NJ NYC Philly Headshot Photography: Blog

New Updated Acting Headshots For This Talented Young Boy

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:37:40 GMT

Last week, I had the pleasure of photographing A again.

I've photographed him previously and we had a lot of fun together, capturing his many facial expressions and he was so spot on with everything. This time around was just as fun!

He is really into Manga comics and Anime, and already has been on the tv show New Amsterdam and some commercials. I've worked in the tv industry out in Los Angeles, and I asked him if he ever knew it would be just a lot of waiting around before being called on set to do anything. He didn't now knows it's just part of the job.

Being that there's a pandemic, we were inside my studio with the window open, we all wore masks, and I made sure that we all used hand sanitizer and everything was sprayed with disinfectant. It was pretty cold outside, but the heat in the studio kept it comfortable. A doesn't like the cold very much, but he was a total rockstar and his dad, Jaimie was as well. Jaimie and I love comic books and various types of music.

10 year old young boy actor and model.

This time around we did two wardrobe changes and made sure that he was being himself, that his personality showed through the photos. Being older and doing remote schooling with this pandemic has been tough like with all the other kids. But A was very matter of fact and understood that this wasn't going to last forever. He's very bright, good looking, smart, and talented with the promise to go far with his career.

As always, thank you so much for coming back to update his photos for his agent and I can't wait to see what A does next!

Are you in need of new or updated headshots for your talented kids?

Let's Chat!

Young Boys' Acting and Modelling Headshots

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 16:08:50 GMT

A's mom contacted me a while back and explained that her then 9 year old son wanted to get into acting and modelling. I remember it was a warm day, and A. was just amazing to have in front of the camera! He was a complete natural. He gave me a variety of faces and poses to work from with just a little bit of direction from me. He's to come by today to get updates done and I can't wait to see him.

I hope that he goes as far as he wants in his career!

Do you have a child who needs headshots done for tv, movies, or theater?

Let's Chat!Let's connect and see what you need for your headshot session.

Danielle's Headshot Session

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:16:57 GMT

Danielle and I know each other through our Bordentown Rotary Club. She approached me during our CHEERS TO ROTARY! event at the Tindall Road Brewery
right here on Farnsworth St. in Bordentown, NJ that she needed a professional headshot for her LinkedIn profile.

Seeing how we're still in a worldwide pandemic, we took the usual safety precautions while we went over her wardrobe, hair and makeup during her session. We had a lot of fun listening to music, talking about what she was hoping for with this photo, and of course Rotary Club.

I loved how easy it is to talk to her, we share the same ideas and thoughts on a lot of things happening around the US and the world. That person to person in real life interaction is something we all have been missing outside of our protective bubbles.

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Danielle, thanks so much for letting me be your photographer! I can't wait to see what 2021 brings us!

Are You Ready For A Change?

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 20:56:37 GMT

This is a bit of a cross promotion for me. I have three websites. This one, my editorial commercial portrait one and my branding. And ya know...COVID-19 sucks! So it's time for a change everyone!

Is your business growing and going places? Your clients know that you’re amazing and there is so much about you that sets you apart from others. It’s time to make that commitment for yourself and your business. Are you ready to step up your marketing? Rise above and get more of your targeted clients.

Tell me if any of these apply to you or someone that you know:

Look at what you’ve been using to capture images. Is it your iPhone or another type of mobile device?
Are you still using selfies or having a friend take a “quick pic” with your phone?
Did you get a "fancy camera" and try to use it?
Did you crop yourself from that group shot taken while with your family and friends on vacation? (I love the way I look in some of those too! LOL)
Or are you still using that headshot from 2-5 years ago?

Do you truly believe in yourself and the business that you work so hard at to build up? Wouldn’t you just love to have a stunning library of professional photos that truly represent who you are and what your passion is about? Because we wouldn’t own a business if we didn’t love it, right?

Imagine, talking about not having the standard headshot, but you and I having fun, at your business location or a place that we feel works for your vision and branding. We also go through some questions to get a some ideas about what you want and if they work or not. There’s a hair and makeup artist, beforehand we already had discussed and picked out what you’re going to wear. It’s almost like dress up for adults. Remember playing that as kids? Even guys can do this!

