Editorial Archives - New Jersey, Philadelphia, NYC Personal Branding, Commercial and Editorial Photographer

Editorial Photoshoot with Mira Mizrahi, CFP in Whippany, NJ for Proactive Advisor Magazine

February 21, 2020/0 Comments/in Editorial /by Deirdre Ryan

Here’s another editorial photoshoot I did for Proactive Advisor Magazine. If you’re not familiar with this publication, it’s mainly directed towards those in the financial planning industries. I had never heard of them until they contacted me to photograph people for their articles that were close to where I’m located.

I like to make sure that these clients are comfortable and relaxed. I talk to them, get to know who they are, some really don’t like having their pictures taken, while some are complete naturals. Like I’ve mentioned before, it’s not easy to be in front of a camera with lighting pointed right at you.

Here is the cover for this shoot with Mira Mizrahi, CFP at her firm called Diversified Financial Consultants, LLC located up in Whippany, NJ. It was a bit of a hike to get there, but as with all of these assignments, well worth it. Going on location is both a challenge and rewarding with the people I get to meet and places I’ve sometimes never been to. Mira was another gem to chat with while photographing her. The staff in the firm were really nice and even fed me lunch afterward.

As you can see, they cropped the photo to focus on her beautiful smile and face.

And here is what it looked like before the image was cropped:

Getting people to laugh is one of my favorite things to do.

Here is what the magazine would like folded in half to be mailed out:

As you can see, I like to include a few different options for the publication, and allow space for the designers to work with when they are editing the layout. I have a background in graphic design, so I understand how important it is to have enough space to work with, especially if you need to crop or add type as an overlay.

The image below was used but was cropped(I cropped it more the way that I like it), you can see it on the link to the article posted. Working with reflective items, such as windows, framed artwork or degrees/certifications, always presents a challenge. If I can, I try and avoid them or use other tricks, but if I can’t I tend to retouch. Not the best image, but I thought that her smile was great, and so I submitted it. Many times, publications will end up retouching images to suit their needs. Not every picture is perfect 🙂Below is one of my favorites, it was the last one, and I wanted a portrait of her just being natural.

If you would like to read her article and see how the rest of my images are used, please click on this link http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/mira-mizrahi-committed-to-clients-personal-success/

Thanks again to Proactive Advisor Magazine and Mira for a great time!

A Girl and Her Horse-Maile and Luna

October 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Editorial, Horse and Rider Photographer, Lifestyle Photography, personal branding photography, Photojournalism, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

If you haven’t guessed by now, my other passion is horses and riding. Years ago I used to show horses, jump them etc. I’m still an equestrian, and I ride and working on riding more and more each week as my schedule allows it. I met Maile at a farm we both rode at a while ago, since then she and her two horses have moved to Sporty Acres Farm, but we’ve kept in touch and remain friends.

She has this amazing thoroughbred horse named, Luna who is an amazing jumper and mover, loves to go fast. Maile is an amazing rider and watching her ride this horse, you can see the connection between them both.

I had this idea for a photo shoot and I wanted to originally shoot Maile and her husband David as he has a horse named Sailor. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it. My idea is to showcase a horse and rider, for personal branding. Many equestrians have their own websites, are on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Riding is an expensive sport, so getting sponsorships really helps us.

To better understand more about the costs:
How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter Jumper Show?
What Is Equestrian Show Jumping?
What Does It Take To Become and Olympic Equestrian?

Being an equestrian at a professional level is more expensive than sailing or tennis:

By having professional pictures to showcase at our trailers and stalls during shows, and online shows the commitment we’re making. Basically marketing ourselves to small and large brands to help us to afford what we do. And this includes our training, upkeep of our beloved animals, outfits, helmets, saddles, bridles, etc. The list is enormous, and why do we do this?

Because we love it.

The inside of the stables is pretty dark, so while I tried a few shots without my flash, I ended up having to use it.

Love the tail flip! The day was gorgeous, and the sun was perfect.

After Maile’s ride, I wanted to get some shots because I could tell that both were pleased with their ride. I suggested to Maile to take off her helmet and give Luna some kisses and hugs.

