Family Portraits at Weymouth Furnace? Yes please! Weymouth furnace is like a fairy tale, right out of the book! It feels magical here, like a princess will just pop right up from around the stone structures. Wait a minute, are those princesses right there? Yes! Why, I believe there are two little princesses right in this blog post haha.

I have been photographing Portraits at Weymouth Furnace and this family for years. It’s only right that we finally planned a session here. Every year I see them grow bigger and more mature! It’s a beautiful thing to see their smiles and I love when they recognize me and get excited for their portraits!

This year, they decided to have their Family Portraits at Weymouth Furnace. It looks like it is directly from their very own story book! Which suits them, since they are in fact little princesses. (They have princess wands!) Of course no trip to the furnace would be complete without some splashing in the water. Just a word of caution though, you should never go in the water here without being with a tube party! (tubes help you stay afloat!) It’s very dangerous and you must heed the signs posted that say “no wading!” It is for your own safety! With all of that said, this location is absolutely gorgeous, and the girls found a natural water run off to splash in at the end of their session.

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Are you looking for a beach session? If so click here! If you would like to book your Family Portraits at Weymouth Furnace? Reach out to me directly at lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

Like this location?

It’s the Historic Weymouth Furnace! “The Weymouth Forge land was purchased in 1800 from the West New Jersey Society by five partners headed by George Ashbridge and Charles Shoemaker. In 1801, the State granted permission to dam the Great Egg Harbor River “for accommodation of iron works and other waterworks…”. Iron production began in 1802.” Click here to continue reading about the Weymouth Furnace and add it to your plans when you visit the area!

It’s Top 10 Tuesday and today I am spilling all of my secrets on my Favorite NJ Portrait Locations, where they are and how I find them! A lot of people ask me where they should go for portraits sessions, and I actually have a huge list of places to go with permit information as well. Can we shoot there without a permit? Do we need a permit? Are there opening/closing hours? If the sun good there? Will we see a sunset? All of those questions will be answered right here; so keep reading!

I try to find locations that do not require a permit or a fee to use the space for photography. Some locations do require a permit, which my clients are responsible for paying. The list below are my go to spots, the most cost effective locations and some of my absolute favorites! I find myself going to the same spots over and over again, but I do welcome new locations to keep my creativity flowing!

How to I find my locations? Sometimes it’s difficult. I used to drive around for hours looking for spots, I still do sometimes! I have an app where I am able to snap a quick photo, and save the coordinates of the location that I took the photo. This way, I can quickly go in my phone, and send my clients pictures of spots, and coordinates of where to find me! It’s super easy and very effective! Other times, I use google earth! Which is an amazing resource that allows me to see the arial view of the surrounding beaches.

I look for spots that have other aspects besides just the beach! 

A boardwalk is always great, rocks/jetty, a fishing pier is always a win! I try to keep my mind open and always see the beauty in something that, someone who isn’t a photographer may not be able to see.

 

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So here it is! My Top 10 Favorite NJ Portrait Locations!

1. The Historic Smithville Village – Galloway, NJ
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
The Smithville Village is basically in my back yard! I love it, and I visit here all the time. Okay, it’s not right in my backyard, but it is a 5 minute ride! I photograph many families here and have also photographed many weddings here. It’s is my number 1 because I could go back here a million times and always be inspired.

2. The Ventnor Fishing Pier – Ventnor, NJ
S Cambridge Ave & Boardwalk, Ventnor City, NJ 
The Ventnor Fishing Pier is my favorite, because you get the best of the beach, under the pier, the boardwalk and the ocean! It’s so versatile and makes for really amazing images.
Permit Required? The beach is free after 5pm
Does it cost anything? The beach is free after 5pm

3. Historic Batsto Village – Hammonton, NJ
31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ
Historic Batsto Village is one of my favorite portrait locations. There are so many areas to get creative within the village. Whether you are looking to have the buildings in your images or just tall grass. It’s very versatile and the images are always stunning here!
Permit Required? Uncertain at this time
Does it cost anything? Uncertain at this time

4. Stockton University – Galloway, NJ
101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ
Stockton University, formally known as Stockton State College is a beautiful campus with vines growing up walls, beautiful rose bushes, lush lawns and stone steps. What makes this location even better for a portrait option is if you’ve graduated here yourself!
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? Only if you’re planning on attending school! (Or visiting the cafeteria for Chicfil-A!)

