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

Elijahs’ Coming of Age Bar Mitzvah

I met Rebecca from my photoshoot with the Girls Auto Repair Clinic as part of my personal photography project. She liked the work that I did that she asked me to photograph her sons Bar Mitzvah.
We did his formal shots at the Or Chadash-Reform Temple in Flemmington, NJ right before the ceremony with Rebecca, Elijah and his little sister. Then the party was at Erinis Restaurant in Ewing, NJ.

What a goofy bunch! LOL

After having some time to go and have an early lunch, we go to Erinis to photograph the room with the decorations. Then everyone started to arrive, so I wanted to make sure that we had everyone nearby to get the family group pictures. We moved quickly because the best place to do this was outside and the sun kept coming in and out of the clouds and it was very bright.
Then Elijah made his grand entrance and the celebration and dancing began with the Horah!

Elijah’s grandfather does the blessing “Hamotzi and then he and Elajhs mother, Rebecca say a toast.
A fun dressing up on toilet paper activity with three teams, then once they rip the paper off, all the kids have to help clean up.
Limbo
Dancing
Photoboothing
Elijah dancing with some wonderful ladies <3

I love trying to get all of the kids in one big group photo at the end of the night before they all head home. By now they’ve all had a lot of sugar and energy in them and are either super tired or ready for more.

Thank you all for letting me be a part of your huge and special day! Mazel Tov!

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.

Multi-Generation Family Portrait Session

October 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Families and Children, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

I’ve had the pleasure to photograph the R. Family before, but just with five family members. This time, however, was much different.

Donna’s mom was turning 91 and she wanted all of her siblings, and the grandchildren together for a family portrait session at the house. Originally the pictures were going to be taken outside, but the weather had other ideas that day. The family came from all over for a special occasion and we had a really great time! The last setup was even on the front porch, it was raining, cold, but as you can see, well worth it.

Everything was set up in the living room, we moved furniture and items out of the way. I used a stool for some to sit on, another to stand on. Great-grandma was fine with standing for a little bit, but then needed to sit, so I grabbed a dining room chair.

My daughter was my assistant and yes, I paid her. She helped me bring everything in from the car, set up the two lights, modifiers, and then break it down, and bring it in the car, etc. We were made to feel like family and afterward were invited to have dinner. Leaving with our bellies full and faces hurt from laughing so much, we said our goodbyes as we headed back home.

Donna was so happy with these pictures, they were just what she wanted, to create gifts for the family to remember for years to come. Everything was planned ahead of time, I came to their home, set up, and while I made sure to be aware of everyone comfort, I took my time to be sure that everything was just right, and so that everyone’s personality would show through. And I think that I accomplished it.

Thanks again everyone for making this session so much fun, enjoy the photos and prints!
Interested in a session? Contact me here and let’s make plans!

Walk Your Worries Away At Least For A Little While

January 18, 2018/0 Comments/in personal /by Deirdre Ryan

The other day it snowed and after finishing up some things here in my office, I just had to get outside.

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks or months where you have been doing everything and nothing seems to be going your way?

Well, so far, 2018 has been just that. And yesterday I needed to take time off even for just a half hour to myself. It was so beautiful outside, the snow just clung to everything like lace. I’ve so fortunate to live in an area that has places to walk or have mini hikes and this one is literally across the street from me. If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’d have noticed that I go here often. Sure, I could go in my car and hike someplace else. But I didn’t want to do this. I just wanted to grab my camera, put on my jacket, hat, gloves and boots and just go. Not worry about traffic or anything.

I just needed to get lost in my surroundings, to NOT THINK about my worries. I know that I can’t run away from anything, but I just needed this small break.

The pictures in themselves aren’t spectacular, and my camera was accidentally in jpeg, not in RAW, I found that out when I started to edit them in Capture One Pro. I had to reset the camera recently and in my mindset, I forgot to set the image capture to RAW. Thankfully the jpegs straight out of the camera were well exposed, however, I was sitting here all set to edit my RAW files and then I was like jpeg? Aww man! Eh, just add that to my list and move on.

