I TOOK THE NEXT BIG STEP !

My journey started with a interest and passion for photography. My husband decided to gift me a canon rebel T3i for Christmas in 2014. From that day forward I would have never imagined the journey I was headed for. I continued to grow under the wing of my inspirational best friend Vanessa Marie. She is a wedding photographer and she really helped me to better understand how to use my camera from simply taking it off of "Auto" mode and making me use the letter "M" on my dial, which I never really paid attention to, let along did not knew what it stood for? Mean? Mono?.. Oh, that's right Manual. Duh.

With practice I really got the hang of it and put some heart, soul and sweat into it. Okay, maybe the sweat was because I was nervous but it was still sweat! I didn't know what I wanted to photograph other than my own son but I just knew the fire was burning so I expanded the horizon an explored by asking friends to model for me, photographing their families,  parties, children, babies, maternity, and I even got the opportunities to tag along as a 3rd shooter for a wedding... then BAM.. I fell in love. It was clear all along. Why not photograph what I adore the most in this world. LOVE! It was easy to see how others shared the passion and struggles of being a wedding photographer. 

Now I admit, I am not one of the great's.. yet. But I sure strive to be like my idol Jasmine Star, or even as great as my best friend Vanessa Marie. I vowed this year of 2016 I would become serious in putting my photography career out there and thanks to my biggest supporters -My husband Hector and best friend Vanessa they made sure I couldn't go back on my word. 

A BIG SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE BOTH OF YOU. I LOVE YOU AND I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR YOU BOTH!

This Easter of 2016 was the BIG STEP and push of becoming serious and the purchase of my beloved (second love compared to my husband, Hector) MARK the 3rd <3 Me and Mark have now been united and as I look over at Mark I cannot help but think about the adventure that is in store for me with the motto of "Oh, the places you will go"- Dr.Seuss

LOVE AND SPRING ARE IN THE AIR

Spring is in full bloom this Easter and though I'm sure some of us here in New Jersey had hoped for warmer days by now but that didn't diminish the tingling warm love Crystal and Dan shared on this brisk sunny day. Among so many others in the park on this gorgeous day they laughed, they played and watched the kids play in the park on their Easter Egg hunt.

These two have such a spunk for each other and aren't afraid to show it. I was truly honored to work with such a phenomenal couple today and capture their love for life and each other as they bloom.





SIDE NOTE: Today's session was the first time I was able to break out my NEW Canon Markiii and it was like a dreamsicle pop on a warm summer day! Sweet, Vibrant and so refreshing!

SECOND SHOOTING

During my 2015 Journey of become serious and shooting more weddings I have found that they are invigorating, emotional, fun, unique and breath taking. Being able to do what I truly love and documenting love at in one of its finest moments is the best experience. Never once has this ever felt like a an unruly job but more like a passionate calling! However in the same breath with all of the positives I have found that they are terrifying and totally unpredictable. As much as we as photographers plan ahead of time for those sweet moments you do not know what to do until you are there. On that very day. In that very moment in time. Possibly even channeling your inner Mcgyver of photography to make every opportune moment the absolute best. As a second shooter to VanessaMarie Photography I was able to gain, learn and really put forth my skills and see first hand how to push the limits and see what beautiful results are produced. 

Amber & Matt are one of those shining stars that are truly stunning. They laughed, they cried, they sang and danced the night away as husband and wife all the while I was given the best opportunity to capture slices of time for them to look back on for eternity. I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to be apart of there special day. 

BEING MORE THAN A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION..

Its new years again and around this time I'm sure we all hear this "New year, New me" resolution right?  But we all really know that its just a phase for most. However, I have made a resolution for myself to stop being scared and really go after the things I want for my life. I choose to finally pursue my passion of photography and make the most of my craft. My back story goes a little something like this... After a year of inspirational push, lost of trials, some serious errors, and lets not forget to mention a lot of pro bono work. It was only after trying out so many types of photography that I truly desired to work in Wedding, Anniversary and family photography. The best feeling I could probably compare this passion of photography to is my love of hallmark movies!!  YES, I said it... Hallmark movies! And I mean the ones that drip with romance and cheesy love. The kind that makes you feel giddy inside and makes you smile on the outside without you even realizing it. 

For Christmas my best friend gifted me planner because she knows the benefits of my OCD of a schedule and it was time to update my new planner for 2016! Along with my planner she graciously shared a challenge and goal list created by Abby Grace who is a HUGE inspiration to me! On a side note we attended Justin & Mary Marantz workshop "The Event" just a few weeks ago and I was able to meet Abby Grace Herself! We chatted, we laughed and we even took a photo together! She really is everything i imagined and so much more. Also at "The Event" I had the honor of meeting and hearing from so many other photographers who lead the industry on the East coast. I learned so much in just one day of hearing so many speakers who shared techniques, stories and gave really great advice with others who are just like me. I am truly thankful to know that there are others like myself who believe in community over competition.  Since then that fire has ignited in my heart and soul and I don't want to jinx myself but if I could be a weather woman Id forecast that this year is going to be a year of blue skies, beautiful horizons and warm golden hour days.