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!
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!
Baby Ezra | New Jersey Newborn Photographer
After shooting her maternity session back in Feb., Mindi and Jose welcomed me into their home to capture photos of their beautiful baby boy Ezra.
A few months after her Maternity session, Mindi gave birth to her beautiful baby boy, Ezra. Her and her husband Jose welcomed me into their home for Ezra’s first photoshoot. He was wide awake for the first half of his session and we got some great shots to start. I can’t handle all of his dark hair and bright eyes, he’s adorable!
Right next to where I had set up, they had this adorable nook that was perfect for a new family photo.
We planned it out so that Ezra was exactly three weeks old when we did the session. Look at how cute he is with the blocks!
Wasn’t this such an amazing newborn session?! Ezra was seriously so precious, and I was so happy I got to do his newborn session because I did his mom’s maternity session too!
Are you looking for newborn photos soon?
You can find our information here and inquire as well! We can’t wait to make these memories last a lifetime with you!
What to Wear for Your Headshots | New Jersey Photographer
So, you’ve decided to get some headshots done. Great decision! Now, what should you wear? Professional headshots are all about communicating with your audience. It is essential that your look matches what you want your image to convey. Here are some suggestions for you to consider for the best possible portrait.
Professional headshots are all about communicating with your audience. It is essential that your look matches what you want your image to convey. If you have agency-specific attire that is expected for your headshot, that is fine. If not, below are some suggestions for you to consider for the best possible portrait.
Consider this: Professional yet approachable, as well as trustworthy and intelligent. That may seem like a lot to fit into one photo, but a big part of your headshot is the wardrobe. Take a few minutes to think about all the things that make up your personal brand and what you want others to take away from a glance at your profile.
Keep your colors calm.
That means no neon or blindingly bright colors and especially no busy patterns. These distract from your face, which is the focus of the photo.
Instead, opt for solid, neutral colors and jewel tones (richly saturated colors), which flatter almost any complexion. Avoid flesh tones like beige or tan and keep away from bright white. If you’re looking for a neutral color, go with navy, burgundy, gray or forest green. A great way to choose your outfit color is to find a top that matches the color of your eyes and build the rest of your outfit from there.
Go for classic, instead of trendy.
Gentlemen: I suggest you go for a classic look. Pick your favorite suit that fits well and doesn't bunch up when you button it or when you sit down. Stay away from jackets with tight grids or small herringbone patterns as they can have a moiré pattern effect on camera. Ties look best when their tone lands between the suit and the shirt, so a light shirt, a dark suit, and a tie in a shade somewhere between them. Some ties are too shiny—try to stay away from really reflective, shiny, silk ties.
If you don't choose to wear a tie, wear a non-white shirt if possible. White shirts without a jacket and tie to break them up can lose detail in the color and folds. Additionally, a white shirt will be the brightest thing in the image and will draw the viewer’s eye away from your face.
If you wear a button-down shirt without a tie, it's best to wear a jacket or sweater of some kind to layer the look. If not, consider a darker color shirt to avoid looking like a head floating on a blank, boxy shirt. You might want to unbutton a button or two, but make sure your undershirt cannot be seen: think about wearing a V-neck undershirt or none.
Ladies: consider the same as the gentlemen in keeping it classic. Choose a professional suit or business-oriented outfit that is timeless: you shouldn’t be able to tell what decade it is in the photo.
V-necks accentuate the neckline and generally look best on women, but don’t choose something with too low of a neckline, as too much cleavage may also be distracting from the look you are going for. Avoid turtlenecks; they tend to make people look like they have no neck at all in photos. If the only option for a top is white, wear it under something, such as a suit jacket, cardigan, or sweater.
Executive headshots tend to look better without bare arms, so long sleeves are recommended. However, if you'd like to try showing arms in a sleeveless blouse or shift dress, we could make it work. Just bring a blazer or sweater to put over it as an additional option.
Avoid flashy jewelry.
If you’re going to wear earrings or a necklace, keep it simple. Go for small hoops or studs, and avoid loud, colorful pieces that will distract from the rest of your outfit. Statement necklaces may seem fun, but they can easily draw all the focus in an image. Additionally, they can be very reflective in studio lights.
Make sure you’re comfortable.
It’s essential that you feel at ease in whatever outfit you choose because if you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your photos. If you buy a new outfit for your session, be sure to try it on and wear it around a bit beforehand to make sure you feel comfortable in it. Your clothing reflects who you are, so don’t wear something that feels completely unnatural and unlike your everyday work wardrobe.
Don’t wear your outfit to your session.
You don’t want your chosen blouse or shirt getting wrinkled by your car seatbelt. Sometimes you are on a tight schedule, but if possible, wear some comfortable clothes to your session and bring your outfit in a garment bag or on hangers to avoid any unexpected wrinkles or stains before the session.
Wear casual bottoms and shoes.
The best thing about headshots is that you don’t have to create a full outfit. Ordinarily a headshot is only head, shoulders, and sometimes a bit of chest; so if this is your casual day, jeans or any other kind of casual bottoms will be fine. Choose comfortable shoes, as they won’t appear in your images. Of course, those who want a ¾ pose might want to wear a dress/suit trousers as well. Please advise your photographer in advance if you need something other than a traditional headshot.
Putting together an outfit for your headshots may seem a little overwhelming at first, but just think about how you want to present yourself to the world. You do this every day in your choice of clothes for work, so put the same thought into your outfit for your session!
Don’t Forget Your Personal Appearance
Haircuts: Unless you are going to a hair stylist just before your session, it’s best to get haircuts about a week in advance. (I’ve had clients use a stylist before a session and ended up asking for a retake session because they didn’t like the results.)
Face: Ladies, unless there is a specific reason for doing so, don’t apply an extreme amount of makeup; the lens will pick up everything; Gentlemen, make sure you have a nice, close shave and/or neat trim of facial hair.
Teeth: Make sure you have brushed those pearly whites. Consider when you will be eating when you schedule your session.