5 Tips for Summer Engagement Sessions | New Jersey Photographer
We live in New Jersey, so why not use the beach for a scenic backdrop?!
As the temperature begins to rise and your wedding date quickly approaches, you may be a little leery of your engagement session happening in the heat of the summer but here’s the good news… Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer is here to help! So here are 5 tips to stay cool during your hot engagement session!
Get Out Early
…and beat the heat. If you start your session early in the morning (around 7 a.m.) not only will you beat the heat, but you will have beautiful lighting. The best times to shoot your engagement session is 1-2 hours after sunrise and 1-2 hours before sunset, but the benefit of doing your session in the morning is that there won’t be an excessive amount of people around when shooting (if you choose to have your session in a public location). Sleep is nice, but nothing compares to that early morning sunlight!
Dress Smart
Style is important, but you feeling comfortable during your session is even more important! Please keep this in mind when choosing your outfit(s) for your session. Make sure that your clothes are not too hot (cotton and linen are great options), that your undergarments are not too tight and that you have comfortable shoes. Ladies, you can still bring those stillettos to shoot in, but also have some back-ups to wear when traveling to different locations, walking to and from the car, ect…. Feel free to even wear your favorite summer outfit, even something like a flirty skirt and a cute blouse; for the guys, 3/4 button up shirts always look good. Also keep in mind that you want to wear colors that not only compliment your skin tone but each other!
Hydrate!
Drink plenty of water the week leading up to your session! If you drink at least 2 liters of water every day, your skin will be well hydrated, and you may even feel a little bit perkier throughout your session.
Be Adventurous
It’s summer, which means there are so many exciting and interesting activities to do around the city and along the shore! Take advantage of that! Whether it be at a food festival, a carnival, or a pop-up exhibit. Keep your eyes open for fun outings and let us know about it! If you apply the previous 3 tips to this one, we can have one amazing engagement session unlike any other!
Take It in the House
For something a little more lowkey, I absolutely love the idea of having an in-home session, especially for couples who are in the process of buying a new home together or those who just moved in together. These kind of photos feel so authentic and personal. These are the perfect engagement session idea for couples who want an alternative style for their images. Also, these are great to frame for your home!
5 Benefits Of Drone Photography At Your Wedding | New Jersey Photographer
Drones are as popular in travel photography…
as they are often used to take captivating 360-degree shots of beaches, hilltops, and more. However, drones are fast becoming a staple in commemorating modern celebrations too. Picture drone footage of the entire wedding venue while guests start pouring in, or the bride making her way down the aisle. Stunning, right? It certainly elevates traditional wedding photography and makes your special day that much more memorable.
If you’ve been considering drone photography at your wedding, here are some more benefits to keep in mind.
Drones showcase the wedding venue
The venue is a major consideration when planning a wedding, so it would be a shame not to capture its entire splendor. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that if you hire a drone photographer. Whether it’s a beach wedding or a garden wedding, drones can capture breathtaking visuals to clearly showcase the grandeur of your wedding’s location. These shots also work quite well for the videography, as they show an overview of the day’s proceedings.
Drones complement traditional photography
There are shots that can only be taken via drone and vice-versa. Drones are ideal for wide aerial shots — especially since most of them are equipped with GPS-controlled accuracy for precision and stability in the air. However, traditional cameras are more useful for capturing close-ups and intimate moments — which are incredibly important in a wedding shoot. So, if you want to cover all your bases, it’s wise to have both a traditional camera setup and a drone camera for your wedding. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Drones capture stunning and creative angles
One advantage of drones is that they can shoot from angles that are unreachable through normal camera setups. This allows photographers to be more creative and playful with their shots. For those looking to take gorgeous slow-motion clips and breathtaking panoramas, the high-end DJI Mavic 3 featured on Amazon can offer just that. Thanks to its SmartPhoto feature and advanced panorama mode, it can capture vivid colors in dynamic high definition. On the other hand, some drones like the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus are built to withstand strong winds. Its 3-axis gimbal-mounted camera offers excellent stability, all while shooting high-quality photos of your wedding day. With these advanced features, drones are well-equipped to cover your wedding day.
Drones give your wedding some flair
Hiring a drone photographer shows guests that you’re going all out on your big day. Aside from that, drones can also serve as a form of entertainment because of their novelty; it’s not every day you get to see a high-end drone covering a big event. Of course, drones should be interesting, but not enough to be a distraction from your big day. Thankfully, drones are constantly undergoing redesigns to make them quieter and more unobtrusive, like the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
Drones are excellent for group shots
It’s sometimes frustrating to find the perfect angle for a group shot. This is especially true if you have a large crowd — such as wedding guests — posing for the photo. However, the solution can be as simple as using a drone to take an overhead shot. This removes the need to crouch down or stand on tiptoe just to get everyone in the frame. As you can see, there are many advantages to getting a drone for your wedding.
