1st Birthday Cake Smash

Saturday, December 5, 2020

1st Birthday Cake Smash

It’s a 1st Birthday Cake Smash and Cody is ONE! It’s a winter frozen forest theme with snowflakes in shades of light and royal blue and, I have to say, I just love this set. Beautiful, but not too busy – with all the focus on the birthday baby. After all, it’s his milestone celebration and he should be the centerpiece.

About the The Cake Smash Session

This is one of my favorite moments to capture! A sweet little one, a delicious cake, and a whole lot of fun watching someone take his/her first BIG MESSY, little bite of cake.

DETAILS…The 1st Birthday Cake Smash takes place in my Cranford, NJ studio. The session includes my time and talent to capture your fully-edited final images. And, I provide carefully and personally selected props such as handmade swags, balloons and paper flowers to match your backdrop/color selection. Clients may bring any additional props they would like to include.

The session begins with more formal photos of baby and ends with the smash. You may change birthday baby if you desire (up to 3 changes). You will need to provide an outfit for your little one for the actual smash (I can always help with recommendations). The Cake Smash is for the birthday baby ONLY, sorry no sibling or parent photos. Once a theme is selected, it cannot be changed due to prop purchases. Due to the recent increase in allergies, I require clients to bring their own smash cake. Please, before you order a smash cake, discuss the details with me. I have been smashing cakes with babies for 11 years and have some advice that I would love to share with you to make your session the most successful smash.

THEME…Our exclusive and most popular Heidi Hope hand-painted backdrops are beautiful with plenty of adorable and gorgeous choices. For girls: carousel, hot air balloons, lavender fields, ballerinas, Paris, carnival and unicorns. For boys: sailboats, airplanes, hot air balloons, and carnival. If those drops aren’t your style, no problem, I have lots of others to choose! And sometimes, I just work with favorite colors instead of themes.

If you are interested in a first birthday capture without the cake and balloons – sans smash – please inquire.

Reserving your session

If you are ready to book your session or have further questions, please contact me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com.

Visit the blog for more cake smash photos.

About Jacqueline

I am so proud to say that 2021 marks by 11^thAnniversary as a small business in New Jersey. I specialize in modern portraiture for newborns, maternity, family and children (including babies, communion, cake smashes, and high school seniors). Sessions are held throughout New Jersey, NYC or in my studio in Cranford, NJ. Studio Sessions are for newborns, babies, small children, and fine art portraiture for older children/teens.

My captures have graced newsprint, magazines, online social media and television shows such as US Weekly (multiple times), BET, The New York Times, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Wendy Williams Show, and USA Network on The Cromarties among many others.

Family is EVERYTHING

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Family is EVERYTHING.

If you have never scheduled a family sessions, now is the time. Make memories with your babies! We made some memories on the farm at Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill in Chester, NJ. Needless to say, I think the boys were pretty excited to see the tractor.

It’s never too early to start planning your Family Sessions. Spring, Summer and Fall are the most popular months and dates fill up quickly.

I know COVID threw a wrench into family travel plans…time we need to unwind and spend quality time with each other. But the one important thing COVID reminded us of is that family is EVERYTHING. We don’t have to wait for vacation or the weekends. The little things have become so much more important. Our priorities have been realigned and that’s a good thing.

Now, take time to capture your family. Capture the love and showcase it by making a beautiful coffee table book for you and your children to look at over and over. It’s quite frankly one of the best gifts you can leave them some day – captures of their mom and dad cuddling and having fun with them. Powerful memories.

Family Sessions with Jacqueline

I wish I could stress how much I encourage and love family sessions. How many of you have photos with your lovely littles? I honestly don’t have enough. Why? I am always the one taking them (as are most moms).

When I look back at family photos from my childhood, I have two images with my parents and siblings together. Just two! I’m betting that I am not alone. I encourage you to think of family images in a different way and with an additional purpose. We love to post pics of our children all over social media, we all do it. One day, when your children are young adults and become parents, they will ask for images of their childhood with YOU. They will be making memories with their kids while re-living theirs. So let’s not make the same mistake as past generations and let’s celebrate the family in photos, the ENTIRE family, and capture the moments that will be cherished when your children are old enough to truly appreciate it.

There is nothing greater than a capture of a loving family laughing and smiling together.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of the moment until it becomes a memory.” ~ Dr. Seuss
“If you don’t think photos are important, wait until they’re all you have left.” ~ Missy Mac

Visit the blog to view more family sessions.

About Jacqueline

I am so proud to say that 2021 marks by 11^thAnniversary as a small business in New Jersey. I specialize in modern portraiture for newborns, maternity, family and children (including babies, communion, cake smashes, and high school seniors). I capture sessions throughout New Jersey, NYC or in my studio in Cranford, NJ. Studio Sessions are for newborns, babies, small children, and fine art portraiture for older children/teens. I offer traveling sessions for families (out of state clients and vacation destinations) and commercial business throughout the US.

