Tonight, I took Family Portraits at Historic Smithville Village. The little ones kept me on my toes, but you know what the best part of a family portrait is? Those candid moments in between all of the attempted, posed portraits. I say attempted, because often times we want these picture perfect moments, but life just happens. Kids need to be kids. They need to run, they need to stop and water the flowers, or pretend to anyway. They need to ride a cement duck, and they need to take time for kisses. Daddy has to tie shoes, and babies want to run toward keys when they jingle. Photo ops with your Great Grandparents, become split seconds in time where these happy babies just want to look at them, and play with them, and smile because they’re being held by some of the most amazing people on Earth. These moments, may not be posed, but they’re real, they’re raw, and they’re a part of our legacy. Each second that goes by, these babies will be closer to school, and sports, and dances, and all the things that kids do when they grow older. Take the time to stop… and enjoy your babies. It’s okay to let them run!

I love to take Family Portraits at Historic Smithville Village. I live not even 5 minutes away. I adore the sunlight that comes through the trees at 7pm on a cool spring evening, and I love how the flowers are just the perfect distraction for the kids. It’s quiet and peaceful, and is just perfect for a family session. If you are looking for the perfect location, you’ve found it! Now we just need to get your session booked, so you too can document a piece of your legacy!

I love New Jersey. Not just because I live here and have my whole life, but because it truly is The Garden State! We are able to see all of the beautiful seasons change. One of my absolute favorite time of the year is when the leaves change color. It’s like a paint can just spilled out and when the sunlight touches it just the right way, it’s magic. Pure magic. Below are some of my favorite images from our Fall Mini Sessions at Estell Manor. Estell Manor is  very special, as it is the resting place of so many fallen soldiers. I, myself have a grandfather there that passed away 6 years ago. He served in WWII and received the purple heart while being hurt during combat. Every time I visit there I make sure to stop by and say hello to him.

If you are looking for a Fall Mini Sessions at Estell Manor please look out for our ad on facebook, as these are very short sessions that take place in one or two days. In 2017, we will reserving one day for these and they are first come first serve to don’t miss out! You can follow our facebook page here, as well as our instagram page here.

 

Fall Mini Sessions at Estell Manor:

It’s not everyday you get to take pictures in a place that you grew up! I love Patiot Park, however it wasn’t always called that. When I was a kid, we called it the “The Municipal Complex” or, as us kids referred to it as – “The Pit”. Thats right. It was a giant hole. We were told it would be an ice skating rink one day. That idea obviouslly fell through, but today its beautiful. There is a gorgeous lake that is stocked with fish for families to come together and do some relaxing, kick back and teach your kids how to fish. It’s a beautiful place with benches to honor your loved ones who have passed. They even have a K9 memorial, which always takes my breath away. Not only that, but the playground is right there, and back in my day (dusts the shoulder off) it was a WOOD playground. Now it’s really awesome, has super bright colors, it’s just a greay place for family!

So on this particular day, I got to photo a beautiful family, (with a super smart Mom!) Yep, she was the winner in my “Guess what is it contest!”. I shot a ring on something that noone could guess! I had guesses like an ice cube, a water filled zip lock bag. Nope – all wrong. She was the ONLY one who guessed a gazing ball! So, she got a free session!

So here it is! She has SUCH a perfect family! Enjoy!