Fall Mini Sessions Near Me | NOW BOOKING
It’s almost fall in New Jersey and you know what that means - the leaves change color, the Bennies go home for the season, my favorite coffee is released (yes, I LOVE my PSL) and best of all - MINI SESSIONS! It also means it’s time to update your family photos for your holiday cards! I have two Saturday’s and a Sunday set up this fall for mini sessions - one weekend in October and one Saturday in November!
2021 FALL MINI SESSIONS!
It’s almost fall in New Jersey and you know what that means - the leaves change color, the Bennies go home for the season, my favorite coffee is released (yes, I LOVE my PSL) and best of all - MINI SESSIONS! It also means it’s time to update your family photos for your holiday cards! I have three days set up this fall for mini sessions - one weekend in October and one Saturday in November!
Around every turn in N.J., picturesque scenery soaked in golden light & brilliant color practically screams to me, “THIS is the perfect spot for a photoshoot!” Lately, I’ve really been eyeing a particular spot in the Brookdale Park Rose Garden. See below for more mini session details!
Details - What IS a mini session?
A mini session is a great idea if you really just want a couple family portraits for holiday cards or to frame for family as gifts. They are quick and to the point! Mini sessions are also perfect if you want to document your pregnancy but don’t want to do a full session.
I definitely suggest a full session if you have little ones that may take a while to warm up; want to be more selective about date, time or location; and want more of the candid images of your family with some of each child by themselves.
This year, two packages will be offered! If you choose the Ultimate package, please note that in the form at the bottom of this page and select the two time slots you’d like paired together.
A $50 non-refundable session fee is due at booking and the remainder will be due 7 days prior to your mini session date. If you book before Oct. 1st, a $25 ‘early bird’ discount will be applied.
Packages
There are two mini session packages to choose from:
Classic - $200
15 minute session (outdoors)
5 high resolution, fully edited digital photos
Private online proofing gallery with final downloads AND full print release (so you can get them printed at any place of your choice at any size you want). You can also inquire about my print products as well!
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - Book by Oct. 1 for a $25 discount
Ultimate - $350
30 minute session
10 high resolution, fully edited digital photos
Private online proofing gallery with final downloads AND full print release (so you can get them printed at any place of your choice at any size you want). You can also inquire about my print products as well!
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - Book by Oct. 1 for a $25 discount
Dates and Locations:
Saturday, Oct. 16: Orchardside Farm in East Windsor, NJ (51 Orchardside Dr., East Windsor, NJ)
Saturday, Nov. 13: Sayen Gardens in Hamilton, NJ (155 Hughes Dr, Hamilton Square, NJ) - FULLY BOOKED
Orchardside Farm - Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
https://www.facebook.com/orchardsidefarm/
Orchardside is a small, family owned and operated farm in Cranbury, New Jersey. They grow seasonal spring/summer vegetables, as well as pumpkins in the fall, and Christmas trees for the holidays. They are also well known for their delicious baked goods, and homemade ice cream.
Schedule
1 p.m. - AVAILABLE
1:20 p.m. - AVAILABLE
1:40 p.m. - AVAILABLE
2 p.m. - AVAILABLE
2:20 p.m. - AVAILABLE
2:40 p.m. - AVAILABLE
3 p.m. - AVAILABLE
3:20 p.m. - AVAILABLE
3:40 p.m. - AVAILABLE
4 p.m. - AVAILABLE
4:20 p.m. - AVAILABLE
4:40 p.m. - AVAILABLE
Sayen Gardens - Nov. 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - FULLY BOOKED
Photo by Marilyn Menago
Frederick Sayen was an avid gardener and world traveler. In 1912 he purchased a 30 acre parcel of land not far from the family rubber mill in Hamilton Square, NJ. He built a bungalow style home and surrounded it with plants and flowers acquired while he traveled the world. His collection includes species from China, Japan and England, many of which are still flourishing today. According to Harry Robinson, Sayen Garden's horticulturist, there are more than 1,000 azaleas and nearly 500 rhododendrons thriving under the vigilant care of the dedicated Sayen Gardens groundskeepers.
Schedule
1 p.m. - BOOKED
1:20 p.m. - BOOKED
1:40 p.m. - BOOKED
2 p.m. - BOOKED
2:20 p.m. - BOOKED
2:40 p.m. - BOOKED
3 p.m. - BOOKED
3:20 p.m. - BOOKED
3:40 p.m. - BOOKED
4 p.m. - BOOKED
4:20 p.m. - BOOKED
4:40 p.m. - BOOKED
PLEASE NOTE
You have no idea how much each photographer wishes they could control the weather, but it’s not possible. In case mother nature does not allow us to take photographs on one of the days – for example if it rains – we will reschedule sessions for that day. Your time slot for a given day will not change however. Please make sure that this works for you.
