In New Jersey, we might not have mountains, canyons or epic landscapes, but we do have an abundance of beautiful LAKES surrounded by towering pines! Found this hidden gem when I first moved here and it’s quickly becoming a favorite spot to bring my families😍 (09.28.19)
Category: Family
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{Mills Family | Ft. Dix, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
When you’re driving to your photo session and your client texts, “We have an issue…,” it RARELY ends well😂 But come to find out, the issue— the field we were about to shoot in being FLOODED by an open fire hydrant— was actually a blessing in disguise. You see, there’s this MAGIC that happens when sunlight and spraying water mix, and I doubt I’ll ever be this lucky again💦☀️🌫 What we were unexpectedly given was this ethereal backdrop of mist, fog, shadows and light—and the results could not have been more heavenly!✨
However, the second we sauntered into the forest, both children began to meltdown😭😩 (I know, I know, every parent/photographer’s worst nightmare during a photo session). But no, I didn’t put down my camera. No, I didn’t stop shooting.
Instead, when it seemed like all was lost and our session was doomed— my client, a single mother of two— scooped up her precious babies and started to comfort them in a way only a mother can.
She didn’t yell.
She wasn’t angry.
She sat down in the soft grass and soothed them with her gentle voice, holding them close through every tear.
And yet again, the sunlight shined brightly upon them, illuminating her selfless love and unexplainable strength.Now, I’m not one who enjoys having her plans turned upside down or uncontrollable crying to occur during a session, but let me just say, if you can make lemonade out of lemons— looking for the GOOD in every situation, you might end up with the most stunning, unpredictably heartfelt moments.
For most of us, seeing the beauty in EVERY circumstance does not come naturally— But doing so DOES change us and makes us not just better photographers, but better humans.Finding the light in the darkness, staying calm amidst chaos and remaining patient under pressure—TOGETHER with my client—took this session from absolute ruin to one of the most meaningful I can ever recall♥️ (09.26.19)
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{Rowe Family | Island Beach State Park, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
I know we ALL love a good story, but let’s be honest, these family sessions I document don’t always need a lengthy narrative.
Sometimes the photos speak for themselves in such a way my words can never describe.
Sometimes the emotion can be felt without fully knowing their story—but just appreciating the tenderness, happiness & connectedness between the family captured💕Thank you, Jami, Nic, Cole, Xander & Ella for a beautiful evening together at the Jersey shore. The love & gratitude you have for each other is evident in every image💛 @ Island Beach State Park (09.24.19)
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{Zaki Family | Island Beach State Park, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Very few people can grasp the depth of sacrifice our #military families make— except, of course, military families themselves.
Three weeks after the birth of their third child, Sebastian Zaki said goodbye to his wife, new baby and two sons to serve a six month deployment in Kuwait.
During that time, his wife Jaimie held down the homefront— often in tears— raising their children on her own, putting her business on the back burner, all while witnessing many of baby Amelia’s milestones without her husband.
He missed many firsts.
The first time she rolled over.
The first time she crawled.
Her first tooth.As well as significant changes in his other children.
His middle son beginning to talk.
His oldest son swimming on his own.An entire spring & summer of sunrises, sunsets, morning kisses and bedtime tuck-ins. Two full seasons—and multitude of little moments forever forfeited during his absence.
So when Jaimie reached out to me to schedule family photos upon his return, I immediately recognized how important they’d be— and ultimately, the emotion they’d embody.
The renewed passion between husband & wife.
The restored connection between father & child.
The reflected joy & relief of a family reunited.When I look at these images all I can see is the beauty of their embrace. The strength in her stance.
The gentleness.
The gratitude.
The love.
But more than anything, I see the overarching resiliency of this family who—despite distance & time— have fortified their bond after what seemed to be an insurmountable deployment.But here they are, whole again— savoring every precious moment together, at last. (09.16.19)
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{Brunner Family | Ocean City, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
I don’t care what ANYONE says about #NewJersey, I love it here and I’ll be mourning when we move😭😭😭 Besides the obvious perks– the beach, living close to Philly/NYC/family– our assignment here has afforded me the rare chance of reconnecting with several old friends– most recently Maryellen & Derren– who I met when we were all students at #PennState.
ELEVEN YEARS since we last saw eachother, here they are with their ADORABLE son Connor and another sweet baby on the way! THANK YOU, Maryellen for reaching out and asking me to photograph your beautiful family! I’m so happy for you and beyond grateful we were able to reunite💕✨ @ Ocean City, New Jersey (09.12.19)