As a branding and storyteller photographer, I work on achieving the best of what makes you tick. In the end, the images you’ll receive you can use in print, on social media, or your website will be powerful, strong and most of all, they will be about your personality, your drive, passion, and the message that you want to convey to others.

Your potential clients will trust you more when you have professional photographs taken, to tell the story and show them with imagery will win them over.

As a professional branding photographer, my business is your business. I put you in the best possible light so that you can present your brand to your customers and partners with confidence.

Contact me to start heading in the right direction by booking your session early.

I can't wait to make you reach your full potential!
Deirdre

Show off your personality!

Let's Chat!Are you ready to make a positive change to your professional online profile?

Professional Headshot For Social Media

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 20:40:00 GMT

Leslie is the big sister to my dear friend Bobby, and we all went to HS together. She approached me saying that it had been ages since her last professional headshot was taken and she needed one for LinkedIn.

Now you may have noticed, but we're all in the middle of a global pandemic called COVID-19. Unless you've had the ultimate in social distancing by yourself on a deserted island without any communication, you'd know that this is a serious thing. #wearamask

I've had to put the brakes on my business and thankfully, I've been able to work safely from a distance, where everyone around me is wearing a mask and being careful. For Leslies' headshot session, I made sure that everything was cleaned, disinfected, and that I was wearing a mask, she had no contact pretty much with the outside world, and after she left, I disinfected everything again.

First, we went over her wardrobe and picked out the best items for her to wear, and then we started inside my studio. She needed a plain background and then we moved outside in my yard for the rest.

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While in the studio I had her do a smiling photo, and another that she could use as her "disappointed boss" face for emails. I called it "Mean Boss Leslie" LOL We had a lot of fun that day, laughing and chatting. It was really nice to have that interaction again.

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As you can she, she knocked the ball out of the park that day. Her images were amazing and I heard that Bobby loved them too :)

Thanks Leslie!!

Business Portraits For Main Street Advisory, LLC

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 21:40:00 GMT

I met Phil via Google, he needed better headshots for his business and he invited me to speak at a networking breakfast.

His business is called Main Street Advisory, LLC and what they do is help other businesses to grow and improve their cash flow. focus on improving the bottom line, helping companies and organizations improve cash flow and grow.

Phils logo is red, black and white, so we wanted his images to be consistent with his branding. We achieved this with his choice of clothing and the background for his headshot.

Phil Woolfolk 30

The main thing after that was to get Phil comfortable while I gently gave him direction to get the best out of him. Phil's a soft spoken gentleman, and his demeanor if perfect for what he does. I wanted his business portraits to reflect who he is. And that is just what we were able to achieve.

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Thanks Phil for your business!

Let's Chat!Let's connect to discuss what you want for your headshot session.

Business Portrait For Jennifer of Techsie

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 20:40:00 GMT

Jen contacted me via Google and it turns out her best friend is a childhood friend of mine! SMALL WORLD

I'm just going to copy and paste what her business is all about directly from her website:

"Techsie LLC is a Social Media Business that brings energy and strength to small businesses by being on top of tech and social media trends for businesses."

What she does is for her clients is create social media, content creation, e-publishing, proofreading, copywriting, project management, business analysis, health, and information technology services.

Black and white are a part of her branding, so I presented her images in both color and in black and white to see which she like best. Her images came out so incredible!

If you want to see which one she picked out, go to her website and find out!

Thank you Jennifer for your business!

Let's Chat!Need a professional headshot done? Let's chat!

Val's Headshots

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 21:40:00 GMT

This is my beautiful friend Val. At the time, Val was looking for work and needed a professional headshot to go along with her resume and her LinkedIn profile picture. Being that she was a friend and needed all of the support she could get(she's a great woman, and single mom) I offered to do this free of charge. She's a bubbly personality and full of love.

I've always believed in helping others when I can, and I'm so happy with how these images turned out.

Love you Val!!!

Emily | Actors Headshot Photographer | Deirdre Ryan Photography

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 15:39:00 GMT

Emily is a young up and coming tween actor whose passion for acting is leading her outside of NJ and into NYC. She's about to have a very busy summer before entering her Freshman Year of High School, but she has a lot of love and support from her family.