My list of worries just got bigger today, and I’m working on ways to shorten it, but I do try my best to get outside everyday and take my camera with me on some kind of a walk around the block. It doesn’t matter what kind of camera that you use, just be creative and don’t think.

What do you do to help clear your head? Please comment below, thanks.

Are You Ready For A Change? Branding Photography For Your Business

December 1, 2017/0 Comments/in personal branding photography, Photography Business /by Deirdre Ryan

Is your business growing and going places? Your clients know that you’re amazing and there is so much about you that sets you apart from others. It’s time to make that commitment for yourself and your business. Are you ready to step up your marketing? Rise above and get more of your targeted clients.

Tell me if any of these apply to you or someone that you know:

Look at what you’ve been using to capture images. Is it your iPhone or another type of mobile device? Are those images truly sharp and print ready?
Are you still using selfies or having a friend take a “quick pic” with your phone?
Did you get a “fancy camera” and try to use it?
Did you crop yourself from that group shot taken while with your family and friends on vacation? (I love the way I look in some of those too! LOL)
Or are you still using that headshot from 2-5 years ago?

Do you truly believe in yourself and the business that you work so hard at to build up? Wouldn’t you just love to have a stunning library of professional photos that truly represent who you are and what your passion is about? Because we wouldn’t own a business if we didn’t love it, right?

Imagine, talking about not having the standard headshot, but you and I having fun, at your business location or a place that we feel works for your vision and branding. We also go through some questions to get a some ideas about what you want and if they work or not. There’s a hair and makeup artist, beforehand we already had discussed and picked out what you’re going to wear. It’s almost like dress up for adults. Remember playing that as kids? Even guys can do this!

As a branding and storyteller photographer, I work on achieving the best of what makes you tick. In the end, the images you’ll receive you can use in print, on social media, or your website will be powerful, strong and most of all, they will be about your personality, your drive, passion, and the message that you want to convey to others.

Your potential clients will trust you more when you have professional photographs taken, to tell the story and show them with imagery will win them over.

As a professional branding photographer, my business is your business. I put you in the best possible light so that you can present your brand to your customers and partners with confidence.

Contact me to start the New Year in the right direction by booking your session early. There’s a little red button to the right of your screen and it says Get Started. See? Easy as that!

I can’t wait to make you reach your full potential!

NJPAC Annual MLK Awards Ceremony Event-NJ Event Photography

February 22, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

Working with the NJPAC in Newark, NJ is always fun. I get to meet the most wonderful people, and see those who I’ve worked with before. Part of their events such as this, are the inspiring speakers and their speeches. Not to mention the talented singing of the choir. As one who also sings, I truly appreciate them. Part of me wishes that I could join them in song 🙂

During the Martin Luther King Jr. event, they hand out awards to those who make a difference in the community. The two people honored that night were, Gloria Buck who recieved the Steward of the Dream Award and Ryan P. Haygood, Esq., who recieved the Visionary of the Future Award. It’s also my job to get photos of the people who are amongst the sponsors of NJPAC, and with the help of some individuals, I am able to find out who they are, what table they’re sitting at and get a group photo of them.

This particular evening, the weather was less than cooperative. There was icy rain/snow on the roads, the traffic on the NJ Turnpike was a mess. A lot of guests were running late. Before the awards ceremony, everyone eats dinner, and then afterwards they hold a performance in the main theater. it was a packed house! As a matter of fact, they had a full room, so full in fact, they had to bring in extra tables and chairs. The theater had other activities going on, so they gave me a dressing room for me to keep everything in, set up my laptop to do a quick edit on images that they wanted for a Press Release. My husband accompanied me as my assistant. Parking the car, keeping track of my gear for me, etc.

The weather outside was raw, wet, and cold, the atmosphere indoors was warm, welcoming and full of hope.

Please read the Press Release in this link from NJ Stage.

All images copyright Deirdre Ryan Photography. It is unlawful to copy, steal or otherwise download these in any way.