5. Smithville Mansion – Eastampton Township, NJ
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, New Jersey
Not to be confused with the Historic Smithville Village in Galloway, The Smithville Mansion is a historic location full of beautiful flowers, arbors, arched wooden barn doors, court yards and more. You feel as though you’ve stepped back in time here.
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? No, not unless you are visiting for a private event that charges a ticket price.

6. Brigantine Beach – Brigantine, NJ
16th Street
I have photographed all over the island, so I won’t name every street. I will say that all of Brigantine is gorgeous and I am so happy I live so close to the beach to be able to photograph there often.
Permit Required? Beach tags til 5, free after 5. But no one photographers before sunset!
Does it cost anything? Nope, not unless you are on the beach before 5.

7. Cape May Park North – Cape May Court House, NJ
1099 South Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ
Cape May Park North is such a gem! The park closes at dusk, but once outside of the gates there is a front lawn that catches the glow of the sunset perfectly! No need to chase light, it finds us right here!
Permit Required? No, just be respectful. There are a lot of animals, admire & never touch an animal!
Does it cost anything? No, but if you see trash, pick it up and help keep this park beautiful and remember whatever you bring in, make sure it leaves with you. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

8. Estell Manor Park – Mays Landing, NJ
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Estell Manor Park is home to many Vetrans, including my own Grandfather. When I go there, I feel at peace. Not only that, but when the sun sets, it lights up the leaves in the early fall like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Well, maybe you’ve seen that before, but I still find the magic in it.
Permit Required? No, just be respectful.
Does it cost anything? No, but if you see trash, pick it up and help keep this park beautiful and remember whatever you bring in, make sure it leaves with you. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

9. Harold E. Taylor Observatory aka “The Stockton Observatory”– Galloway, NJ
36 Pomona Road, Route 575, Galloway, NJ
The Observatory is actually a very cool place for a class trip, but I go there for the field and the woods. I love how the sun just kisses the grass here. It’s really very beautiful. There is a telephone number if you would like to call and schedule a tour of the dome: (609) 652-4520
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? To walk in the field, no. I am unsure if there is any price required to enter the telescope dome. I have never done that. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

10. Good Old Days Sunflower Farm – Woodbine, NJ
119 S. Old Tuckahoe Rd. Woodbine, NJ Cape May County
Donald is the owner of the Good Old Days Sunflower Farm. He plants his seeds in Mid April to bloom in the end of June. Throughout the summer he plants more seeds to keep the sunflowers blooming until late April/early September. You can reach Donald at: 609-536-4080.
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? He sells fresh cut sunflowers from an antique flower cart. Payment is based on the honor system. He keeps an old metal lockbox on the cart for you to pay for the flowers you take. If you go here, be sure to buy some flowers! I always leave a little extra! 

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Favorite NJ Portrait Locations’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!

*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

 

That time I had an Anniversary Photoshoot in Maine… I knew growing old with my husband would be the most amazing thing ever…

Love isn’t perfect. Everyone knows that. Making the decision to love someone is probably the most difficult decision in the entire world, so to do it, takes strength, vulnerability, compassion, and giving someone else your own heart in hopes that they protect it. Barbara and Gary show each of those qualities each and every single day. Sure, they fight, who doesn’t? What’s different about these two, is they never go to bed angry, they don’t even leave the house angry. No matter how upset they are with each other, they always make sure the other one knows – they are loved, and they seal it with a kiss. I have never in my life met such a special couple. The first time I remember meeting them, it was total chaos, and then out of that chaos the entire kitchen stopped spinning, so Gary could have a few seconds to lean in, and kiss his wife on the lips, just to say “i love you, i will see you tonight”… and off to work he went.