I set up for her session in her home, and kept everything very simple. At first I had her on a stool, but her family had a great wooden bench, so I used this instead. Using only one light and a large modifier, we chatted, I had her do some silly faces, some direction, relaxation techniques because having a camera pointed directly at you can make some nervous, and her mom even go in on the fun.

Thank you Emily and your family for a truly lovely afternoon and because of you, these images turned out amazing! Break a leg!

What do you need?COntact me if you have a child who is an actor and is in need of professional headshots.

Business Portraits For Brook At Smithville Mansion

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 20:40:00 GMT

Brooke contacted me via Google and wanted something that reflected her personality in the job market. We agreed that a unique location would be perfect for her. Originally we were going to have her session in a park area near her office building, but that didn't work out. I suggested Smithville Mansion and it's grounds and she was thrilled.

She wanted to have a variety of clothing to be photographed in, and we couldn't ask for more perfect weather that day. It was warm but not muggy, and breezy, the very next day, it rained.

I'm really happy with how these came out and Brook was too. Thank you for letting me take your pictures!

What do you need?Need professional headshots? Click here!

Realtor Business Portrait Done Outside in The Winter

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 15:39:00 GMT

Business portraits can be done year round in just about any outdoor scenario. Even in the snowy winter!

Tamika and I used to network each week in our BNI Group. Since then we've kept in touch and she needed a professional portrait taken for her realtor business website and marketing materials with Keller Williams.

We set it up and of course it had snowed. But this didn't stop us. We spoke about her wardrobe, hair, makeup, jewelry, and how she wanted her targeted clients to see her on social and printed media.

Here are the two out of the many that she chose from her package. She looks polished, professional and these can be used year round. I did some retouching on her, but not a whole lot. I like my clients to look natural. But if there's something that they are concerned about, I ask that they tell me about it beforehand.

Tamika's office is located at 620 Stokes Road Suite A-D Medford, NJ 08055 her cell is 609-220-1825 to see her listings and blog, go to her site: http://tamikareed.kw.com

Thanks Tamika for coming to me to photograph you! It was great to catch up, we need to do that again soon. Good luck!

Ready to get your headshots done? Click on the red button! Let's Chat!Need headshots? Let's see what you need!

Francine Parham Headshots in NYC

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:40:00 GMT

I was asked by Francine and Dolores to photograph their event called Sharpen Your Skills in NYC. The event had professionals working and paired with career coaches over lunch to sharpen their skills, and networking, over lunch. To see more of my work that I did for Francine go over to her website and take a look.

The above headshots and business portraits were taken after a very long day of travel, networking and photographing. Everyone was packing up to leave and I quickly set up a light and it was about maybe 5 minutes of shooting that resulted in these gorgeous images.

To see more of the images that I took for this event and others with Francine and Dolores, please go to this link.

If you're interested in how I can help you with your imagery for your business, contact me and let's see if we can work together!

What do you need?What are you looking for in your next headshot photography session

Working WIth The Wind On A Chilly Sunday Afternoon

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 16:39:00 GMT

This past Sunday was crazy for me, but in a good way!

First I sang with my choir during Sunday Mass, photographed Mary Beth's AMAZING business portrait headshot, ate something and then my daughter and I went off to our horseback riding lesson. She's a beginner, and I'm back into training after 25+ years of not riding(I used to be a show jumper).

Anyway....

Sunday was just gorgeous! She wanted to be outdoors and the weather was perfect. Except that it was breezy and chilly, especially at our location, it overlooks Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River. But we made it work. The cell phone image below was my setup prior to her arrival, and we ended up moving because of the wind and the change in light.

Mary Beth rocked her session with me, I took my time, made sure that she was relaxed and having a good time. As you can see below, the wind was a challenge and at one point, I had her close her eyes and we were giggling.

But as you can see, she did an amazing job, it was chilly, my hands were cold, and she was too. So I was very quick and the ones that she pick below are the her finals.

Thanks again for your patience and helping me during the session Mary Beth!

If you want a session contact me and let's get started!

Winter Outdoor Headshots For A Busy Nonprofit Professional Business Portrait

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:39:00 GMT

Jerome and I met via mutual friends and local business owners as her works for the nonprofit organization called The Main Street Alliance Affiliate for New Jersey.

