How to Narrow Down the Pictures from Your Session

All of my photo collections include a set number of digital images. After your session, you’ll receive a link to your gallery, where you can select the pics you love and want to keep. But…it can be intimidating to try to pick favorites from among so many beautiful photos! Here are a few tips that can help you narrow down the pictures from your session.

Set Aside Some Uninterrupted Time

Choosing photos takes a lot of concentration! Rather than trying to do it on the fly, set aside some dedicated time to really focus on your photos. You might also find that it helps to do this alone before coming together with your partner. This way, you’ve both identified your favorites without influence from anyone else and can feel more confident in your decisions.

(This is one reason I don’t have parents come to the studio to choose pictures. This is something you should be able to do at your leisure and without feeling pressured by other people’s input.)

Divide Your Photos Into Categories

Rather than try to choose your favorites from the whole collection all at once, try picking your favorites from a smaller group. For example, which are your favorite pictures of mom and baby? Which are your favorites of baby and their big brother? Which are your favorite shots of the whole family?

Dividing it up into categories can keep you from getting overwhelmed and also ensure that you get a nice variety. Plus, you can feel more certain you didn’t miss anything!

Decide How You Want to Use Your Photos

Knowing how you want to use and share your photos can be a big help in deciding which ones to keep. If you want to print and frame some images, think about where you want to hang them in your home. If you’ll be giving photos as gifts, which ones would be most meaningful to grandparents or other family members?

It’s also a great idea to put some thought into this before your session. If you already know how you want to display your pictures, we’ll be sure to get exactly the shots you want!

New Jersey Photo Sessions

I hope these three tips for narrowing down the photos from your session help to simplify the process and give you confidence in the decision-making process. And remember, if the decision is just too hard, you can always purchase extra images separately!

If you have other questions or are ready to book your session, please be in touch. I’m so excited to hear from you!

What to Wear for Your Photoshoot with Jennifer Parrello Photography

Need some tips on what to wear for your photoshoot? This is a something I’m asked about all the time in my work as a New Jersey photographer. I’ve seen lots of great (and a few not-so-great) outfit choices over the years, so I’ve got you covered with some ideas if you need help! Here are my recommendations for what to wear for different types of photoshoots with Jennifer Parrello Photography.

Maternity

I recommend choosing something comfy that makes you feel gorgeous. Neutrals and blacks are a great choice for the studio, and bold, bright colors that will stand out are perfect for outdoors. You always want to coordinate and not match if you are included your spouse or little one in the session as well.

Newborn

I’ve got a ton of outfits for baby, so unless you have something specific from home that you want to dress little one in, don’t worry about choosing an outfit for them. If you’re doing family pictures with baby, black is my go-to recommendation for the rest of the family to wear. It’s classic, timeless, and goes with everything!

Family

Family sessions usually take place outdoors, so you’ll want to consider the location. Wear something that will pop and stand out. You don’t want your clothing colors to blend into the background. Layers are perfect, as they allow for a mix of neutrals with a few pops of color and make it easy to mix and match different textures and patterns. I love when families coordinate their outfits with two or three key colors! No need to match—just choose complementary colors and patterns. And don’t be afraid to wear something you might not normally wear for an outdoor session. This is your chance to stand out and shine!

Shopping for What to Wear

If you don’t have anything suitable at home (or just need an excuse for a new outfit, we’ve all been there!) some of my favorite places to shop for photoshoot outfits are Zara, Gap, Abercrombie, Joyfolie, or Baltic Born.

A Few More Outfit Tips

I’ve got a few more tips on what to wear for your photoshoot elsewhere on the blog, so feel free to check them out! Or get in touch if you want to run some outfit ideas by me. I’m happy to offer my opinion and help you decide! Whatever you choose to wear, just remember not to stress too much about it. The important things are the memories and the experience!

How to Choose the Right Photographer

With photography, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your family is unique, and your artwork should be too! But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know how to choose the right photographer for you. Here are the questions I recommend you ask as you search for the perfect photographer.

