"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!

Calling All Expecting Mothers & Moms-To-Be | Timing & New Package

Let's get real for a second.  9 months seems like a long time...until you're in it. Every mom I've talked to says how quickly their pregnancy has gone by.  You're so busy learning, preparing, nesting, and down-right growing a human, that before you know, you're in the final week!  You had the best ideas for decorating a nursery, crafting things for new baby and planning the hospital day bag and drive.  Sometimes, things you wanted to do, just don't get done.  Don't let photos be one of them.  If you think ahead now (with a little help from me) you can schedule your sessions and not have to be scrambling last minute.

There are two photoshoots that Shore's Edge Photography offers to mom (& baby): 

Maternity & Newborn.

 
 

MATERNITY
Maternity photoshoots are typically done around 32 weeks.  This ensures a nice round belly but without the discomfort that later weeks might bring.  This is the optimal time for mom to be glowing.
 

 
 

NEWBORN
Newborn shoots are done within the first two weeks of baby being born.  This ensures those adorable, sleepy, peaceful photos and baby is easy to cooperate.  It is understandable that this timeframe can be a hectic time settling in at home and people wanting to meet your precious little one but it allows the parents some alone time just snuggling with baby and you can tell family & guests that for those 3 hours, it's just going to be you.  Lifestyle photography allows me to capture you in your environment, living your life as you would.

 
 

How to Schedule/Book
Book your maternity session now for the week that'll you be around 32 weeks.  As time gets closer, we will nail down exact details, locations, and time.


For newborn sessions, we pre-pick 2 or 3 dates around your due date (as we all know babies are on their own time).  That way, if baby comes after your due date, we still have dates held on the calendar for you.


And Shore's Edge Photography is offering a *NEW* special package...The Mermom!  This package includes the photoshoot and goodies of both the basic Coastal & newborn Guppy packages, for $55 off!

 
 

The Real Gifts In Our Lives | NJ Lifestyle Photography

As a child, you want the coolest toy, the newest gadget, and the biggest, shiniest box sitting under the tree.  As you grow older, you come to realize that the best gifts aren't toys, gadgets, or material objects that could fit in a box.  They don't come with a price tag, and can't be bought in stores.  The real gifts in our lives are our loved ones, the moments we share, and the every day miracles that happen.  They are the conversations where we learn about ourselves and those closest to us.  The times we laugh so hard, our faces and stomachs hurt.  The quiet, warm embraces that calm us & express love without words.    

This holiday season, Maria & Joe took some time to create more memories with their growing family (and baby #2 on board!)  There was lots of laughing, kissing -their dog Gizmo included-, a little crying, and even a shoe that went floating down the creek (which made for a bit of adventure and something to look back on & laugh at).  Here is their Christmas Maternity session, celebrating the gift of marriage, family, and their daughter(s).  

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Buon Natale!  And this year when thinking of New Year's resolutions, I encourage you to spend time every day reflecting on the daily gifts you have & receive and being grateful for them.  It is easier to be thankful during the holidays, but when you fill your life with appreciation, it will change in the best way.  :)  xoxo       

Rustic & Chic | Kate & Mike's Maternity

When your best friend asks you to happy hour at one of your favorite after-work restaurants, especially after a hard day at the office, you say "yes!"  And when she would normally order a fruity cocktail but opts for just water instead, you can't help but wonder the question that all women do when their girlfriends switch it up...  But instead of coming out and asking, you patiently wait for her to break the amazing news to you while you both stuff your faces on half priced appetizers.  The very first thing you do is congratulate her, and the very next is calling dibs on her maternity session.  

Kate is the first friend of our group that is pregnant, but that comes as no surprise.  She was the first friend to move out on her own, land a real job, get married, and buy her own house, and she is gracefully navigating the confusing "early 20s".  With the support of her loving husband Mike, she's even making her pregnancy look easy (even though we all know it is not).  I am so proud of you both, and know that you will take on parenthood with the same love and ambition that you always do - you got this, just breathe!  <3  (and I can't wait to meet Michael)