"Earley" Christmas Present (Soon) | NJ Family Holiday Portraits

There's nothing quite like a brisk walk early in the morning on a chilly Autumn day to really wake you up & get you going!  I got to enjoy just that with the Earley family, as I wrapped up Fall portraits for the season.  It didn't take long to get little Carlisle revved up, despite feeling under the weather the day before (but you'd never be able to tell!)  Candace & Jason wanted to capture their family of 3 together before their new baby son comes along - and boy, did he try to make a surprise entrance already!  With her due date - and the holidays - rapidly approaching, we knew time was of the essence, so we set out to shoot and had a great morning in the park!   

My wish for you all this warm Holiday season, is to emanate the same spirit & happiness that children do.  Just look at the way he lights up!  :)

And as for the Christmas-present-to-be, Coulson, well he's still hanging in for now; keeping warm from Mom (can't say I blame him!)

Have a safe, happy & healthy New Year!  See you in 2018!

Steps Towards a Dream | Alexandra's NJ Portraits

What would you do to reach your goals?  How far would you go to make a dream into reality?  "What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" - Robert H. Schuller

Four years ago, Alexandra set out from sunny California to New Jersey, in pursuit of what she knew was in her heart - ART.  More specifically, art history & museums.  She knew that being in an area so close to NY, she would have more opportunity to follow her passion and is currently in her Master's Program.  

This special lady excited me because she has a different perspective of art - a deep appreciation, understanding & knowledge towards aesthetics.  She reached out to me to assist her in building a portfolio to begin tackling a second vision she has, modeling.  So we set out to this NJ park and spent the evening talking, laughing, and a little hiking through the trails!  

Entering new territory for yourself can be scary at first, but as soon as the jitters fall away and the confidence comes out, it will shine so much brighter!  Deep breath in, slow exhale - you got this!  (This may have even inspired a new series idea!)

And look at that smile! ;)  Alexandra, best of luck in all your endeavors, I'll be cheering you on girl! 

Taking the Shore by Storm | Jimi D Music - NJ Artist Promos

Local artist Jimi DeLucci has begun his rise along the coast of New Jersey.  He started slowly last summer, building his musical library of songs with a few weekly gigs and worked throughout the winter to add even more, along with acquiring some new gear (including his sweet Hawaiian Koa wood Taylor guitar -named Sandy for her beautiful coloring).  So to celebrate the kick-off of the season, it was only fitting to snap new images featuring Sandy the guitar & Brandy(lion) the golden pup.  And with summer officially underway, he is taking over the Jersey Shore! 

I'm especially thankful for his trust in my creative vision - and for putting on his anchor shirt, its my favorite! ;)  xoxo

*(See below post for more details on his schedule!)*

You can catch the Jimi D Show weekly at various venues such as Bums Roger's Crab House (Seaside Park), Windjammer Motor Inn Patio Bar (Seaside Park), The Shore Thing Pub (Seaside Heights), and Ortley Beach Moose Lodge, as well as dates at Captain's Inn Tiki Bar (Forked River), EJ's Tap House (Seaside Heights), Crab's Claw Inn (Lavallette), Kaboodle's Ice Cream (Normandy Beach), Seaside Heights Bonfires & other locations and events being added daily! 

 

Cape May(er) | NJ Lifestyle Family Portrait Session

This beautiful (& energetic) bunch is the Mayer family!  During their Memorial Week vacation to South Jersey, I had the pleasure of photographing some evening family portraits at Cape May Lighthouse State Park.  Their son Eddie, who loves to play the "catch me!" game kept everyone warm & moving on the chilly May night (and even allowed us the chance to capture some overdue romantic photos of just Mom & Dad)!  Despite the unpredictable rain forecast - thanks NJ Spring weather - we stayed the course & the outcome are these intimate family moments set in front of the iconic lighthouse. :)

Thank you Amy, Ed & Eddie - and I hope the rest of your time in the area was relaxing, fun & filled with laughter and love!  xo

Christa Elias | NJ Fitness Competitor & Trainer

A typical morning in the life of Personal Trainer and NJ Fitness Competitor Christa Elias:  Wake up, throw on clothes & get to the gym to do 40 minutes of fasted cardio.  Eat breakfast at the gym before beginning training sessions for the day and then lift weights after the clients.  Eating every 2-3 hours, strategically hitting every macronutrient amount and drinking a gallon of water a day.  

Preparing for a competition is seriously tough work and only the strong willed, determined & disciplined can do it.  Oh, but look at how it pays off!  This session was the day after Christa placed 1st at the NPC NJ State Championships for Fitness!  This bombshell works hard and gives hard work outs, because she knows what bodies are capable of.  Congratulations Christa - you totally deserved that win!  Proud of you girl!

To check out her fitness programs, personal training, and life coaching company, head on over to www.lifewalkercoaching.com.