Do They Offer the Type of Session You’re Interested In?

Some photographers specialize in just a few types of portrait photography. Make sure you know what kind of pictures you want and that your potential photographer offers those sessions. Just because they do great family portraits doesn’t mean they can pull off an amazing cake smash!

Do They Have Training and/or Experience?

For newborn photography, training is crucial. (I’ve got more specific information on choosing a newborn photographer here.) Your photographer should be fully qualified in infant safety and posing, so be sure to check their credentials or ask if they’ve taken classes. And for any type of photography, the more experience your photographer has, the more likely it is that your session will go smoothly and your pictures will be exactly what you hoped for.

What Type of Photoshoot Experience Do They Offer?

Are you interested in a studio session? Want the photographer to travel to your home? Prefer outdoor photos? Check the kinds of experience a potential photographer offers to see if it matches what you’re looking for. You can also read reviews to see what other people are saying about their experience with that photographer.

Does Their Style Appeal to You?

Take a look at their gallery. Do they gravitate towards bright colors or neutrals? Do they use lighting equipment or rely on natural light? Are their portraits more posed and formal or do they go for lifestyle/candid shots? While some variety is good and indicates that they are willing to customize each session to fit client needs, there should also be elements of their style that are consistent, and that you can count on for your own photos.

Will Your Personalities Work Well Together?

You want your photo session to be a great memory in and of itself, so it’s worth learning a bit about your photographer to figure out if they’re the right photographer for you. Read their About page, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or give them a call to get a better feel for their personality.

I hope these tips on how to choose the right photographer are helpful as you search for that perfect someone to capture your family’s memories. If you are considering Jennifer Parrello Photography for your portrait needs, I’m absolutely thrilled, and would love to answer any questions you may have! Please get in touch and let’s find out if we’re a great fit for each other!

Child and Family Photography Sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

Child and family photography sessions are so important! And every age and stage is precious. Some people tend to save professional photography for big events, like holidays, birthdays, or weddings. But what about all the moments in between?

I’m a big believer in the idea that moments are fleeting and memories need to be captured along the way. And I don’t know of any better way to do that than with a family photo session!

While newborn and cake smash sessions usually take place in the studio, there’s a little more flexibility when working with groups and with kiddos who are past the infancy stage. So, while we can certainly do your family pictures in the studio, we also have the option to enjoy the great outdoors! I like to schedule outdoor family shoots for an hour or two before sunset so we can get the best light possible.

If you’re wondering what constitutes a child or family photography session, a lot of that is up to you. I can capture portraits of just one child, do a mommy-and-me session, your immediate family, or a big extended family session. All will take about the same amount of time (usually around an hour), and will provide you with beautiful images! I offer multiple collections so you can choose the best fit for your family.

Above all, I want your child and family photography sessions to be fun! Your session should be a great memory in and of itself, so I’ll make it genuine and real so your portraits reflect how truly unique and beautiful your family is!

If you’d like to learn more about extended family photo sessions, find out why mommy-and-me sessions are so great, or need to help deciding what to wear for your family pictures, I’ve got you covered! And of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Can’t wait to hear from you!

Extended Family Photo Sessions | New Jersey Family Photographer

As a New Jersey family photographer, I’d be hard put to say what type of session is my favorite. Family, newborn, maternity…I love them all! One of my faves though, are extended family photo sessions. These are always so much fun and it’s such a privilege to capture the love and precious relationships that give us a sense of belonging.

 What Is an Extended Family Photoshoot?

 Most family photo sessions are with immediate family—you, your partner, and your kids. But with an extended family photoshoot, you can include your own siblings and children’s cousins, grandparents, etc.

How Does an Extended Family Photography Session Work?

If we’re doing multiple families (such as your family and your sister’s) I photograph each family individually so they can have pics of their own family unit. After that we’ll do individual portraits of each child. Then we’ll move on to group portraits (your entire extended family, all the cousins, pictures of individual children with their parent or grandparent, couples, etc.)