Main Street Alliance's history:

"Main Street Alliance is a national network of small business coalitions working to build a new voice for small businesses on important public policy issues. Alliance small business owners share a vision of public policies that work for business owners, our employees, and the communities we serve.

The Main Street Alliance national network formed in 2008 to give Main Street small business owners a new voice in the health care reform debate, and has since broadened its focus to work on a range of issues that matter to small businesses and local economies. Our growing network includes small business coalitions in over a dozen states.

Main Street Alliance is directed by a National Steering Committee of small business leaders from our state coalitions. The National Steering Committee identifies issue priorities, establishes MSA policy positions, and provides strategic direction and guidance for our work.

Main Street Alliance creates opportunities for small business owners to speak for ourselves on issues that impact the health and well-being of our businesses, employees, and communities."

Their mission is this:

"The Main Street Alliance works to provide small businesses a voice on the most pressing public policy issues across the nation. Our advocacy promotes vibrant businesses and healthy communities, and fosters leadership development of socially responsible business leaders."

-Quoted directly from The Main Street Alliance's main website.

I've been volunteering behind the scenes for them on various projects because as a small business owner, there are many things that are directly threatening my livelihood.

Jerome has been asked by a few people that he needs a headshot and clearly a selfie with a cell phone or a snapshot wasn't going to cut it. While he's a very busy professional working for a nonprofit, and a family man, he knew that he needed to take the time to do this. I was very happy that he contacted me.

Originally, he wanted a plain background with studio lights kind of thing, so I met him at his house and we used a wall in his living room and with this help of his fabulous wife,(holding a light over a couch, I wish that we had images of this)we got some great shots, but the one shown here is my favorite. While they were in colour, I decided to present them in in black and white as well and I loved the way he looks in the black and white. It's classic and timeless.

For those of you who live in NJ, you may recall that it's been frigid cold, but I wanted to go outside for the next look. Jerome was totally up for it. I knew that he would feel more at ease, even with the dipping temps.

The snowy conditions and low winter afternoon sun with wireless flashes and a reflector, created a unique business headshot for him.

The sun and light changed a little and in my post processing, I edit for good natural skin tones and let the rest fall into place and tweek it a little. This goes back to my colour darkroom days when working with film. And for this type of work, I don't want to go too crazy.

We had a lot of fun, joking around, chatting, I wanted him to feel at ease, and of course it's easier when it's with someone you know. I believe that we achieved what Jerome was looking for, he was ecstatic.

No matter who you work for, present yourself in the best way possible on social media and in print with a professional business portrait. This goes for nonprofits, no excuses, it can be done as you can clearly see here.

Thanks Jerome and Eli for your support and hospitality!

Contact me to book your session!

Business Portraits For Real Estate Broker Marketing

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:39:00 GMT

For those in real estate, having a friendly face is key in their business, and I think we accomplished this. Setting up took the most time, but once we started shooting, Michelle was very natural in front of my lens and took what little directions and coaching she needed for her session.

I had my camera tethered to my MacBook Pro laptop so that she could see the images quickly and understand what I was seeing when I asked her to make slight adjustments. We also could chose the images that she liked the best so that I could make some adjustments and then she made her final choices later and I retouched them, and she then downloaded the final images to her computer.

After we were done with the ones on the white background, we wanted something a little different. Originally we were also going to go outside as well, but it got too windy. So inside her lovely home, she had these french doors that lead into her living room. We set up the lights and I asked her to pose there and the one below is my personal favorite.

Thank you so much Michelle for welcoming to your home and letting me photograph you! You totally rocked your session and look amazing! Good luck in your business!!

Business Portraits For Power Up's Dolores DeGiacomo

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 07:58:15 GMT

She is the founder and entrepreneur of Power Up, a Coaching, Consulting and Speaking firm that helps professional individuals, businesses and corporations succeed in their goals. She's very good at what she does and is a fantastic speaker and will get you on the right path for success.