No one was using the indoor arena, so Maile helped me with the large muslin background that I brought. The idea to have Luna step on it, I wasn’t too sure of, so we put it up, I set up one light. Thinking that I was going to Photoshop/extend the background to cover up the windows, but as I was editing the pictures, I decided to leave it alone.

With the lighting set up, I didn’t want it to be too punchy or bright, and the colour processing I did in Capture Pro One gave me the look I was going for. The pose Maile has in this first one with her composed, and serious face reminded me of the old paintings when no one smiled but held their horses in a regal manner.

Thank you Maile for letting me come and hang out with you and Luna! We need to get together again soon!

If you’re interested in having me come out to your stables to photograph you and your horse(s), please contact me.

Total Wealth Enhancement Editorial Photoshoot of Millstone Township, NJ for Proactive Advisor Magazine

October 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Business Portraits, Editorial, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Total Wealth Enhancement is a father and son team, started by Michael Kuczinski and then his son Michael Kuczinski Jr. joined him. It was another hot and sticky day, so we stayed inside since the building had a lot of areas to photograph with air conditioning LOL!

This one took a little longer, but we stayed on schedule. While the article was focused on Michael Sr., I knew that they wanted some with the two of them together and possibly on their own. We did three wardrobe changes, one was just as simple as taking off the suit jacket. We had a lot of laughs, turns out that Michael Jr. and I went to the same high school. Not the same class, I’m older, but still, pretty cool!

Once again I used the Flashpoint AD200 lights and Softlighter II, but I also used a new light modifier that I picked up at Allen’s Camera, a Phottix 26″ Quick Folding Octa Softbox. I’m now in love with this and want the next size up LOL!

Here are the articles:

http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/michael-kuczinski-applying-deep-knowledge-to-proactive-financial-planning/

http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/helping-prospective-clients-rethink-retirement/

Scroll down to see which image they used for the front cover.

This last shot was for fun, and I sent that to Mike Jr. LOL

I think that to date, this is my favorite cover that I’ve done so far.

Thank you guys for making this such a fun shoot and giving me a helping hand and taking my picture!

Want to chat and find out more about Deirdre offers? Click here to contact her!

Wealth Wisdom Group of Wilmington, Delaware for Proactive Advisor Magazine

October 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Business Portraits, Editorial, Headshots, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

On what was one of the hottest and muggiest days of the summer, I drove down to Wilmington, Delaware to photograph Bill Curry of Wealth Wisdom Group, at his office. We first went over some dates and times to coincide with the magazines’ deadline and what was needed and suggestions on what he should wear. As I mentioned before, I like to get to know the clients beforehand, so that when I arrive, the photoshoot can go smoothly and they be comfortable with me.

This time I didn’t bring my larger Flashpoint Xplor 600 lights but instead brought along the Flashpoint AD200 lights. So much easier to deal with since it’s just me with the camera gear, light stands, modifiers, and weights!

We started off inside his office, then moved to the hallway, I used one light and a small flash to add a little extra “kick” of light.

I asked if we had time for him to change and we can go outside. So I packed up and we both went downstairs to the edge of the parking lot where there was this nice area of a green park. And wow it was MUGGY! I used the Flashpoint AD200 outside to give a little extra kick since it was overcast. I didn’t want to stay outside any longer than was necessary for my client and for me.

These clients are very busy, while we put in a time slot of an hour, I try to get everything done way before that. I don’t have a team, there’s no time to tether my camera to a laptop either. Once I get to a location, I have maybe 10 minutes to check it out, look over what they have for wardrobe and then we start.

As you can see which image made the front cover and what they used as the finals for the article.

http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/william-curry-putting-intellectual-capital-to-work-for-clients/

http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/encouraging-prospective-clients-to-have-a-transformative-conversation/

Editorial Photography, On Location Photography, financial advisor, William Curry,Wealth Wisdom Group, Inc., Wilmington, DE , Proactive Advisor Magazine, Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com

William Curry of Wealth Wisdom Group, Inc. Wilmington, DE for Proactive Advisor Magazine photographed by Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com

Thank you, Bill, for your patience and time!

