Baby 10 Days old

By Sara Waterman Photography. Baby 10 days old, so pensive and wide eyed. Shot in New Jersey by Central  NJ Family Photographer - Sara Waterman. Baby belly love.

Why I love Photography, a rant by central NJ photographer.

I'm so blessed to be able to practice an art that I love, I'm blessed that I don't have to do this to keep my family afloat, I do this because I love it and I'm so thankful to my husband who supports me 200%, watching the kids, even going on shoots with me to assist. Ok here I go a few reasons why this is a great job - 

1. So cliche, but you really get to capture emotion and love it's an amazing process.

2. I can create art for my home any time I want!

3. It's relaxing (at least for me) I think of nothing else when I'm on a shoot. I'm 100% immersed when I'm on a shoot and it's a great escape from mommy hood.

4. Make that money - ok really I spent 10 years in corporate sales, it's not about the money it's about doing a good job and people paying for your services… it feels soooo good. I would literally do it for free if  people paid me in hugs and praise. I love this stuff.

5. I have the best camera and equipment. I can take the best pictures of my kids, my profits are always going towards new equipment and as a result I get the best pictures on the soccer field. Whahoo!

6. I find beauty in details so much more. I'm always looking at the sunset, the light, the flowers, the backgrounds, the expression on someones face the way they are posed. This is a little deep but I read Echkhart Tolles book (sp?) a few years ago, he talked about studying an orange for what it is, appreciate the bumps and colors and you will find peace in what it is… kind of like that. In other words, get out of your own cloudy head!

Thanks for listening to my rant!

What not to wear to your engagement shoot, Central NJ Photographer

1- Anything you are you not comfortable in. I know there is a tendency to go out and buy the latest trend, something you have seen on pintrest that you think would look great... but make sure you are comfortable in it. If it's too tight, and you keep pulling at your shirt, or too short or too long, it will show. I always say happy smiling faces trump everything.

2- No matchy matchy! I'm all about a little cheesy but I draw the line here.. unless its so obvious and funny, like matching pjs.

3- Say no to logos and busy patterns - I want to focus on you, not your hugo boss logo... that will be out of style in 2 years. Stay away from chevron, again it will date your shots. It would be great to have timeless images you can hang on your walls for a lifetime.

4- Say no to neon. If it's a sunny day it will throw color casts on your skin, giving me a run for my money in post editing.

--- Sara Waterman Photography loves shooting engagement sessions in central NJ. I have tons of romantic locations for your next engagement shoot.

Newborn Session tips from Central NJ Photographer

A few tips for your newborn session

Timing: If you want those “traditional” baby poses, all scrunched up and perfectly sleepy make sure you schedule your session before 14 days after birth. 10 days is even better!

Heat it up: Crank that heat, for many poses your newborn will have little clothing on, so let’s keep them comfortable and happy.

Poop happens: I have 2 kiddos of my own, I’m used to it, don’t even think twice.

Props: I have a few headbands and hats, that I’ll bring, but I’m more of a natural photographer… if you have something you are itching to use, by all means bring them! I have a few blankets I wash every time and use, but if you have one that is meaningful we can certainly use that to.

Relax!: I know post birth the last thing you feel like is dolling up… but this is a great time to get some shots with you holding baby, go ahead do you nails, do your hair, it’s always feels good anyway.

Tire baby out: I know I know last thing you want to do right now is keep baby up… but try to keep baby up for a few hours before I come, give a good feeding right before I come and if we cross our fingers we will have a sleepy dreamy baby to photograph :)

Make the bed: I will take the traditional baby on the blanket shots… but it’s also so fun to get the family on a bed with baby, it really shows true life. If you have a white or light color comforter, use that, keeping things light and airy always looks good. 

Have fun and relax! 

6 month old is the BEST age to photograph. Shot in Eatontown NJ.

Those rolls, that smile, those big brown eyes! Shot using speed lights and natural light…

Fantastic family snow shoot, shot in the backwoods of East Brunswick NJ. Snow is an amazing reflector for the skin to fill in all the shadows

Seriously shooting in the snow is amazing, no need for reflectors. The white snow bounces light in your eyes, fills in under eye shadows and produces amazing portraits… Enjoy!