I've photographed her before many times, and for this, she had a specific place in mind. She wanted to be photographed outside in the back patio of the Cake Box owned and operated by my friend Neelma Patel. We asked for permission and she was all for it. They were going to set up for a free movie night, so we couldn't be there for too long. Dolores got some coffee and we got started and below is the final results.

At the end, we took pictures of each other....then ate cupcakes.

As you can see I used Westcott Rapid Boxes and Canon 600RT EX Wireless flashes and I used my Canon Mark 5D III with the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 Non IS L Lens. The actually shooting time took about maybe 20 minutes tops. I loved how the sun was hitting the brick wall behind her, making it glow a bit.

If you're ready to invest in yourself, click on the red Get Started button to contact me. Thanks for checking these out!

Fun Outdoor Backyard Headshot Session

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 20:40:00 GMT

I got a call from Kate who needed an updated headshot for the company that she works for. We agreed that different was better than the standard. Since she's a friend and a neighbor, I didn't have that far to go. I would've walked over to her house, but the gear I had was a bit heavy. Lucky I was able to get a parking spot right in front! Parking in Bordentown is a premium!

Kate and her wife have a gorgeous, multi tiered backyard that offered a gorgeous setting. I decided right away that I wanted to keep it simple, and she agreed. They have a lovable dog who kept us company too, that's a plus everyone! If you have pets, I'm available!

Below are the two that she chose, and we couldn't be more happier with the results.

Thanks Kate!!

Multiple Looks Business Portrait Session

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 19:30:00 GMT

She's been working in the corporate world for a while now, but has always been very creative. On the side she creates jewelry and lately has ventured into graphic and web design. We had a great time listening to Old Skool R&B/Rap and helping out what to wear with her clothes.

Scroll all the way down to see the video shot by my assistant, and some pictures from my Instagram account that will show you behind the scenes of what it looked like. As you can see I tether my camera to my Macbook Pro laptop to see the images immediately after I take them. This is a huge help to me and my client, as they can see what I'm looking for and provides them with that extra bit of direction that will enable them to get into the flow of the session.

I want to thank my client, my assistant, Riverview Studios, and the guys at Hensel Lighting at Unique Photo for helping me out. If you're interested in a session like this, reach out and contact me.

Bordentown Regional Middle School Drama Club Headshots

Fri, 26 May 2017 18:50:00 GMT

On May 8th, I started taking photographs of all the students who performed in the Bordentown Regional Middle School's production of The Musical Fame Jr. There were 60 children in the Drama Club. These were to be their acting headshots and for many, they'd never had their pictures taken like this other than when Lifetouch comes to the school for Picture Day.

I came and set up in the school cafeteria, and photographed them during their rehearsal. My husband who is also my assistant and business partner was there to help. My goal was to make them feel comfortable and at ease.

I would first introduce myself, ask them their names, show them where to stand, and tell them where they needed to adjust their clothing, hair, etc. Some of the girls had gym as their last class, and they were like oh geez, my hair, etc. I did my best to let them know that they looked great and truly they really did. Some I made them shake out their arms and legs and be silly to relax some more as well as breathing techniques. Others were just fine, literally complete naturals like they've done this their entire lives. Check out the video below to see what I'm talking about.(Warning, I'm a goofball LOL)

This is a video of me photographing a young lady who is in middle school, her friend was standing behind me. I was hired by the school to come in and take their acting headshots that was to then be printed up and put on display during the nights of the performance. You see me acting a bit goofy to get her to relax and smile, and yes...it worked :) Children not shown for because they are minors. Video shot by David W. Ryan www.dwryan.com

The first day of shooting I was using my Dynalites, but the second day I used Hensel's. As you can see, I shoot with my Canon Mark 5D III tethered to my MacPro laptop using Capture One 10 Pro Software. This way I can see the images as soon as I take them, check the focus, show my clients what I'm seeing so that I can better direct and coach them. This image is from my Instagram account.

While everyone is young and gorgeous, we're talking 6th-8th graders here, they still needed some retouching. Nothing drastic, I just wanted to make their hair neater, and some had blemishes. Overall, I wanted the kids to stay natural, keeping their braces and let their true personalities shine through.

I had to come back a week later to finish photographing the rest of the children. In the meantime, the proofs of who I already photographed and chosen, were already being worked on. Because they needed to be printed for the performance that very same week.