Want to chat and find out more about Deirdre offers? Click here to contact her!

Photographing Haddon Financial Solutions for Proactive Advisor Magazine

October 17, 2019/0 Comments/in Business Portraits, Editorial /by Deirdre Ryan

David Chalmers and Keith Herman are the faces of Haddon Financial Solutions are located in Haddon, NJ. When I’m shooting for a publication, I tend to shoot with a lot of space for any type that is needed or if they need to crop in closer. With Proactive Advisor Magazine and others, they have a printed magazine, then they have the articles online. I provide quite a few images and they choose the best ones that are suited for their needs. Here I’ve chosen my favorites.

The process is simple and straightforward enough. I get an email for the assignment, to see if I’m available, then an introduction is made to their client. I then reach out and make arrangements with the client as the time for the photoshoot. This is also the time that I choose to get to know them, offer suggestions on what to wear, often they’ve had their pictures taken for articles before, while sometimes they haven’t and they need reassurances that this will be ok.

If I’m able to, I scout the location. But much of the time, I’m not, so I do a quick Google search, check out the building if I can, and go in as light as I’m able but prepared for anything. My goal here is to make everyone look relaxed within the environment that they work in with their own clients. If I can and there’s time, I take them outside. Being quick, polite, a good sense of humor, and professional to make everyone feel comfortable will ensure that I’ll get the best images possible.

For this day, I completely overpacked, but I used 2 lights in each office, the main was a Flashpoint 600 Xplor with a Softlighter II and the other was another with a small Westcott 1×2 Rapidbox Switch Modifier Softbox. For the outside, I only used the Flashpoint 600 Xplor with a Softlighter II. My camera is the Canon Mark 5D III and I used the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L IS lens and the Canon 70-700mm f2.8 L non-IS lens.
http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/chalmers-herman-committed-to-a-high-standard-of-professionalism/

http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/target-segments-provide-opportunities-for-client-development/

Want to chat and find out more about Deirdre offers? Click here to contact her!

Bordentown Rotary Club Young Professionals-Walk 4 Recovery-Love The Addict, Hate The Disease-Covered by Photojournalist Deirdre Ryan

November 15, 2018/2 Comments/in event photography, personal, Photojournalism, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

Last night, I volunteered my photography services with my local Rotary Club for the first Walk 4 Recovery(#walk4recovery). We all met at Hope Hose Humane Co. 1 Firehouse, which is literally steps from my home. The night was cold, our breaths made clouds in the air, but the common ground we all stood upon was one to last and encourage.

This walk was also to support those fighting against addictions, which is a disease, their families and friends who are helping them. To get rid of the stigma of addiction.

I saw many who have lost family members, and friends to addiction, a lot of familiar faces. One family here in Bordentown have lost a son and, very recently, lost a daughter to addiction.

Our local police blocked off the streets, making it safe for us to walk. This was all made possible by volunteers, from the t-shirts, the food, everything. Bill Mercantini, our Bordentown Rotary Club President spoke, then Mayor Lynch. Angelique Flynn spoke of her struggles with addiction, who is now 8 years sober. Father Matt Tucker offered a prayer and spoke out at least 50 names of those lost or struggling. This walk was enormous for its the first time, I think about 200 people attended.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

The article below is from The Burlington County Times, their reporter, Kelly Kultys and photographer Dave Hernandez, covered the event, as well as The Register-News(which is now back).

http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/20181114/bordentown-residents-walk-for-recovery

Bordentown residents walk for recovery

By Kelly Kultys

Posted Nov 14, 2018 at 9:40 PM Updated Nov 14, 2018 at 10:41 PM

The Bordentown Rotary Club and the Young Professional Rotary Club of Bordentown hosted the first Candlelight Walk as a way to help break the stigma of addiction.

BORDENTOWN CITY — “I walk for …” signs covered the backs of hundreds of people Wednesday night as they walked with candles in hand around the city.

The crowd gathered together for the first Rotary4Recovery walk, aimed at helping break the stigma of addiction and recovery.

