Beach Portraits in your favorite Jersey Shore town? Yes, Please! Hello summer, I’ve missed you! I have missed the sand in my toes, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, but most of all, I’ve missed those amazing beach portraits. You know the ones, where everyone is going home, clearing the beach and the cool ocean breeze is kissing our faces as we head toward the jetty to catch the beautiful sunset! Yes, that’s exactly what I’ve missed! I’ve missed them so badly, and cannot wait to get out there again! I want to capture the smiles, the giggles, the kisses and the raw emotion that the Jersey Shore brings out! Kick off those sandals, put on the sun dresses, dress the little man in a straw fedora and make this the summer of memories! It’s time for Beach Portraits in your favorite Jersey Shore town!

Why Beach Portraits?

Beach portraits are more than just pictures, they’re more than just snapshots, they’re capturing your family having fun, enjoying the moment and the warm summer air. They’re about spending the moment together and having it, and keeping it close! The Jersey Shore is a magical place that brings family together and keeps them together! Maybe it’s the cotton candy or the Johnsons popcorn, the salt water taffy or the long nights by a fire.. whatever it is enjoy it, embrace it, and capture it forever!

We want you to hold your images, why?

This year, Bokeh Love Photography will be focusing on memories in hand. We want you to enjoy these moments and show them off to your family and friends. For instance, making irresistible collections to choose from along with add on’s as well as ala carte. We hope you’re as excited as we are, about this amazing experience!

How this will work:

We’ve decided that we don’t want to charge per person. It’s silly. You pay for my time, to come out, and take gorgeous memorable photos of your family. I don’t want to scare you off and tell you that a family of 4 will be this much and a family of 6 will be this much. Bring them all, let’s have a beach portrait party! I love to see happy families, and promise you I will make it a fun time for everyone! Of course, we have kids, so we understand how things go. Kids turn into Crankenstein! (Seriously, read the book, they totally do!), so they get to go first, when they’re happy, excited and in a good mood. Then we move on to Grandparents, Parents, and then break it down into small groups until we are done. It’s works fabulous and it’s a great time!

Carefully curated online proofing gallery within days of your session:

When I get home that night, I cull them! That means, I go through all of the images and only save the most amazing ones.

Online Galleries:

From there, I edit them and upload to a password protected website where you get to see all of these amazing images! It’s get better, trust me! Not only can you purchase prints, but you can also order wall art too! Canvases, Fine Art metals, etc… It’s all done directly through the website, and whatever you order gets shipped to your home! So that means, if you were here on vacation, and your family went back home, pass the website around and everyone can order their own products and get it at their own house!

Supporting a local small business:

Not only that, but when you order all the gorgeous images, you get to capture your memories from your vacation at the Jersey Shore and support a local photographer! (Thank you so much, it means the world to me!)

To give you a rough idea on pricing:
Session fee: $150
8×10’s: $55
Gift Prints (5×7, 4×6, wallets): $25
Digitals are available for $550

If you are asking, “Why are the digitals so expensive?” Here is the answer:
Bokeh Love Photography is a full-service photography company based in Galloway, NJ. Offering an array of products such as heirloom albums, metallic gallery wraps, wood prints, lockets, etc. In addition, pre-session consultations, proof viewing/ordering sessions, with the option to pick up or have your products delivered to your front door. We pride ourselves in customer service and go above and beyond 100% of the time. We believe that handing over digitals on a disc, usb, or downloadable over the internet is doing our clients an injustice. In conclusion, providing you with the most amazing products you have ever seen, so you and your family can swoon over the quality and know that you hired a true professional is what drives us. However, if you would like to buy them, they are $550+tax, but we highly recommend a photo album instead. 😉

To reserve Beach Portraits in your favorite Jersey Shore town this summer and see our collections (that include products) please contact lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

 

**Did you notice there were links throughout this blog post? That is because we have teamed up with Amazon.com to share with you our favorite products! You can click the links and purchase those items directly through Amazon! If you would like to try Amazon Prime and their amazing 2 day free shipping, click here and receive your first 30 days free!

We adore winter weddings, and snow in general. Egg Harbor City is my home away from home. We love to shoot all over this town, including their very own wedding venue, Blue Heron Pines! In fact, we are on their preferred vendors list! Their weeping willow is one of our favorite aspects to their venue, among other things their staff is absolutely priceless! They’re kind and always accommodating! If you are looking for an Egg Harbor City photographer for your upcoming wedding, please reach out to me today at lauren@bokehlovephotography.net 

I wanted to do a styled shoot in the snow, and when I heard we would be getting some snow, I ran to my closet to check the size of the dress I had purchased earlier this year. It was a thrift store find. A lot of beautiful dresses are worn once, and either tossed to the side of a closet, given away or sold to regain some money back after its use. Being a resourceful photographer, I often find myself looking into thrift stores to find some hidden treasures. Months ago, as I was skipping down the dress aisle (yes, I’m serious) I saw this dusty rose gown staring at me. It wasn’t just a prom dress, or an evening gown. This was a pink, taffeta wedding dress! I couldn’t believe my eyes. The size said 16, but there was no way it could be a 16. Whoever had this dress obviously had it fitted to their body. So, as you know how difficult it is to find someone to fit a dress that has been taken in, it just sat in my closet. I began imagining all of the different styled shoots I could come up with centered around this dress. Would it be a trash the dress? Would it be a bunch of roses? Never did I think of snow!