Now, you'll notice that there are some in both colour and in black and white and some in just colour or just black and white. Just my personal preference. Also not all of the children are here, this is because I didn't get all of the Model Releases, and that's perfectly fine, as a parent myself, I get it.

I wasn't able to make it to see the show, so I hope that someone videotaped it. I heard that it was amazing.

I'm really thankful for the teachers, staff, students and parents for putting their trust in me those two days to take their acting headshots. I hope that it was a positive experience for everyone, I had a lot of fun meeting and getting to know them all. My only wish is that I can have them in front of my camera for other projects, they were that awesome!

Thanks again!

Mothers In Business Get Professional Makeup and Headshots

Tue, 16 May 2017 19:30:00 GMT

I was contacted by Suzanne who contacted a fabulous makeup artist, Jamie, she used the Arbonne makeup and made everyone look amazing.

Here is Roma, she owns Bright Horizon Health Services.

Maureen, she runs the M.I.B. Networking and is a publisher of PunchBugKIDS: Hillsborough / Bridgewater.

Here's Lisa, she helps many with natural wellness solutions with her business, doTerra

We had a lot of fun, I brought my Bluetooth speaker and played music, got the ladies dancing a little to loosen up. Below are some bts(behind the scenes) photos from my Instagram. As you can see, I tether my camera to the laptop so that I can see the images right after I take them.

It helps me to show my clients what I'm seeing so that I can help direct and coach them into the best positions that compliments them the most.

I want to say a huge thanks to these ladies for letting me be a part of their afternoon.

Hosted a Headshot Event At Closet Possible

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 19:30:00 GMT

Barry over at Closet Possible was kind enough to lend me space in his conference room so that I could have people come to my Headshot Event. I got there very early in the morning to unload my car to set everything up. My very good friend, Jen, came, set up her hair and makeup area for our clients.

We had such a great time! First up was Kim, Kim is a professional singer and also a Real Estate Broker. She had images for her singing career, but needed something more professional for her day job.

Next up was my dear friend Ann Laurie. I've photographed her before, so we're already very comfortable with each other.

I like to shoot tethered to my laptop so that I can see the images, double check them and show my clients what I'm seeing so that when I'm coaching and directing them into poses, they can see themselves. It's been a very helpful tool!

Technically not a headshot, more like a portrait. However we were trying all sorts of different things.

While we were waiting for our last client, we decided to have some fun. Jen decided to do some modeling for me. Below is a teaser, click here to see more.

Then Adan arrived and we had a blast, because he's a character actor, gigging acting gigs for tv and commercials. He's represented by the Reinhardt Talent Agency in Philadelphia. I had him get into a few fun characters to get a certain smile and look into his eyes.

This is what I do, help others get into the moment, to get the best of themselves out so that what people see online or in print, is what they get when they see them in person. Because your online presence is the first time you'll meet a potential client, talent agency or employer.

Recently I read something on an Instagram account from a friend of mine, he was at a Microsoft event. The image he photographed said something like this:

"Your profile is 21x times more likely to be viewed if you have a professional photo."

This is so true! Whenever I see a profile on LinkedIn that is with a cell phone or is not professional, I don't click on it, and I generally don't accept the invitation to accept(unless I know the person).

So that being said, are you ready to step up and get noticed?

Teen's Acting Portfolio Photos

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:30:00 GMT

Afterwards, his father joined us and I did a quick shot of the three of them, and of course some with just him and each of his parents. I believe in giving a little as a thank you.

He has a talent agent in NYC, so I'm hope that these worked out for him. Good luck and thank you!

Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,acting headshot portfolio,agency,commercials,film,minor teenage boy,theater,tv,

Working With A Client's Branding For Their Business Portrait

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 19:30:00 GMT

I had the pleasure of photographing Deb’s professional business portrait that best portrays her brand and her website, Advocate for Mom and Dad.Her business derives from her time dealing with the emotions and stress of caring for her disabled mother after the death of her father. She became not only the caregiver, but in charge of finances, as well as so much more.

Many family members very often are now coming across this situation as their parents age, and have no idea what to do or where to start. Deb’s website is a huge source of information to help out and I highly recommend it.

