NYC High Line: Jackie & Danny's Engagement: NYC Engagement Photography

I had such a great time with Jackie and Danny photographing their engagement session in Chelsea, The West Village and on The High Line in NYC! Looking forward to their wedding at St. Ignatius Loyola & The Metropolitan Club later this summer.

Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis: Family Portrait: New Jersey Fine Art Photography

I love getting to photograph the children of my former wedding clients. How time flies, nine years and two kids later. Lori and Gavin have the most handsome, boisterous boys.  I have found with photographing kids, especially boys, it is best to let them run around and have fun. Happy kids make the best pictures!

Lori and I worked on choosing just the right outfits to coordinate with their living room, where the images will be displayed in a collection. I love designing beautiful custom wall galleries!

Call or email the studio to set up your summer family session - weekends are filling up fast!

8 Tips For Great Family Portraits: NJ/PA Portrait Photographers

1. Take Advantage of Family Vacations: If you have extending family together for vacation, it can be a great time for a portrait.  Think about possible groupings that you may want, such as siblings and generational shots.  Make sure to research local photographers and possible locations ahead of time to make it a fun outing.

2. Think About Display First: Before your shoot, ask your photographer what products he or she offers.  Think about your home and your personal style.  Share which products you love before you shoot and your photographer can tailor the shoot. I personally have an app that allows me to customize displays for each individual client's home.

3. Wardrobe: Think about your personal style and your home.  Do you have a traditional home or a modern beach house? What colors do you love? Then try to bring these colors into your wardrobe.  I prefer coordinating rather than matching, and I love incorporating texture and layers. 

4. Schedule Around the Youngest: It can be difficult with younger ones to do an extended family portrait.  Try to schedule around your child’s nap and meal times.  Remember, if you’re doing beach photography, midday is tough light-wise, early morning or evening work best. 

5. Make it Fun: Portraits don’t need to be stressful.  Oftentimes, families go in with the image of a perfect smiling shot, and...well...kids are going to be kids.  When they misbehave or are tired and begin to melt, instead of yelling, it's best to redirect the energy. The next two tips address this very thing.

6. Bring Props: It’s less about that perfect prop and more about bringing something your kids enjoy, like a kite or toys for the beach.  If there is an activity to break up the more traditional shots, kids tend to be more patient.  Most of my clients' kids are thrilled to do portraits again because they associate it with play time with their cousins. 

7. Let the Kids Pick: I sometimes ask the kids where they want to shoot or how they want to stand, and they have a blast. If a little one wants to make silly faces in every shot, I have everyone make silly faces.  The winning shot is always the next frame when everyone is laughing and smiling. It works!

8. Banish Cameras and Phones: It seems like a great time to have your camera or cell phone out to snap a few shots while all the family is there, but this can create issues.  Many times, kids end up looking at the family members and not the photographer.  It is best to leave the devices and enjoy the day!

Happy Father's Day! Monmouth County Portrait Photographers

I hope all the fathers out there enjoyed a wonderful father's day weekend!  We just fell in love with this father & daughter shot!

From Bride to Mom....Monmouth County Wedding Photographers

It's so nice to see a former bride & groom and even better when you get to meet their kids!  I love the continuing a tradition of capturing the highlights of someone's life.  Enjoy!

Celebrate Mom! Monmouth County Portrait Photographers

Mother's day is just a little more than a month away!  What better gift for mom then a family portrait!  We are offering a great new line of portrait products this year including our press printed books, gallery wraps, and standout mounts. Here is another of our beautiful press book layouts.   As always former brides get a discount on maternity, baby, and family portraits!  So mark Sunday May 9th on your calender and ask about our gift certificates for mom!

Press Books Are Here! Monmouth County Portrait Photographers

Easter is around the corner!  What a wonderful keepsake to have for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles!  Comes in three great sizes a 10" X 10" a 5"x5" and a mini accordion.  The smaller sizes are great for mom's bag!  The adorable accordion comes in sets of three and their magnetic!  What fun for the fridge!  Order this week for a special discount!  Order deadline for discount is Friday March 26, 2010.

Bellies & Babies! New Jersey Maternity Photographers: New Jersey Newborn Photographers

We just finished designing our newest Maternity Album and couldn't wait to share!  Please ask about our Maternity & Baby Portrait Discounts for former brides!  We love babies & bellies!