsung hero of every good photograph. There’s a fine line between “professional glow” and “alien abduction.” Thankfully, we’ve managed to steer clear of the latter (mostly). It’s all about finding that sweet spot where your confidence shines brighter than any studio light can.

Expressions Galore

Ever tried to coax a natural smile out of someone who’s had too much coffee? Trust me, it’s an art form. From the classic “smolder” to the “I’m approachable but not too approachable” vibe, we’ve nailed them all. And yes, I’ve seen the full spectrum of eyebrow raises – from “I’m intrigued” to “Did you just say what I think you said?”

Diverse Tales, Shared Laughs

Seriously though, the best part of these sessions is the stories. I’ve had CEOs plotting world domination (in a good way, of course) and budding actors channeling their inner Meryl Streep. Each click of the shutter captures a snippet of their journey, and I’m just here for the ride – camera in hand and ready for whatever expression comes next.

Looking Ahead (Literally and Figuratively)

As I reflect on these sessions, I can’t help but grin at the memories we’ve created together. Scotch Plains, you’ve been an awesome backdrop to this photographic rollercoaster. And to my clients – thank you for trusting me to freeze-frame your brilliance, quirks, and everything in between.

So, whether you’re gearing up for that big career move or just want a killer LinkedIn profile pic (because who doesn’t?), let’s make some magic happen. Get in touch, and let’s capture your essence – with a side of laughter and maybe a few eyebrow raises thrown in for good measure.

You can see more of my headshot work here!

Ready to shine in front of the lens? Contact me today and let’s create headshots that are as unique as you are.

BLACK & WHITE FOREVER HAS MY HEART

May 2, 2024

Shhhhh….

I haven’t really made an official announcement yet, but my Studio has moved! It’s literally about 3 blocks away from my previous location, but believe me…it’s no small feat! Between going through all of my props and backdrops and equipment to still physically MOVING it to the new space, it’s been exhausting. Mentally, physically and yeah, even emotionally!

Storytime

I’m actually kind of freaked out as I am putting these words out into the ether. As most people who know me already know, I am a divorced mom to 2 amazing boys. They are magic. They are MY magic, transformed into two real life human beings. You see, they are very special. They were both born on June 29th.

And they were only 2 and 4 when I got divorced and found myself figuring out what life was going to look like for us. I knew I did not want to go back to my previous career in pharmaceutical meeting planning. I was an artist, an Art Major, who felt that her soul was dying a slow death every day that I denied it it’s true calling. But when I decided to TRUST in a kind of miraculous outcome, it happened. Thanks to one of my best friend’s, Jessica, and a NOW best friend, Jody. It all kind of unfolded into this crazy pattern of events that I will save for another time, but landed me a job in the Photo Department for Bed Bath and Beyond.

I moved to Fanwood in 2016. And everyday, after dropping my sons off at their Elementary school, I would pass a storefront that was vacant, but had something about it. Seymour’s Antiques. I would drive by and say someday that will be my photo studio. As crazy as it sounded to me, I still said it. Over and over. And one day, there was a sign up that it was available for rent. Of course I immediately called the number. I forget what they were asking, but whatever the number, it was well out of reach for me. And so I let that idea die.

DEATH OF A DREAM AND THEN A JOB

In 2019 I lost my job at Bed Bath, along with many others. I was scared and worried and didn’t know what I was going to do. I feverishly reached out to old colleagues trying to figure out where I would go now, what I would do. I had a mortgage and bills and children. Nothing…

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…

But you see, I had been asking for something. I had been silently praying for more time with my kids, a more flexible schedule, something in the creative field that would give me financial freedom. I ASKED FOR THIS. And then I received it. And as many times I ended my prayers with “I am ready to receive”, I wasn’t quite ready to receive THIS!

And then COVID. I was unemployed and now I had a 4th grader and a 2nd grader with special needs at home with me trying to do virtual work while I was trying to find a job. I had been working for a real estate photography company for a brief stint, but that was no longer happening. Who would hire me now??

