Maternity Photographer

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

This maternity photographer is sooo happy to be capturing beautiful mamas in beautiful dresses. This mama is STUNNING! And, if you want to know why I stress capturing during the month of September? The NJ parks are at peak and lush with greens and florals. Whether you are booking a maternity session or a family session, it’s so worth making the time in your September schedule.

Maternity Session

There is nothing more gorgeous than expecting mamas and I love capturing them! This moment is so special. A stunning capture of mama-to-be is such a sweet way to begin your newborn baby album. Let’s capture your new joy from the very beginning.

A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside…when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.

Details

The maternity session is typically held between 7 and 8 months or when you feel most comfortable. A fuller belly always captures better. The session is approximately 45 minutes. Once the maternity session is booked, I am happy to discuss your style, walk you through the best rental companies for dresses, as well as what I recommend for you to bring. We discuss hair, make-up, and manicures too.

Where?

Maternity sessions are held on-location, all year long. Locations are chosen based on the time of year and the beauty of the location. Some locations capture better during specific seasons. There are a number of area parks that charge permit fees. Most permits range in price from $65-200 per hour. My fee does not include permits. I am, however, happy to secure the permits. There are nice locations that are free as well. In the event of inclement weather, we simply reschedule as close to your original date as possible. Please keep in mind that rescheduled sessions almost always need to take place on a weeknight, so please be flexible. All sessions take place 2 hours prior to sunset for optimal lighting.

Investment

The maternity session fee is $495 (plus tax) and includes 15 hi-res images via digital transfer. Travel fees apply for locations outside of a 20 minute radius of Cranford.

Reservations

If you are ready to book your maternity session or have further questions, simply send an email to jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com or call 917-750-0188. Once a session date is mutually agreed upon, a retainer of $200 plus tax is due upon booking to reserve your date. A link for payment will be provided. I am willing to hold your scheduled date for 48 hours, but your date will not be guaranteed until your retainer is paid in full. The remainder of the fee is due on the day of your session.

“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

To view my maternity sessions, please visit the blog.

My favorite resource for maternity dresses is Sew Trendy.

Dance Photography

Monday, October 9, 2023

Yes, I capture Dance Photography and I love it! Here’s a sneak peek of my photo session with UCVTS – Academy for Performing Arts with the Senior Dance Majors. WOW – she’s stunning. These senior dancers are so impressive. So much talent. Look for more blog posts highlighting these incredible dancers.

To view more dance photos and the Senior Dance Majors from UCVTS – Academy for Performing Arts, visit the blog here. To inquire regarding Dance Photography, please email me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com

To view more senior photos, visit the blog here.

Senior Sessions with Jacqueline

Where?

I capture seniors 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 more formal. It’s completely up to you and your senior. What fits his/her personality best? If you don’t have any ideas in mind, we work together to find the best location for you. 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.

When?

All year. I capture sessions on location from January-November (shooting in the snow is absolutely magical!). Outdoor sessions are only rescheduled due to rain. Please be flexible ~ rain dates are scheduled within 2 weeks and are almost always scheduled on a weeknight. During the spring and fall, my schedule fills very quickly. Most of my sessions take place 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.

Style

Seniors have a very distinct individual style. It’s important to select the right clothing for the session in order to capture each senior’s true personality. Some clothing and colors capture better than others. I offer a consultation with each senior and parent(s) prior to the session to review and recomend the best clothing choices.

Senior Session Rates & Reservations

For rates and reservation information or if you have further questions, simply send an email to jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com 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. The remainder of the session balance is due the day of the session.

Favorite resources for senior session clothing: Anthropologie, Free People

Daughters Day

Monday, September 25, 2023

It’s National Daughters Day. I love you to the MOON and BACK my girl! Here are some of my favorite captures of my girl. I wish I took more! Now that she is getting older (sophomore in High School – yikes), she is a little less willing to be my muse. So sad. So Moms, get those photos while you can! Reserve your session today!

Child & 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.

Reservations

September is the most overlooked month of the year! The gardens are at peak and the weather is beautiful. Weekday sessions are held just prior to sunset making after school sessions completely doable. Most of the locations are much more quiet on weekdays too.

For more information or to reserve a Child and/or Family Session, please email me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com. I am happy to make recommendations that will best fit your family regarding dates, locations, and even clothing choices.

“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

For more Family Sessions, please visit the blog.

My favorite clothing for family sessions is Joyfolie and JCrew.

Let’s Go Party

Monday, September 11, 2023

Let’s Go Party Valentina! It’s a PINK birthday session. And, I LOVE it! Bright, Sassy and FUN. It’s amazing how one summer movie can influence the love of HOT BRIGHT PINK. But, I’m all in on this one. Who wants a PINK session? Can someone take my pics, please? I want to join the fun on this one.

Happy 6th Birthday Valentina! I’ve been capturing Valentina since she was a newborn. What a doll! It’s been a joy to watch her grow into this sweet young girl.