In two days, I was able to find a bride for the dress, a florist to make a bouquet (Karen Fowler Floral Design), and scout out some amazing locations. Believe it or not, finding a tree lined road, AND Christmas tree’s is a bit tricky. Thankfully, I’ve got some secret locations up my sleeve! Of course I had to add some personal touches as well (my wedding shoes that survived my house fire, my crystal champagne flutes that I bought for boudoir sessions, and the Bride even brought along her Grandmothers fur coat!)

This was going to be EPIC! Not only did it snow, but also it was a perfect day to shoot. We had nice, even lighting and of course my amazing assistant, my hubbs helped drive us around in his truck, and toss some snow on the Bride! Special thanks to him, and Theresa from Forever Sunshine Photography (Yes, she’s a photographer!) and Karen of Karen Fowler Floral Design!!! Check them both out and show them some love! Thanks Ladies!!!

Oh, and PS – As it turned out, the dress was a size 8!!!!!

I can’t wait to chat with you about your upcoming special day, and be your Egg Harbor City Photographer!

Dress: Good Will
Flowers: Karen Fowler Floral Design
Model: Theresa Michele of Forever Sunshine Photography
Shoes: Blue by Betsey Jognson Wish Platform Pumps
Champagne Flutes: Waterford Crystal
Fur under shoes/Champagne flutes: Nicole Miller Home Faux Fur Throw
Fur Coat: Model’s Grandmothers
Hair & Makeup: Model

I am so excited to announce that the January Boudoir Marathon in Atlantic City is finally here! These have become very well known with BLP and I look forward to planning them every year! Having these twice is a year is really fun because I get to plan a winter and summer one in totally different hotels. Each year we get so many women coming out to get photos taken for their boyfriends, husbands, partners, and even for themselves! In July, I even got them done!!

Last year we booked the a Penthouse Suite at the Chelsea in Atlantic City and the House of Blues Suite in the Showboat Hotel & Casino.

Both locations were high end and pure luxe! They are amazing! This year we looked around and decided to stay in Atlantic City! In January we will be going to the Golden Nugget in a 1 bedroom Suite. This means great things, and I will tell you why. Privacy is HUGE for me, and I want everyone to feel comfortable doing this. This suite has a living room and a private bedroom with sliding doors. So while all of the ladies are getting their hair and makeup done, munching on delicious snacks, and listing to fab music, the shooting area will be private! It’s great because you don’t have to feel pressured to do anything in front of anyone, and you can focus on getting amazing pictures taken!

Here is what the suite looks like! I am so excited and cannot wait to photograph all of you lovely ladies at the Boudoir Marathon in Atlantic City!

**Hotel photos are from the Golden Nugget website.

In addition to this amazing room…

you will also be getting hair and makeup done by one of the top in the wedding industry, Mia Crivaro! I had the pleasure of meeting her at my cousins wedding, she is a total sweetheart! You can check out her work here, she’s FABULOUS! creationsbymia.com

If you aren’t sure if you want to book and need to see a sample, please email me and we can discus everything. For protection and privacy reason, I will not share any photos online that reveal faces, unless the client is totally okay with it. I will however show you my photos! I had a great time, and my hubby loves them! Here are some photos of me and one of my besties! (And she is responsible for our lovely makeup! Her name is the lovely Miss Kiara Upsher)

I am accepting 10 bookings for this Boudoir Marathon. With each booking a Peal Iguana Wallet Folio is included. A folio is a wonderful way to display your photos. Below is an image for you to see exactly what you will get!

January 2015 Boudoir Marathon in Atlantic City Details:

When: January 13, 2015

Where: The Golden Nugget Hotel & Spa, Spa Tower, 1 Bedroom Suite (I will be emailing everyone upon checkin with the room number)

Time: Checkin to the hotel is at 4:00. The first appointment is at 4:30, Everyone is encouraged to come 1 hour before their appointment to ensure that we are running on time!

Hair & Makeup: Your hair and makeup is all done! SO EXCITING! All shoots will be in the private bedroom (with sliding doors), the bathroom (bathtub with bubbles), or in the living room if you don’t mind other ladies laughing, dancing, and singing to music! If you want to do the bathtub with the bubbles, please bring bathing suit bottoms, and a towel! Shooting will last 30 minutes, and as promised you will get 10 digital files. (But for those of you know KNOW ME, you KNOW you will be getting more than that)

Frequently asked questions & other details:

What should I bring?: A robe for getting ready, 2-3 outfits (a black bra and panties is a must) Think FUN, SEXY, and FEEL GOOD! Props definitely! Boyfriends, fiance’s, girlfriends, husbands, etc. What do they like/do? Examples: Football jersey, dirt bike helmet, fire fighter pants, work shirt, tie, police hat/shirt, guitar, etc. If you would like some ideas on what to wear to your session, click here!