I have been a small business for over a decade and have been honing my craft while capturing life, landscape and stage photography for over 35 years. This is not my “hustle” or hobby. It’s so much more. It’s my livelihood and my labor of love. I pride myself in providing my clients with the best quality images, products and service. I understand the importance of memories and skillfully capturing them. I work under the philosophy of “I capture for my clients what I would want for myself.”

2020 Holiday Sessions

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

The 2020 HOLIDAY Sessions are HERE!

It’s time for the 2020 Holiday Sessions. Enjoy these last days of summer, fall is almost here. Are we really talking about the holidays already? Once again this year, I have a selection of beautifully designed sessions for you! Choose what best fits your family and the ages of your children. You’ll find returning favorites and my NEW Santa’s New Ride Sessions as well.

2020 has been a stinker of a year so let’s end it on a BRIGHT note and get some great captures of you and your family.

Santa’s NEW Ride Holiday Sessions ~ NEW!
Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
VROOM VROOM! Are you ready for these EPIC sessions? Santa has a new ride indeed – his very own motorcycle! And, his motorcycle is ready-to-go filled with Santa’s bag of gifts and a little holiday tree. See the sneak peek pic above – more props are arriving including snow. We’ll have a little fun with a motorcycle hat and some goggles too! These sessions are for children only, ages 2 and up. The motorcycle is life-size (it’s Santa’s after all) so children will need to be able to sit on the seat without help). This year’s set will complement traditional holiday colors – red, green, and even blue.
12 digital images edited to perfection, sent via digital transfer
$395 plus tax
Sessions take place on location in Cranford, NJ. Please be available to attend the rain date scheduled for Sunday, November 1st.

Vintage Truck Holiday Sessions ~ FINAL YEAR!
Tuesday, October 20 – ONE DAY ONLY!
This is one of my all-time favorite themed sessions! I am so sad to say that this is the last year for the Vintage Truck. Stacey is selling her truck in November so this is your last chance – it really is the perfect session for families. This set includes a gorgeous, perfectly restored 1956 cherry red Ford F100 pick-up, fresh holiday greens flown in from Washington State, plaid pillows and blankets, and reindeer holiday mugs for a little toast. We’ll have a fun sitting around the truck as well as inside the truck (just not on the tailgate for safety reasons). Please note, there is no longer a “Toys of Love” logo on the side of the truck. 20 minute session
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection and sent via digital transfer
$495 plus tax – children only (best for ages 3 and up)
$595 plus tax – parents can join the fun (great for all ages)
Sessions take place on location in Bedminster, NJ. Please be available to attend the rain date scheduled for Wednesday, October 21.

Tree Farm Holiday Sessions ~ Back by Popular Demand!
Saturday, October 17th ONLY
Let’s go find your family holiday tree! Dress for the adventure with reds and greens and think sweaters, fun plaids, hats, scarves and gloves.
20 minute session, great for all ages. This is a great opportunity to capture your pup too!
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection and sent via digital transfer
$395 plus tax – children only
$495 plus tax – parents can join the fun
Sessions take place on location in Manalapan, NJ. Please be available to attend the rain date scheduled for Sunday, October 18.

Holiday Sessions in the Field
October & November
This beautiful fall field is a great location to capture holiday photos with holiday themed pillows, blankets, a wreath and garland wrapped around the field fence. We will also cheer to the holiday with Santa mugs and marshmallows (hot cocoa without the cocoa so no messes).
30 minute session, best for children ages 6 months (sitters) and up.
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection and sent via digital transfer
$395 plus tax – children only
$495 plus tax – parents can join the fun
Sessions take place on location in Cranford, NJ.

Family Sessions ~ my favorite!
September, October & November
If you want stunning keepsakes of your family – this is the session for you. Perfect for your walls or a gorgeous coffee table book, these captures also make great holiday cards and cherished holiday gifts for the grandparents. The Family Session is what I personally choose every year for my own family (and yes, the grandparents get albums and gallery wrapped canvases every year for Christmas). Field, barn, park, urban, beach – the location is up to you. Of course, I am happy to make recommendations. Please inquire for availability. Travel fees apply to all locations outside of a 25 minute radius of zip 07016.
30 hi-res digital images edited to perfection
$795 plus tax
*Please note, these are non-holiday themed sessions.

AS ALWAYS, I am happy to make clothing recommendations for every location. PLEASE, feel free to send me pictures of your clothing choices. I will let you know what will work, and what will not. Certain colors capture beautifully, and some do not. Let’s work together to make your captures the best possible. Please ask me for my Session Prep Information once you have placed your retainer.

View previous holiday sessions here.

2020 Holiday Sessions Reservations

Due to the pandemic this year, I will have a limited number of sessions available. Please reserve early. To reserve your holiday session, please contact me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com. Once a date and time for your session are agreed upon, a link for retainer will be emailed to you. A $200 retainer will be required for reservation. All retainers are due within 24 hours of your reservation. If not paid within 24 hours, your session will become available to another client. The balance of your session will be due 2 weeks prior to the session date. A link for final payment will be emailed to you.

Sorry, there are NO refunds or exchanges. I will only offer a refund if I am forced to close by NJ State and cancel sessions due to any increased outbreak of COVID. I am hopeful that since all sessions are outdoors, we won’t have any issues.