Dawn Walton, of Mansfield, was walking for her son Boomer who passed away on Aug. 12 after he struggled with addiction.

“It’s great to see everyone come together and support this,” she said.

The walk was organized by the Young Professional Rotary Club of Bordentown, a new group formed out of the Bordentown Rotary, which began earlier this year.

Co-chairs Hillary Moore and Katrina Brophy, both of Bordentown City, said they thought it was important to get everyone together and show they supported those in recovery.

“I personally have lost someone to addiction,” Moore said.

That’s why she said it was important to get a large crowd together to “break the stigma” that those with addiction face.

Bill Mercantini, the president of the Bordentown Rotary, said the event had been a vision of his for a while and he was glad to be a part of the walk for those in recovery.

“I’m walking for Nick,” he said, referring to a family member.

For many of those in attendance, the loss from addiction weighed heavily on their minds as they walked. Michelle Trogdon, of Hamilton, Shannon Sticca, of Bordentown Township, and Chris Millington, of Bordentown Township, said between their family and friends they lost three people to overdoses within a three-week span over the summer.

Millington said it was great to see more than 200 people turn out for the walk.

“It’s so awesome and the thing is, it’s a sad thing and it’s a good thing, we know everyone here pretty much and it’s kind of sad because we’re all so connected,” she said.

For Angelique Flynn, of Burlington City, being a part of the walk allowed her to share her story to try and inspire others in recovery.

“I’m active in the community as a volunteer,” she said. “I own my business, I teach yoga. I am a homeowner and I live a truly amazing life and I’m so blessed to have it. I tell you all of this because this wasn’t always my story.”

She recalled trying to fill a void in her life and never being quite able to do so.

“My favorite thing to use was drugs,” she said.

Eventually, she was able to get into a 12-step program and now has been sober for eight years, but she still sees how addiction is affecting her community.

“The longer I stay clean, the more people I’ve lost,” she said.

Bordentown City Mayor Jim Lynch said the best way to try and tackle the problem is to come together for events like the walk to show that the community members support each other.

“You have no better cooperation than we have right now between the two municipalities (Bordentown City and Bordentown Township),” he said.

Lynch highlighted the work of resident Kevin Moore, who has been active with Bordentown Residents Against Drugs, and currently serves as the Bordentown Township/City Municipal Alliance Coordinator, for his work to bring resources and awareness to those struggling.

Before the walk, a list of more than 50 names of people both living and deceased who had battled or were battling addiction was read so that those walking would have them on their minds.

Here are some of the images that I took the other night:

Toscanos donated their fabulous Mac-N-Cheese!

Hampton Behavior Health Center

Sundays Catering

Bill Mercantini our Bordentown Rotary Club President.

Bordentown Mayor Lynch

Angelique Flynn

Hilary Moore of the Young Professionals Bordentown Rotary Club.

Father Matt Tucker

Hilary Moore asking for a moment of silence before heading out.

Once again, thank you all for participating and volunteering. This event I think will be even bigger next year.

Yours In Rotary,

Deirdre

Day 3-The Standardbred National Horse Show at The Horse Park of NJ

August 16, 2018/0 Comments/in event photography, Horse and Rider Photographer, personal, Photojournalism, Portraits, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

If you didn’t see my post on Day two click here to see it.

Day 3 was on a Sunday and I got there later than I wanted to. This time, I brought my husband and our daughter, it was her very first time at a horse show. It was super hot and it did rain a little. But we sat in the covered seating area and we had a packed lunch. My friend showed earlier in the jumping and dressage, and I wished that we could’ve seen her. Oh well, there will be plenty of other times. But still I wanted our daughter to see these events. This is a breed show to show the many ways this horse can perform.

Brielle hurt her back jumping with Baby, but had one last class on Kora in a flat class. She did really well and placed 2nd. All in all, she placed with two seconds and two fourths for the weekend, not bad considering that Kora is a horse that has only been under a saddle for just two months! And I got the word that Kora has been adopted!

They had a HUGE flat class of 25 riders, that benefited the Race for To Cure MS, and one of the riders that was sweeping the entire weekend has MS. She’s wearing the long sleeved blue shirt, riding Xrossing The Delaware. I wanted to meet her badly!

