ARMY HOMECOMING | New Jersey Military Homecoming | NJ Family Photographer
New Jersey Photographer | NJ Family Photographer
Military homecomings cut me to the core. In the best way possible. As Air Force wife myself who has endured the months of separation from my spouse I can’t help but cry happy tears when I know how another spouse is feeling. My sweet friend was about halfway through her pregnancy when her husband deployed. He wasn’t able to come home for the birth of his second son because of the Covid pandemic quarantine requirements. And so this was the first time he met his second son in person.
How strong military spouses are. My friend endured hard things with a glad and joyful heart. Prayers, patience and support got her to this special homecoming day.
To say this session was challenging is an understatement. It did not happen in optimal photographic situations… it was night, in a dimly lit parking lot. Homecomings are fast pace to begin with so with that on top of the no light I certainly did my best for this sweet family reunion after 10 months and another baby later!
Please Welcome home Captain Hunter in this New Jersey Army Homecoming. Enjoy!
WELCOME BABY ADELAIDE | PRINCETON NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER | NJ FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Princeton Newborn Photographer | NJ Family Photographer
It’s always a treat when newborns are asleep and content for the entirety of our session. Photographing this sweet girl, Adelaide, and her first time parents was such a gift to me. My husband deployed with Fernando a few years ago so this family is precious to us and I was so honored to be their newborn photographer.
We spent a wonderful morning together capturing the details of their first weeks as a family of three: All the sweet smiles, kisses, and snuggles! I love lifestyle newborn sessions because most of the final images are unposed and natural; a great reminder in years to come of how things were and how tiny your babies used to be.
I arrived just after a feeding and Adelaide was peacefully sleeping the morning away. Their master bedroom and her beautifully themed bunny nursery were the perfect backdrop for this cozy in-home New Jersey newborn photography session.
To Fernando, Haley and Adelaide. Thank you for inviting me into your home during your precious beginnings of a family of three. I’m thrilled to share these photos of you! Enjoy.
Bryan & Lily Engagement Session | Johnson Locust Hall Farm | New Jersey Engagement Photographer
New Jersey Engagement Photographer | Johnson Locust Hall Farm
Working during a pandemic… one thing we all never thought we would do. And for service based careers business came to a halt in March in the North East. We lived in a limbo of “um, what next” for a few months until states started to begin their phases of reopening businesses. We are still living in the new normal of wearing masks to work and social distancing to keep ourselves and others healthy.
When restrictions started to ease up I received an inquiry for an engagement session from Bryan and Lily. Bryan is an Air Force pilot and Lily just finished training to become a police officer! Talk about authority! I was so thrilled when they contacted me for their session, I love working with couples so much. I asked where they might like to have their session and they mentioned a farm would suit them well as their wedding will be at a farm. Well, I knew just the place! And a place I have been wanting to shoot at since moving to New Jersey.
Johnson Locust Hall Farm seemed like the perfect location for these two! We had a great time starting with a casual walk through some trails and the peach orchard, finishing up in the sunflower field during the beginning of golden hour. And then things took a fancy turn involving a little black dress, dress coat and the original 17th century barn.
Congratulations Bryan and Lily! Cheers to starting your lives together as one!
WELCOME BABY ELI | NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHER | NEWBORN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
new jersey newborn photographer | lifestyle newborn photography
To be completely honest newborn photography wasn’t really my thing… I never advertised I did it. I felt uneasy, nervous and frankly scared around newborns and new moms. I felt like I was invited into this sacred space where I didn’t quite belong. In the waiting it was hard to be around something I wanted so desperately. I know my newborn clients had no intention of making me feel uncomfortable and I hope I never gave off the vibe that I was because it was truly a joy to capture their first moments as a new family together. And I did love getting a fix of that sweet newborn smell! But that was the old Melissa….
When a fellow Air Force family contacted me about capturing their first moments as a new family of three I did not have those same feelings! I realized that after experiencing my own newborn there was absolutely NOTHING to be nervous about… they aren’t as unpredictable (or fragile) as I use to think! I jumped on the chance to photograph this very short moment in time for them.
When I got the message that Hannah was in labor I couldn’t wait to hear the news, ask how mom was and schedule the shoot. Now my very first thought isn’t “Awwwww, free baby smells!!!!!”, now it’s “Gotta find out how mom is doing!” Postpartum recovery is NO JOKE people! I feel like I was extremely insensitive to my moms previous because I just didn’t know! So if you are a newborn photographer ask how mom is, move slow during the session and bring them a meal when you show up.
I had a blast during Eli’s newborn session!
It felt amazing to get behind the camera again with clients in front.
Hannah and Joel were game for anything and hosted me in their home for nearly two hours because I just couldn’t stop myself!
I am so grateful to the Woods for asking me to capture this once in a lifetime memory. Enjoy all the newborn snuggles even though you may feel like you’re going to pass out in your coffee…. oh and don’t forget to brush your teeth!!!!
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