This year, they are celebrating 37 years of love. 37 years of chaos. 37 years of happiness. 37 years of joy. 37 years of togetherness. and 37 years of dedication. I admire Barbara and Gary, even when things get crazy, I KNOW that they are perfect for each other, and that their bond will never be less strong than yesterday. They will continue to grow closer, and continue to get to know each other, and continue to find out their likes and dislikes. They will never stray and they will always walk hand in hand into the wind together. Kisses will never stop, and blanket snuggles will ALWAYS be a thing. And of course, getting dolled up for an Anniversary Photoshoot will ALWAYS be a possibility!

I wish them the best of luck, love and happiness from this day to their last day. I am so happy to be a part of their family so I can watch them grow old together, because after all, isn’t that everyones dream? Cheers to them, they are certainly living it!

If you are celebrating an anniversary, and you would like to book an anniversary photoshoot, please email me! I would love to celebrate with you, and to create and capture beautiful images for you and your family to love and adore!

If you read my blog, you know I was SO excited to photograph my cousin’s maternity session. Well, her sweet baby girl made her appearance shortly after and is absolutely stunning! She looks just like a baby doll! I was so happy she chose me to photograph her little one when there are so many other amazing photographers in NJ. Being a Newborn Photographer near Atlantic County NJ had made my life so much more amazing, because I get to meet happy little babies and take beautiful images of them. Of course I love when they are awake and bright eye’d, it’s so much easier when they are fast asleep in dreamland. Miss Emma was awake for most of the session, but she fell fast asleep toward the end, and I was able to capture beautiful images of her while she was sound asleep. The beautiful headbands you see I made myself, which I am so proud of, except for the jeweled on at the end, that was mine and I thought she needed some princess bling. Emma’s nursery is purples, so I thought this beautiful mauve would be a great addition to her walls. Not too bright, but perfectly neutral to showcase all of her gorgeous features.

Check out my cousin’s beautiful maternity session from a park near her house, in Riverton: Danielle Maternity Session

If you are awaiting the arrival of your new addition are looking for a Newborn Photographer near Atlantic County NJ, I would be honored to photograph your beautiful new bundle of joy! Reach out to me today at lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

Studio sessions offer use of all props, headbands, rugs, etc. I make new headbands all the time, and welcome any theme you have in mind, to make something custom for your session!

Last month, I had the opportunity to document my cousin Danielle’s maternity session at a park near their house, Riverton Yacht Club! When they told me they wanted to have a Riverton Yacht Club Maternity Session, I was so excited, because this is where they had their first look for their wedding. Not only that, but this is the exact location where John had proposed to Danielle! It’s an understatement to say that this park holds great meaning to them. Toward the end of the images, you will see Danielle sitting down and John kissing her belly. That is the exact location where he proposed years ago, only instead of belly kisses, he was holding a ring. They call the tree “their tree”, and I don’t blame them one bit. I see many future picnics here with their soon to be new baby girl, Emma Grace!

*Update: Emma Grace has been born! I am so excited to meet her next week for her newborn session!

I am so excited for them and so honored that I was able to capture these memories for them. I hope they love the images just as much as I do!

The Riverton Yacht Club is gorgeous. We didn’t get to go up to the yacht club, but the grounds around it are so well maintained. John told me that the owners of the houses along this street actually own the lawns, and that the road that runs parallel to the river is a throughway that was put there by the homeowners years ago (I think I got that correct!) It’s such a historic little town and such a beautiful drive after work. The sunset is definitely swoon worthy! Emma Grace is one lucky little girl to be able to grow up in such a history rich down!

If you thought these images from the Riverton Yacht Club Maternity Session were amazing, and you want to have a session here of your own, please reach out to me! Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net I am in love with this location!