I love Fruit Punch Gatorade on ice and I made a mixed green salad with feta cheese, tomatoes, chick peas, plain macaroni noodles, drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and Penzeys Ozark seasonings. We also had fresh cherries for dessert. And yes, our daughter loves this salad too.

I like this one, an English and Western rider….

Because of the heat and rain, the judge was in the area where we were seated.

The red ribbon means to stay away because that horse could kick. Kora is not experienced in a show ring, and the day before, other riders were getting too close to her. I’ve ridden an Arabian named Annie who had to wear one, she would literally stop, back up to kick another horse in a show ring or during training. Did anyone pay attention to that ribbon? Nope! Did Annie do her thing without warning? Yup!

A very exhausted but happy Brielle!

Because Brielle was hurting, I helped with cleaning out the stalls, holding on to Baby while her other helper cleaned the other stall, and made sure that she was ok. She went one to place at Gladstone the very next day!

If you’re all wondering if I’m going to show soon, yes I am! Stay tuned!

Day 2-The Standardbred National Horse Show at The Horse Park Of NJ

August 12, 2018/0 Comments/in event photography, Horse and Rider Photographer, personal, Photojournalism, Portraits, Volunteering /by Deirdre Ryan

If you’ve been following me online, it’s not a secret that riding horses is a love for me that goes back to when I was a little girl. I didn’t ask for a pony, I wanted a Trakenher. It’s still one of my favorite breeds. I jumped horses in shows, and now I’m back into training since August 1991.

A breed that has gained my attention is the Standardbred . My sister in-law Lillian and her husband, Jim, are very involved in the horse world. I’ve been volunteering when I can at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in Cream Ridge, NJ.

This weekend, my friend, Brielle, who works there, is showing two horses at the Standardbred National Horse Show here at the Horse Park Of NJ. The park is only about roughly 20 minutes from where I live. I haven’t been here since 1991, so yeah a lot has changed! LOL

She’s been there since Friday, today is the last day and I’m going to head over there soon. Photographing horses in motion like this is “fairly new” for me,I used to photograph team sports for a newspaper. They came out pretty good, I really had a lot of fun, in spite of the intense humidity and oncoming thunderstorm.

Brielle rode Kora in just one class. Her own horse, Shake Baby Shake, is showing today with Kora.

That’s Lillian taking pictures from the stands. I joined her there to take the other images.

After a practice run in the ring, they had opening ceremonies:

This class is for Standardbreds that are currently up for adoption.

Below is Brielle’s horse, Shake Baby Shake:

After this image, I stayed on to watch some more classes, that were mainly Western, with Lillian. It was fun to relax, chat and of course be around horses 🙂

Personal Branding Photography Session For Douglas Herring Attorney at Law Part One

June 19, 2018/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Editorial, Headshots, personal branding photography, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Douglas has been a client of mine for quite a while now. I first photographed he and his family and then a headshot later on. He was in need of new images for his law office in Princeton so a branding session was the best fit for what was needed. We spoke on the phone and in person over a nice sushi lunch, then we chose the date and time for his photoshoot. We actually have another date planned to continue, but we need to find a good location first.

We agreed to capturing Doug working, details in his office, showing people that while there are times when you need a Defense Attorney, and that it’s a scary for most, he wanted to portray who is is in person. A friendly, honest man who will do everything he can to help you. These are his stories.

Below are a sampling of a mixture of his favorites and mine from that day. It didn’t feel like work at all because it was a lot of fun(well minus the moving my gear in and out of the car and all over the place LOL). I brought in Elinchrom portable Ranger Quadra studio lights that I rented from BorrowLenses dot com because right before this photoshoot, I had another one earlier that same day, a headshot in Yardley, PA. I knew that what I needed, flashes weren’t going to cut it and I needed more power.

He loves to go outside, be with his family, so the last location of the day was a beautiful park that had a wide open field. Of course the sun was directly overhead, so with a little maneuvering and putting the light on full power and a Softlighter II modifier, I achieved the look I wanted for him.