Because there are so many people to work with, family photos with extended family tend to be action-packed and fast-paced so we keep everybody’s attention. (And by everybody I mean those little ones!)

I have these sessions down to an art, so even though we get a huge variety of shots I make sure sessions only run about an hour long. And I always plan these sessions for about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset for the best lighting. I have permits for many beautiful parks and locations around New Jersey, so there are lots of options!

Why Choose an Extended Family Photo Session?

Professional extended family portraits with Jennifer Parrello Photography are magical and so much fun! The experience itself is a wonderful gift, allowing your family to come together and create memories you will cherish forever. And of course, those finished photos make absolutely beautiful home décor and gifts that will be truly treasured.

Book Your Session

We are coming into peak outdoor portrait photography season! Spring through fall we have so many amazing backdrops for your extended family photos, so book now and let’s create those special memories for you! I can’t wait to be your New Jersey family photographer!

What to Wear for Your Photography Session

What to wear for your photography session? As a New Jersey photographer, this is something I get asked a lot! I’ll start off by saying that outfits are mostly a matter of personal preference. Remember, taking pictures is about capturing memories of your family—and you’re unique! So as you’re thinking about what to wear, think about what you’re comfortable in and what styles and colors reflect your family’s personality.

That said, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you love both your photography experience and your pictures.

Make Sure You’re Comfortable in What You Wear

My goal is to make your photoshoot a memorable experience. And I want you to remember that it was so much fun, not that your shoes were too tight! Choose clothes you like, that feel comfortable, and that are easy to move and pose in.

Take Location into Consideration

Photos or no photos, it never hurts to dress in layers! This is especially important if your photography session is going to take place outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather and wear clothing that will work with whatever Mother Nature decides to do. And think about the vibe you want. An elegant, flowing dress and leggings, boots, and a sweater both work beautifully for an outdoor autumn photoshoot—it just depends on the style you’re going for.

Focus on Coordination Instead of Matching

If you’re doing a family photography session, it can be tempting to dress everybody in matching outfits. While you absolutely can do this, it isn’t necessary to wear the same thing—or even the same color—for everyone to look good. Think of coordinating multiple outfits in a similar way to coordinating a single outfit. Choose complementary colors and patterns rather than a monotone look for the best results.

I hope these ideas on what to wear for your photography session help! If you need more ideas or have any other questions, feel free to reach out—that’s what I’m here for!

When should I book my Cake Smash Portrait Session?

When is the best time to book a Cake Smash Session?

I get this question every now and then, but majority of the time a lot of people inquire right around their little one’s 1st birthday.

If I can give any advice it would be to book your session sooner rather than later. The sooner the better actually! I have clients who book their Cake Smash Sessions right around when their little one turns 5-6 months old. Is that too early?! NO WAY!!!!

A lot of time and planning go in to my Cake Smash Sessions. Custom sets can take a few weeks to put together and design. Also, I love having the photos done and ready for the 1st birthday and for the birthday boy’s/girl’s party.

So, don’t be afraid to book your custom Cake Smash Session early! I can’t wait to see you here at my Cake Smash Studio located in Hewitt, NJ. (Northern New Jersey)

Want more information on a Cake Smash Portrait Session with Jennifer Parrello Photography, located in Northern New Jersey? Go here! —> Cake Smash Portrait Session

Eresman Holiday Session - Northern New Jersey Family Photographe

This gorgeous family I have known for quite some time and I was so delighted when they booked a session for the holiday's!  These two brothers were inseparable and absolutely loved every minute of their fun session.

Wenzel Family Session - Northern New Jersey Family Photographer - West Milford

Oh how I love my job.  Spent some time with this momma and her littles for some fun in a field chasing "dinosaurs" and "spaceships".  I think they might of had some fun. . . What an awesome family session!