Newborn Photography NJ | Jacqueline Belle Fleur Photography Blog

Pretty in Peach — Newborn Girl

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Look at this precious face surrounded in peaches and cream! I love how her hair matches the dark wood background, and that you can just barely see her arms and legs all folded up through the wrap. I love making cozy, fuzzy nests for newborns — just like the womb environments they enjoy for months before their arrival.

I’ve also included the macro shots of this little peanut’s hair, lips, fingers and toes because those are the details I’m always sure to capture for families to remember. Isn’t it neat how the upper lip is perfectly smooth while the bottom lip has the cracks and crevices you’d expect? Notice how different the toes on her right and left feet are too — I wonder if her first footprints at the hospital looked like that too. Congratulations to mom and dad — savor every moment!

Schedule your newborn session with Jacqueline Belle Fleur!

Each newborn session that I capture in my Cranford, NJ, studio is unique — no two are ever alike. Capturing newborns takes a special skill and patience. I promise you the very best customer service, creativity, and an overall great experience. My newborn fee includes:

the session fee (time and talent to capture, carefully select and fully edit 30-35 final images)
the base digital package — The Petal Collection (all hi-res digital files on a USB drive)
carefully and personally selected props
package upgrades and additional products also available

For more examples of my custom newborn photography, check out the gallery here. My schedule fills months in advance, and it’s best to capture newborns within the first 7-10 days of life, so please email me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com to schedule your session as soon as you can!

Adam & Eve Inspired Maternity Session – The Cromarties

Friday, February 23, 2018

The Cromarties’ maternity session (which you got sneak peeks at here and on Facebook and Instagram) was probably the most stressful but also most rewarding one ever. Terricka and Antonio, I’m so proud that we pulled this off!

We had originally planned to do an Adam and Eve inspired shoot for Terricka’s previous pregnancy with their twins, but the babies arrived two days before our scheduled session. I was super bummed we didn’t get to do it because I loved the idea so much. So when she told me she was expecting another baby, I knew we had to go for it. I’m not so sure Antonio was that thrilled though!

I’m kinda shy when it comes to sharing (and being on camera), but I have to share the story of all we overcame during this photo shoot. First, it started to rain, which wasn’t in the forecast. We were on a two-hour delay due to hair and make-up, and when you’re a photographer counting on natural light that’s quickly disappearing … GAH!!!

The USA Network crew of about 25 people was there filming (no pressure!), so I had a mic on my butt (it fell down my back into my pants — no joke), and I was pretty sure this session was bound for disaster. Then Terricka shared that US Weekly wanted the images to publish. I think I might have started to cry a little because I felt like everything was going downhill fast. But when you have two amazing clients who roll with the punches, trust you, and are amazingly photogenic, you do all you can to save the session. I’d say we succeeded!

Dominic of Rizzo’s Wildlife was my calming force whose awesome sense of humor helped ease my nerves. He also managed to make Alora, the beautiful 50-pound boa constrictor, look a little more pliable than she was. We had wanted to use a smaller python, but New Jersey laws wouldn’t allow it. I won’t get into all the details, but there were lots of conversations with NBC and the state. Safety first! Terricka wasn’t the least bit concerned about the larger snake though — she loves animals and reptiles. Nothing was going to stop this fearless mama! Antonio, however, never warmed up to the snake — in that last shot, he was just thrilled it was over!

Special thanks to my friend and CrossFit partner Isabel for helping me out. You make a great photography assistant!

Did you miss The Cromarties on USA Network? No worries, the first season is streaming now! You can find me on Episode 3 (The Snake Maternity Session at the beginning of the show, and The MetLife Football Session at the end of the show), and on Episode 6 (The Birth of Jhett Paxton).

What an amazing experience — thank you Terricka and Antonio Cromartie!

The Cromarties on USA Network

Friday, February 16, 2018

Has anyone been watching The Cromarties on USA Network? For those of you who know me and have been following my work, you probably noticed that I capture the Cromartie family quite a lot. Antonio, of course, is an NFL great with the New York Jets. His gorgeous wife Terricka is also well-known from her modeling and television work. Together they are a powerhouse couple and have six beautiful children. I have had the great pleasure of getting to know their family and photographing them for the last five years.