Safety During the Pandemic ~ For your safety, I will be practicing social distancing during all sessions (my lenses allow me to shoot from well over 8-10 feet away) and I will be wearing a mask. All props will be cleaned in between every session. Bring masks with you and wear them if you are not participating in sessions. PLEASE do not attend sessions if you are sick or not feeling well or have been recently exposed to anyone who could potentially be sick. Let’s keep everyone safe!

Happy upcoming Holidays! I am looking forward to seeing you all. All best and stay safe, Jacqueline

Fall Family Sessions 2020

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Now Reserving Fall Family Sessions

It’s about FAMILY. I wish I could stress how much I encourage and love family sessions. How many of you have photos with your lovely littles? I honestly don’t have enough. Why? I am always the one taking them (as are most moms).

There is nothing greater than a capture of a loving family laughing and smiling together.

Let’s Have Family Fun!

Where? I capture families all over New Jersey. This state is gorgeous and perfectly diverse. Locations range from formal parks to informal bohemian fields and barns, to beaches, and cool urban locations including cities, factories and even beach communities. Some clients like more casual sessions and some like them more formal. It’s completely up to you. If you don’t have any ideas in mind, we work together to find the spot for you. I love stylized and themed sessions – so if you have an idea in mind, please share, I am sure we can make it happen. Some of the more formal parks are now requiring photography permits – so please inquire. Permits are not included in my fees but I am happy to secure them with the facilities. My family sessions are only for immediate family (sorry, no groups, cousins, shared sessions, etc).

When? September, October and November. Outdoor sessions are only rescheduled due to rain so please keep time of year, temperatures and your children’s ages in mind when scheduling your date (please be flexible ~ rain dates are scheduled within 2 weeks and almost always need to be scheduled on a weeknight). During the fall, my schedule fills very quickly. Most of my sessions are held on weeknights – when most of those beautiful locations are quiet – and a few weekends. Sessions are held 2 hours prior to sunset. Please inquire for avails.

Investment. My family session fee is $795 plus tax (within a 35 minute radius of zip 07016, add $50-100 for travel outside of that radius) and includes the photographer’s time and talent to capture your images on location, to edit those gorgeous captures to perfection and includes all your 30 hi-res digital images. This is The Petal Collection. You may upgrade your package or add additional products.

If you are ready to book your session or have further questions, simply send an email or call 917-750-0188. Once a session date is mutually agreed upon, a $200 plus tax retainer is due upon booking to reserve your date (cash, check, paypal, mc or visa – I have a web-based link available for payment). The remainder of the session balance is due the day of the session ($595 plus tax). I am willing to hold your scheduled session for 48 hours, but your date will not be guaranteed until your retainer is paid in full.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”~ Benjamin Franklin

“Sometimes you will never know the value of the moment until it becomes a memory.” ~ Dr. Seuss

“If you don’t think photos are important, wait until they’re all you have left.” ~ Missy Mwac

For current updates, join me on facebook.

For more family photos, visit the family gallery.

View family sessions on my blog.

How to choose a Newborn Baby Photographer

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

How to choose a Newborn Baby Photographer

Are you asking “who should I hire to take my newborn’s photos”? Making the decision about who to hire to capture your precious newborn baby can be confusing. After all, the newborn window is such a short timeframe (2 weeks) and you only have one chance to get this right. Having trust in the person who is about to capture your baby is key. Does your photographer have experience and is she/he trained in newborn safety? Inquire, ask lots of questions, and review your photographer’s portfolio. What you see on the website is what you will get.

What is most important to you? Do you only want 5 images? Can you make an album of those fleeting moments with only 5 images? Do you want choices with poses and different props?

WHY JACQUELINE?

Value and quality are two of the most important things to me for my photography business. I’ve been honing my craft and capturing newborns for over 10 years. I take great pride and care in capturing and creating babies as art. My goal is to provide each client with a beautiful gallery that will become worthy of premium gallery wrapped canvases for walls and beautiful coffee table books that will adorn living space for years to come. These captures will become the gifts the grandparents are waiting for.

That’s why I provide a substantial gallery of 25 fully-edited color images. Clients receive 8-10 poses with 2 backdrops as well as buckets and baskets, parent photos if desired, and a special composite fine art piece selected just for baby. We work together to decide best color choices and poses to meet your taste, needs and decor. And, I have an abundant collection of carefully selected headbands, hats, wraps, flokati, and props.

The actual session is only the beginning of creating precious memories. After your session I will spend an extensive amount of time selecting and editing the best images for you. After the gallery is complete, we will discuss best options for your images and how you may best display them. Leaving your images on your USB drive shouldn’t be an option and you shouldn’t have to figure it out on your own. I am here to help.

To view my newborn gallery, please visit my website here.

For more information regarding newborn sessions and to receive a product and pricing guide, you may reach me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com or call me at 917-750-0188.

“Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten” -Aldo Gucci, 1938

2020 celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Jacqueline Belle Fleur Photography