Let’s Go Party – Birthday Sessions, Celebration Sessions, and now THE PINK Sessions

Let’s have some fun with all this pink! It’s doesn’t need to be a celebration or birthday. Let’s just capture a moment in time when your little one is obsessed with a certain toy and a huge block buster movie. Now booking The PINK Sessions. It’s a studio session filled with PINK – pink balloons, a pink chair, and your little one’s name printed on a sign with a pretty awesome font (I’m happy to share my vendor so you may order a sign of your child’s name).

The session fee is $450 (plus tax) and includes a 30-minute session and (12) digital hi-res images edited to perfection. ONE day only. Sunday, October 22. Sessions are very limited. Clothing choices are up to you but I am happy to make recommendations.

Reservations

To book your PINK Session, please email me at jacqueline@jacquelinebellefleur.com. I am happy to discuss session details and best clothing choices. I require a $200 retainer to hold all sessions. The balance of the session is due the day of the session. Your digital images are delivered via an online gallery within 14-21 days following the session date.

To view more Birthday Sessions (our Princess Sessions), visit the blog here.

Holiday Sessions

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

The Holiday Sessions for 2023 are here!

Fall is almost here and that means it’s time for FUN, FAMILY, and PHOTOS! I have a limited number of holiday sessions available so please reserve early. I am thrilled to introduce a Jacqueline Belle Fleur Photography first!

Rustic Barn Holiday Sessions ~ NEW!
Friday, October 20 (One Day Only!)
This beautiful rustic barn will be our backdrop and your holiday attire will be all the Christmas flair needed. If you love the bohemian look, this location is for you. Check out Joyfolie for dresses/clothing for moms and girls. It’s the perfect resource.
20 minute session
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection – digital download
$595 plus tax
Sessions take place on location near Freehold, NJ. Raindate: Friday, October 27

Holiday Sessions in the Park ~ NEW!
Sunday, October 22, Monday, October 23 & Tuesday, October 24
This is the perfect session to focus on family. Wear your holiday attire and we will use the beautiful backdrop of the park. It’s perfect for just children and/or families.
20 minute session
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection – digital download
$595 plus tax
Sessions take place on location near Bloomfield, NJ. Raindate: Wednesday, October 25

The Tree Farm ~ Returning Favorite!
Sunday, October 29 (One Day Only!)
There is no other way to describe these sessions but FUN, FUN, FUN! I strongly encourage parents to join the kids for these sessions. I bring a few cute props (a pine ladder and a red wagon) and we even add a little star magic to the fun (post production). And, doggies are welcome (they look super cute in the wagon)! They are part of the family too!
20 minute session
great for all ages (kids only and/or families)
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection – digital download
$595 plus tax (includes permit fee for the farm)
Sessions take place on location near Manalapan, NJ. Raindate: Monday, October 30

Christmas in Red ~ Family Studio Portraiture (NEW!)
Sunday, November 19 (One Day Only!)
There’s nothing like fine art studio portraiture to make your holiday photos stand out this year. It’s a Jacqueline Belle Fleur Photography first. For one day only, I’m offering Family Holiday Sessions in the studio. These sessions can be formal (suits, dresses) or informal (holiday sweaters and jeans) – the choice is yours. And, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the most popular color of Christmas…RED! The entire set is a lush red – red drop, red floor, and red boxes for posing. This set complements many holiday colors – red, green, gold, silver, aqua, pink – feel free to be creative. Of course, I am always happy to help with clothing suggestions. See the inspiration board below which includes the actual backdrop.
20 minute session
12 hi-res digital images edited to perfection – digital download
$595 plus tax
Sessions take place indoors in Mountainside, NJ.

Full 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 (NJ Shore sessions are $1095). Park permit fees if applicable are additional.
30 hi-res digital images edited to perfection, digital download
$895 plus tax
*Please note, these are non-holiday themed sessions but you are more than welcome to wear holiday themed clothing.

What happens if it rains? I only reschedule holiday sessions in case of inclement weather. I make rescheduling decisions the morning of the session (usually around 9am). I will reschedule your session for another date along with the other families. PLEASE be flexible. Most times I will not be able to reschedule for a weekend date. If it was up to me, the sun would shine every day!

What is the difference between holiday sessions and full family sessions? A holiday session is holiday themed and is considered a “Petite Session” – it’s a shortened session (20 minutes) and only includes (12) images. A full family session is one hour, geared specifically for your family, includes many more poses, and produces 30+ images. The full family sessions generally are not holiday themed which make them great for decor on your walls and holiday gift giving for the family (grandparents love framed prints and photo books of their children and grandchildren). After all, grandparents have everything, why not gift them what means the most?!

Why schedule a weeknight? Some locations have become overcrowded on the weekends with patrons, families, and photographers. Things have changed so much since I began capturing families more than 13 years ago. More and more parks are now requiring permits and permit fees (which increase your session fees by starting at $100 per hour and more). Weeknights for locations are very quiet, allowing you more on-site locations/set-ups, and ultimately photo options. It allows me to capture at the free locations without the crowds.

2023 Holiday Sessions – Reservations
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.