So, bring on the PSL, the colors, the smiles and the family. I look forward to seeing familiar and new faces!
What To Consider When Booking A Mini Session | New Jersey Photographer
Minis are super popular in the summer. But, are they right for you? Here’s a quick pros and cons list to help you decide!
With the weather warming up and interest in mini’s growing, I wanted to sit down and give a simple list of some of the pros and cons to these sessions so that everyone can know what to expect and whether it is a perfect fit for them. Hopefully this list will help you decide if mini sessions are the best option for you.
Pros
They are short! Generally a mini session will run 30 minutes depending on the type of shoot. Whether it's the fact that you don't want to invest the time in a full session or it's simply just easier on your busy schedule, mini sessions make it a quick and easy option for you when it comes to time.
Price! Due to the short length, limited amount of photos, and streamlined process we are able to bring down the cost. Add in the fact most mini sessions have intricate themes and props to create amazing and unique images, only adds to the value even more.
It's a great and affordable way to keep your family photos up to date throughout the year.
They are a great way to give a photographer you've been considering a "tryout". They give you a hands on approach to a photographers style and just how he/she interacts with and works with your family.
Cons
They're short! Sometimes something that is a pro can also be a con and this is the case here. Some children can have a hard time warming up to the camera and can take a little longer than others, the shortness of mini sessions can prove to be a challenge in these situations. There is also the fact that due to the short time you just don't quite get the full personalization and creative planning that full length sessions can give you.
You don't get as many images. Typically our mini sessions range from 20-40 useable images that you get from the session and a full session can easily double those amounts.
The location is at a set place and time which doesn't give you the opportunity to choose a location that may have a special meaning or a place you just simply love.
They sell out quickly! Most of the time one day of mini sessions leaves only 8 open spots for that day and they tend to go extremely fast.
Session sizes can be limited for the amount of people you can have involved. Unfortunately, time is a big restraint and large party sizes can't be accommodated for mini session.
With that being said we ultimately love shooting and delivering these amazing images to our clients. From the colorful fall sessions to the bright and warm summer ones, we offer options and choices that you can love throughout the year by giving everyone the opportunity to get professional photos at a great price. We love hearing from each of our clients after our shoots on just how much joy these sessions bring to them and their family each time. We hope to see many more new and old faces in the years to come! Keep a watch for more mini sessions coming in the future and make sure to get a spot before they sell out!
5 Tips For Couples Who Hate Taking Photos | New Jersey Photographer
We're not all models or even comfortable being in front of someone else's lens. So, I wanted to list out a few tips for couples (and wedding photographers) to help you get those lovingly natural shots that couples love to see in their gallery!
I’ve met with couples before who let me know right of the bat that they weren’t crazy about taking photos but wanted beautiful photos to represent their big day. I told them that's totally natural and that it's something that I hear all the time from my clients. So much in fact, that I have started to specialize in making couples feel comfortable with their photographer so that they can shine through as their true selves. We're not all models or even comfortable being in front of someone else's lens. So, I wanted to list out a few tips for couples (and wedding photographers) to help you get those lovingly natural shots that couples love to see in their gallery!
HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION
I always say this, but I always, always recommend that couples have an engagement session to get to work with your photographer before your big day. This will give you some practical one on one time with them and will help you get comfortable in front of their lens.
DON'T LOOK AT THE CAMERA
Sometimes it feels awkward staring directly into a lens. Don’t be afraid to not make eye contact with the lens 100% of the time. Hey, if it feels better to look to your side or even straight pass the camera then do that. You look better when you feel better and after a little while your photographer will pick up on what makes you look (and feel better).
ROLE PLAY
HAVE SOME FUN. Nothing gets your mind off an uneasy task more than playing with your significant other. I give my couples “exercises” to keep them busy being connected - “whisper seductively into her ear what you had for breakfast.” These turn out to be some of our favorite images.
BE HONEST WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
It's ok to tell them your insecurities. If you're a photographer, instead of asking them what are they insecure about, ask them what they love about themselves and accentuate that. You can also ask their significant other what they love most about the other and play off of that. When client's see more of what they love, the more they will trust you in the future.
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU FEEL A CONNECTION WITH
I’ll be honest with you here… find a photographer who you can identify with. Of course, you want an artist whose photographs you enjoy but also a person who you feel you can be yourself around. When you hire a photographer who you feel connected with, not only will you your images come out more authentic, but you will have the ability to trust them and their process just a little more and that’s ideal for clients and photographers alike.
I hope that these tips help you out and if you would like to learn more tips, feel free to check out more of the blog under the category “Photography”!