When Terricka shared the news that they landed a reality show on USA Network, I was so overjoyed for them! My first thought was, ‘They have no idea how funny and sweet they are! They are amazing role models as people and parents. Now everyone will get to see what I see when I am in their company.’ They truly exemplify patience, grace and love.

THEN the question came — “Do you mind if we film with you?”

GAH!!! Me, in front of a camera instead of behind it?! I’m going to be completely honest — this was one of my biggest fears. The stress and anxiety overcame me, and I cried — a lot! I was a mess because I’m a pretty private person and was being asked to step outside my comfort zone. Fortunately, my husband was able to calm me down and help realize that it would be okay. I overcame my fear by telling myself that I would probably only be on TV for all of two seconds.

Somehow I did it! Here are some screen captures from the show:

MetLife Stadium Session — what a thrill! Thank you, Antonio!

The Birth of Jhett Paxton — a truly amazing moment to capture!

We filmed not once, not twice, but THREE times together! It was nerve-wracking for sure, but quite frankly, I was more concerned about getting Terricka all the images she wanted, and I forgot about the cameras. What an amazing experience!

I have to give a shout-out to my friend and CrossFit partner Isabel for helping me out. Thank you also to Dominic of Rizzo’s Wildlife for the gorgeous snake, and for your incredible sense of humor that kept my stress level down.

If you missed the first season of the show, it’s streaming on USA Network.

2018 Family Sessions

Friday, February 16, 2018

I hope you all had a LOVE-ly week! I’m always booking family sessions, and I’m exited to share this sweet family of four. I had a great evening with these two spunky girls and their mom and dad in Asbury Park. We got some great shots in front of the old carousel building, by a colorful mural that just happened to include purple hearts that matched the girls’ outfits, and even in front of some cool chain-link fences with hearts!

In addition to capturing the entire family together, I always make sure to photograph each child individually (check out little sister rocking her tiara!), just mom with the kids, just dad with the kids, and even just mom and dad. I love the closeups we got of the girls showing off their shoes in front of the long glowing grasses too. Those feet will only be those sizes for so long!

Schedule your family session with Jacqueline Belle Fleur!

I am honored to create lasting memories for my clients, not only showcasing outward beauty, but capturing the raw spirit and significance of each individual, as well as loving family interactions. It’s fun trying themed sessions in different outdoor locations throughout New Jersey and New York City. Weeknights about two hours prior to sunset are best. My child and family session fee includes the following:

time and talent to capture, carefully select and fully edit 40 final images
the base digital package — The Petal Collection (all hi-res digital files on a USB drive)
package upgrades and additional products available

Email me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com to schedule or to share an idea for your session. I’m sure we can make it happen!

2018 Communion Sessions

Friday, February 16, 2018

putNow Booking 2018 Communion Sessions for April and May

Ah, I can’t wait for the trees to turn green again, and for the flowers to start to bloom! Springtime communion sessions in the park are so sweet. Olivia’s session from last year took place right when the irises were blooming, and they were breathtaking. I’m always sure to get a range of portraits from closeups of the hands to faraway shots showcasing the beautiful scenery, and of course, your unique child.

Olivia looks so innocent, and yet so grown up all at the same time. You can tell she felt special in her puffy white dress and lacy gloves — just like a little bride holding her bouquet. We were able to capture a nice range of emotion, from closed-mouth pensive smiles to full-on hearty laughter. I loved when the gentle spring breeze made the sheer bow on her dress blow behind her. Communion is such a special event for young people, and I’m honored to help their families celebrate.

Schedule your child’s communion session with Jacqueline Belle Fleur!

Communion sessions are held on location in beautiful gardens throughout New Jersey in April and May. They are 45 minutes long, and include 15 fine art images via digital download. Vintage furniture is also available for your child to use.

Limited sessions are available on weeknights and some weekends, but fill quickly, so email me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com as soon as possible to secure your date!