Instead of having your standard headshot done inside of a studio setting, we went outside. Deb has a great bubbly, down to earth, and approachable personality. And her brand colors are yellow and blue. I loved that she took these colors into consideration when choosing her outfit, even with her glasses which were also blue. We decided to go to Mercer County Park alongside the lake towards sunset. I brought my friend, Barry, to assist with my equipment. He’s also a photographer, and from Australia. It was pretty windy, so I was so thankful that Barry was there to help me out!

We wanted the golden hour, but it was overcast, windy, you know….a typical fall day. Of course the clouds went away after we were done and Deb drove off to go home. LOL So down by the lake I used the water as the background. This is the one that Deb picked out. The other two, I also liked.

I used a variety of two different types of modifiers, that day and my Canon 600 EX-RT flashes that I triggered wirelessly using the Canon ST-E3 RT Speedlite Transmitter. My two Westcott Rapid Octa boxes, that are made specifically for flashes. I have the 26’ and the 20” versions and I have to say, I have tried the cheaper versions, and I returned them to get these instead. They are quick and easy to setup and use. Worth every penny! I also had a reflector underneath Deb to minimize and shadows. This was the setup with the lake behind her. Now I noticed a bit of a hotspot on the side of her face, so I had Barry hold one of my reflectors with the black side up to act as a flag, so that the light so came through, and the hotspot went away. For the next shot, we went up the embankment a little and I used the larger 60” Photek Softlighter Umbrella. I only used one flash this time. Now I did have weight bags with me that day as well. My favorites are Matthews Baby Boa Weight Bags. You can wrap them around stands and they stay there.

Barry getting "blown away"!

Thanks Deb for taking this photo of us!

I cannot stress to you how important it is to have someone assist me on a shoot like this. I do my best to pack light, and honestly, I did. But with the wind, and other factors, this is why a professional photographer needs help on a photoshoot. It may seem like a small enough gig to you or others, but when you see what we bring, and the results of that effort and time, it’s well worth it.

Thanks again Deb for putting your trust in me, the images came out great and we all had a great time! And another huge thanks to Barry for being awesome!

Business Portraits Shot On Princeton Campus

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 18:50:00 GMT

Panagiota needed headshots for her business as a Limbic Life Coach.

We discuss over the phone what she is looking for, and then on the day of the shoot, I meet her at her home. We go over her waredrobe that we have discussed earlier and finalize it, including her shoes and jewelry. I wanted everything to go with her bubbly and warm personality!

When we talked, it was decided that we would go onto Princeton University's campus. It's literally down the street from her and only about 30 minutes from where I live and 15 minutes from my private, parochial school, Notre Dame HS. So I'm familiar with parts of the campus and the town. But, since I had camera gear with me, we took my car and luck was on our side because we got a parking spot right across the street from where we wanted to be!

I used my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L non-IS lens coupled with my Canon Mark 5D III for the entire photoshoot. I love the compression that I get with this lens for portraits. For the first shots, I used 2 Westcott Rapid boxes, and set my Canon flashes to shoot in wireless mode and in HSS, so that I could shoot with a shallow depth of field and with a higher shutter speed.

Then she went and did a quick change of her clothes and we did some natural light shots. Once again, I only used my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L non-IS lens with my Canon Mark 5D III.

As we were walking back to the car, she really loved this bronze sculpture. At first, I wasn't too sure if you were allowed to sit inside of it or not. But then we saw a few people doing that. So we decided to go for it, and as you can see, the images below are gorgeous. All natural light, once again, just my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L non-IS lens coupled with my Canon Mark 5D III.

We had such a blast! And of course there happened to be a LOT of people and teens on a open house tour of the campus I think. It was really crazy. We kept each other laughing the entire time, then it started to get really hot, and by then we had our shots. I like to work quickly whenever possible for the comfort of my clients.

Being different works and I'm happy to say that we are now friends, she and I. This happens quite often and is another reason why I love my career! Thank you so very much!

Are you look for something different? Do you have the caliber of images that agencies are looking for to help you with your marketing? I can help you by looking at your images to see what's right about them. Contact me and let's set up an appointment.

