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! 

 

Stick Shift & Stilettos | Alyssa's Turbo

When Alyssa told me she wanted to do a photoshoot with her new Turbocharged car, I was excited for the opportunity for two reasons.

1. One of the coolest parts about being a photographer is bringing people's visions to life and translating their ideas into lasting photographs.  I LOVE when clients have fun & creative projects that they bring to me, and we get to work together on it!  (And I knew it would be FUN!)  

2. There seems to be a theme among some of my female clients... they are BAD-A** and breaking out of typical "gender roles" to pursue their true selves!  From lifting weights to getting dirty under the hood of a car, these girls are a perfect balance of strong, fierce, authentic & feminine!  Keep it up ladies, you're setting great examples!

Here are my favorites from Alyssa's smokin' shoot when we took to the streets of Asbury Park with her Turbo Ford Fiesta.  (She maintains & cleans her car - even mid shoot ;) )

 

Jimi D Music | NJ Local Artist Promos

 

In order to tell this story, I have to take you back a little bit... 

When I first met this talented & creative gentleman, he told me about how he plays guitar & sings and has a YouTube channel. He made me promise I would not go on to look until he posted his newest video because he wanted me to see that one first. Well, I was so captivated by his voice that I contributed probably 50+ views to that video!  Shortly after that, he had played for me in person. It was like a really adorable 80s rom com mixed with Bryan Adam's "Summer of 69". He brought his acoustic guitar to the gym and after working out, played for me outside until his fingers bled.  From that day forward, any time I saw his guitar around, I hoped he would play me some songs (which he usually did :) ). And I would try and grab a quick video or photo of him playing. 

Fast forward to present day, and he knows which songs instantly put a smile on my face.  Many of which he played while we captured these images. Being creative together and following your passions... pretty great way to spend the day with your significant other (oh yea, did I mention that this handsome stud is my boyfriend?)

 

These are a collection of my favorite photographs that were taken for the launch of his music Facebook page which can be found here.  "Like" it to stay up to date and come see him play this summer & hangout! (For fans of Reggae, jam rock & good vibes) 

And who knows, maybe there will be some other creative collabs in the future ;)

(Curious to see the video that I fell in love with? It's posted below!)