The best part about these images is that he now has a stock library that is custom made for just him to use however he wants to, in print, social media, video, etc.

Below are some behind the scenes taken with my iPhone SE that I uploaded to my Instagram feed. We also did some goofy selfies, that’s Doug’s sister who is amazing and helped keep everything organized that day. Thank you both so much for making my job easier!

Interested to learn how a branding photography session can help you? Click on this LINK to find out more!

New Lighting Gear!

May 29, 2018/0 Comments/in Editorial, Headshots, personal, Photo Gear /by Deirdre Ryan

If any of you have been following me on my blog or Instagram, you may have heard me rant about lighting. It was not an easy decision as I was holding out for Hensel to come out with their Foris light, which would be both AC and battery powered. My situation just couldn’t wait any longer, and renting was not an option that I wanted to keep doing. I did a lot of research, stalked forums, looked at articles and the comments, ratings, etc. Checked out videos, did a lot of Elinchrom vs Hensel, Hensel vs Dynalite, Proto vs Broncolor, Profoto vs Godox Pro 600, etc., I mean I was going a little crazy over here.

The main issue I had going against the Good system was their customer service. Good never returns their phone calls, emails, Facebook or Instagram Messages. It’s ridiculous, if I ran my business like that I wouldn’t have a business. Someone suggested I check out Adorama’s Flashpoint which is the Godox but re-named for them. They offered an additional 3 year warranty and Adorama services and repairs the units. So with credit card in hand, I purchased four Flashpoint Xplor 600 Pro TTL R2 strobe heads. I also had to add quite a few other things because since I’m switching to a Bowens mount from a Dynalite mount, my speedings need to change. I also picked up a Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 Speedlight for Canon.

Since my husband loves to get in front of the camera, he immediately signed up to help me test the lights. He works in tv as an Editor, so I thought it was be cool to mimic him being on location on set. Now, these are just test shots, nothing fancy, far from perfect, with a quick edit in Capture Pro One. Looking back I can see where I should’ve used my flags. But overall, it was fun just seeing how to set them up, figuring out the R2 Trigger, it was actually more fun that I thought it would be.

We went down the street from where we live, because of the weight of these lights, we took the car. I rearranged my Think Tank Photo Logistics Manager 30 Rolling Case to fit everything in it. I grabbed 4 light stands, my Westcott 7′ Parabolic Soft White Umbrella and a Glow 40″ Folding Beauty Dish. Now, I did get extra batteries for these heads, and this does add to the weight in my gear case. Once we put them on the stands, it was clear to me, that you cannot use these on cheap, flimsy light stands. Each one is around 6 pounds, without a modifier to tip them over. Compared to my Dynalites, this will be a bit of getting used to, because those heads were super lightweight, but with a cable connecting each one to a power box.

If you’re interested in seeing my long videos about the Lighting Gear, CLICK HERE.

Right before starting I spotted a turtle, and I at first thought that it was a Snapping Turtle. But it was just a cute little Box Turtle, we left him alone, and he didn’t seem all that into us anyway.

And there you go, my behind the scenes view from yesterday. I’m just happy to be able to work without having to worry about the lights like I used to before.

Editorial Photoshoot with Mira Mizrahi, CFP in Whippany, NJ for Proactive Advisor Magazine

A Girl and Her Horse-Maile and Luna

Total Wealth Enhancement Editorial Photoshoot of Millstone Township, NJ for Proactive Advisor Magazine

Wealth Wisdom Group of Wilmington, Delaware for Proactive Advisor Magazine

Photographing Haddon Financial Solutions for Proactive Advisor Magazine

Bordentown Rotary Club Young Professionals-Walk 4 Recovery-Love The Addict, Hate The Disease-Covered by Photojournalist Deirdre Ryan

Day 3-The Standardbred National Horse Show at The Horse Park of NJ

Day 2-The Standardbred National Horse Show at The Horse Park Of NJ

Personal Branding Photography Session For Douglas Herring Attorney at Law Part One

New Lighting Gear!

Rotary Club Member

Branding Photography

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