Real Estate Business Headshots and Portraits

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:50:00 GMT

This gentleman gave me a call one late afternoon. He started a new career in real estate and needed a headshot like.....yesterday to be added to his new business cards and marketing materials. I called him back, gave him my quote, and he met me at my home. I didn't have time to get to the studio so I set everything up in my living room.

We had a lot of laughs, I took a lot of great shoots. I helped him to pick out the best one and we agreed on one you see below. As you can see it was a great shot. He was very happy with the results of the shoot, I got them to him that very night. His co-workers were pleased with what I did as well.

The one above and below I also liked, but not as much as the one he and I both liked the best, the one at the very top of the page. Not everyone can rock a full face front image, but his facial features allowed this.

I used used my Canon Mark 5D III and the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L lens and the Westcott X-Drop for the background. Three Dynalite strobes with a reflector bounce below him. Just a simple setup, the shoot lasted maybe 20 minutes.

My advice to everyone who is a business professional, do not use a cell phone to take your next headshot to represent yourself to your clients. If you're concerned with your image, come see me to have the look of your marketing brand done right the first time.

Christmas Party Photos and Headshots for Company at The Trenton Country Club

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 19:50:00 GMT

Below are some behind the scenes shots taken by my husband who is also my assistant and business partner.

Why A Straight On Head Shot Doesn't Work

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 19:50:00 GMT

I was referred to a client who needed a headshot for his LinkedIn profile and his company. He was very specific with what he needed and I was able to help him. Originally he wanted a grey background, but a white one suited his needs and looked better. We met at the studio early in the morning and got started!

Here are just some head shots from that morning. I like to tweak the poses during the sessions with my clients and give them options to choose from.

Being broad shouldered is a bit of a challenge because he needed one that was straight on for security reasons. We tried that, but it didn't look right, and I didn't like it.

I took this one because while he was still facing forward, he was leaning down and it's still flattering enough for my client to use this for anything else that his company might want.

He loved this one and got it!

It's all on how to make my clients look and feel good, plus to show them that sometimes there are other options to the norm. I take my time, get to know everyone, and get genuine smiles. He was really happy which made me happy! A win!

Have a beautiful day everyone!

On Location Editorial Portrait Shoot In Bordentown, NJ

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:30:00 GMT

I always go prepared for anything, so I pack a basic set of lights, reflectors, and then we get to his office and it's literally so tiny, that when I try a single strobe light, it takes up half of the space(it's one of my smaller ones too!).

Luckily there was a nice large window, so we do a little rearranging and I have him sit on the couch with me on on the other end. I use my reflector, we're giggling throughout because it's all so funny and I get the shot he and I were both looking for.

Winter Robins - Deirdre Ryan Photography

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 10:43:00 GMT

The other day we got freezing rain/snow and it was actually beautiful. I had just finished meeting clients to go over a photoshoot and as they left we looked in amazement as what seemed like a hundred robins attacked our holly tree eating the berries from it.

It was so wonderful to watch these little birds going in and out and about the tree eating the berries. Those leaves hurt too so it's amazing how agile these little creatures are.

I shot these with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 70-200mm 2.8 USM L Lens.

Chasing The Light -Deirdre Ryan Photography

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 11:00:00 GMT

After my family portrait session at Tyler State Park in PA, the sun was starting to set and the gorgeous golden hour began. Sometimes it's not within my client's schedule to have their session as it's later in the day, but if we can I encourage it.

I live off of 295 and there is a lookout with a beautiful view of The Delaware River and PA. I caught the sun setting on my way home from another portrait session.

Sometimes you need to stop, look and be in awe. Light changes all the time. I always have a camera with me. Whether it be my iPhone, my point and shoot or a DSLR, if I see something and I can stop and capture it, I do.

Time Well Spent Ann Laurie Fratticcioli - NJ On Location Editorial Photographer

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Ann Laurie Fratticcioli is not just a client, but one that I consider a friend. I have photographed her twice before for her business

Time Well Spent. Ann is an "concierge and personal errand service and attending to the specific needs of individuals".

Recently she was featured in the Moxie Magazine and had an article written about her:

Ladies Who Launch If you saw this and was wondering who shot it, it was me. It looks great and I highly recommend reading the article.