But…I was LUCKY! I was ALREADY signed up for and receiving unemployment benefits. And they kept getting extended. And while I still felt the stress of being unemployed, the unknown and now COVID, I had exactly what I had asked for. I had a VERY flexible schedule and I had more time with my kids. Not exactly how I envisioned it, but well, isn’t that how the universe works? LOL

THE SIGN, TAKE 2

And then in 2021 it happened. The “for rent” sign was up again. Right down the street from my sons’s school. A school that I found myself being called to more and more as time passed on. My son has had an IEP since first grade. He’s been on medication since Kindergarten. And he also has had a label of “bad kid” following him around since age 5. He was called a bully and investigated multiple times since then. And the kids and their parents continued that narrative. A narrative that negatively impacted a little boy and his family who were already struggling with invisible disabilities that neither the parents or the school seem to understand, nor did they want to.

A GIANT LEAP

Moving to this space would keep me close to home and to his school. And I knew it was not only my chance, but possibly the answer to many of my prayers. Including the one that I made back in 2016 when I claimed that location as my Studio even though I could in no way afford it at the time. And so I jumped. I took a leap of faith. And in May of 2021 I moved into my first commercial space.

I can’t believe that it has been 3 years. And it was not without it’s share of challenges. Friendships suffered, more school issues, financial fears and setbacks. BUT, I am still here! My son was finally granted an out of district placement. In a school where the kids AND the parents understand him. Where he is given grace and compassion. He is stable. And I finally, after 12 years, feel like I am getting my life back. And I am READY TO RECEIVE!

My new space is beautiful. It is new and not falling apart. I owe a big thank you to my friend Sammy, who, without realizing it, contacted me to see if I was interested in a new space 3 months before my lease was up. Again, I am fully supported by the Universe, God, Angels. And I am ALMOST completely moved in. THIS time I am actually going to make an effort to have a Grand Opening. I finally feel like it is my time.

And so I had my little guy, who isn’t so little, come to the new space to work on some lighting since I’m still getting used to the lower ceilings. And our doggy, Roscoe, accompanied us.

Life is weird and crazy and beautiful and unknown and mysterious and magical and hard and all of the things. And I really appreciate this journey that I am on. It is shaping the person that I am and that I am becoming every single day. And I am forever grateful.

Now I have to decide what I want to manifest next 😉

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

Oakley | Baby Photography |Scotch Plains, NJ

March 4, 2024

“Physics elevated to an artform”

That is the slogan for the Oakley brand. Just found that out. Kind of love it! Kind of like “Baby Photography elevated to an artform”. Did I just come up with my own tagline? I think I may have!

Sweet baby Oakley came to The Studio for a baby photography model call I was doing. I wanted to work on an all wrapped flow and put a model call out so I could work on this workflow.

I think one of the reasons I love baby photography so much (and there are MANY REASONS), is that there is ALWAYS things to learn, to improve upon, and ways to grow. I’ve been taking pictures since I was a little girl. I started to shoot newborns around 2010. And I STILL find myself learning and growing! And I LOVE that!

Baby Oakley came to the Scotch Plains studio and the boy was PASSED OUT! He let me do anything I wanted and didn’t make a single peep! We captured some really great images for his mom and dad and I love how he looked on the tannish-brown fabrics I used!

Here are some of his momma’s favorites from our session <3

To see more of my Newborn work, you can check out my Gallery here.

Virginie | Headshots | Berkeley Heights, NJ

January 19, 2024

Don’t worry, I’m weird!

Virginie contacted me about headshots at the end of 2023. She was looking for some updated professional headshots and came across my website where she saw some of my headshot work. We had a phone call about what she was looking for and she mentioned that she feels a little awkward and shy about having her photos taken. I promised her that it would be fun and she wouldn’t feel weird because I am a total weirdo! HAHA! I told her that we would have a ton of fun and fun we had!

Are you like Virginie? Are you afraid to invest money in headshots because you don’t know if you’ll like your photos? I promise you will! Let’s do this! Check out Virginie’s headshots below. I absolutely LOVE how they came out and she even got some extras! You can see more of my headshots here!