Can I bring someone?: Yes! You sure can! I’ve had Mom’s, sisters, BFF’s! We just ask that men and children stay home. This is a ladies only event, and not appropriate for men and children.

What will this cost? What is the Investment?: $375 includes hair, makeup, the suite, digitals, AND a Pearl Iguana Folio with two wallets of your choice. And of course munchies!

Do you sell Albums?: Albums will be on display for purchase. Custom albums are also available. Also everyone will receive a price sheet of available products with order deadlines guaranteed to be delivered by Valentines Day!

Legalities:

Terms & Conditions: The only images that will be shown publicly are images that do not include faces. Images that do show faces need to sign an additional contract stating that you agree to have images publish publicly. $100 non-refundable retainer is due upon booking to reserve your session, and the rest is due 1 week before shoot date (January 6th). All images will be delivered online via a password protected client access website in both color and b&w.

Mini sessions are a BIG DEAL. They’re a big deal because I do not offer them throughout the year. It’s a great way to get in front of the camera for a few minutes, get some AMAZING photos of your kids, your family, or even if yourself! I have decided to offer them this fall as harvest mini sessions. I styled the stage to be pumpkins, straw, corn stalks, an old fence, and a wood floor. I love these, I love how they came out, and I love how much fun it was to design it. Styled shoots make me super happy! I love them. If I could do them ALL THE TIME, I would, easily, in a heartbeat! I wanted to incorporate some white pumpkins. I dont know why, but I feel like they are just so chic, and fancy. And luckily, one of the little ladies that showed up had on WHITE with CHEETAH! So stinkin’ adorable! I can’t stand it. I do however, pride myself knowing that my clients are by far the best dressed, ever. Way to go everyone, keep it coming! I adore the attention you give your families. It makes my job super easy! So, check out what I did this fall, and remember this will happen again NEXT FALL! (Ya know, and christmas too!)

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are gray.
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you, please don’t take… my sunshine away.

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreampt I held you in my arms.
When I awoke dear, I was mistaken, so please don’t take.. my sunshine away.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are gray.
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you, please don’t take… my sunshine away.”

This is the MOST requested song I sing to my girls at night before bed. They love it. They love this song SO MUCH, they requested it be played at our wedding in September. Their exact words were, “Mommy, can you and Daddy dance with us to our own special song?” … the words that bled from my heart with total and utter love, “OMG YES, YES WHAT SONG?” So, You are my Sunshine is kind of a thing in our home.

We don’t always have good days, but we don’t always have bad days. As parents, it takes patience, stength, and at times we just need to walk away.

Children don’t always want to smile, they don’t always want their photos taken. As a photographer AND a Mom. This is super hard and has always been challenging. Our children will smile for everyone else but us. It’s just like the old saying, “The Shoemakers children have no shoes”. Yep, this photographer doesn’t have that many photos of us. We don’t always have the time to set up the tripod, the timer, and hope for a good photo. So, we drive around, pull over on the side of the road for potty breaks, we find beautiful fields of flowers. We meet farmers, and we TRY our best.

It’s not always a perfect experience, and sometimes I get upset, because I really, really just want those pretty pictures of my babies. Then I get home. I unload my cards, I preview the photos. I sit here and smile, because even though my babies didn’t cooperate THAT WELL, they’re beautiful because these photos are THEM. 100% THEM. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I look at these pictures and I smile for a few reasons. Want to know why? Well, I’m going to tell you anyway…

1. Toni doesn’t like to wear dresses. Instead, she’s wearing capri’s, a white undershirt tank top, and a tunic.
2. Gianna is wearing the dress we bought her for her preschool graduation. She will be in Kindegarden this year. This makes me so proud, and so sad for her to be growing up… so fast.
3. They both chose which bow color to wear. Their favorite colors are pink and purple. This is their individuality shining through.
4. Toni did not want to smile, all she wanted was ice cream. Her saddness was pure, the kind kids have when their biggest battle is what kind of ice cream they want, and if they will get it.
5. Gianna, lifted her hand up and played with her hair like I told her to. She is always wearing a toe ring on her pointer finger, because I gave it to her to wear to feel pretty. She felt so, so very pretty.
6. And lastly, the sunflowers were $0.50 cents, the owner of this property was selling them at a stand with a metal box for the money. His phone number was listed and said something like, “call us if you have a question, we dont bite!”. I left $5.00 in the box, and grabbed 4. I spoke with him and he said I could visit any time I’d like to take pictures in front of his flowers. He is the sweetest man, ever.
7. The girls were standing in the dirt, because they were terrified of the bee’s. Honestly, they screamed bloody murder. I explained to them they just want the pollen and that they’re trying to make honey. But you know, kids don’t listen very well, and they would NOT go back into the flowers.
8. Pink flip flops, because thats just how they roll in the summer.
9. The blurry yellow and green was Toni’s flowers that she didn’t want to hold. So I held them and made this work beautifully.
10. Last but not least, this is proof that I am able to get beautiful images of my children, even if they aren’t happy about it. It works because they’re beautiful, and nothing can ever change that. Unless of course, I have ice cream with me at the time of the shoot.