event photography Archives - New Jersey, Philadelphia, NYC Personal Branding, Commercial and Editorial Photographer

In Remembrance Of “Jackie”

February 1, 2018/0 Comments/in event photography, Families and Children, personal /by Deirdre Ryan

My heart is heavy today.

I originally had this event on my older site that was for weddings, family and newborn portraits. However now that I’ve been back to commercial photography for some time, I didn’t put it back up as events are not my main focus.

However this is one of my many favorites.

Colleen approached me online about her mother, Dell’s, upcoming surprise 80th birthday and it was to be at the Mercer Oaks Country Club. She and I went to Notre Dame High School, Class of 1991, and hired me to photograph this beautiful event for them. It was such a lovely time filled with Irish music, dancing, food, laughter and memories.

The reason for this is that I just heard that Colleen’s father has passed away this week. You see him in these photos, dancing with her and her mother. Dell and John were married for many years and loved each other so very much. Back in Ireland, he was known as Jackie.

This is a post about the celebration of life, so I don’t want to talk about how he passed, my job is to document that and more. If you would like, you can read his obituary at the end of this post by scrolling down. Please enjoy these images from her big day with their family and friends. Thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity to know you all and preserve this day.

Click here to read John’s Obituary, thank you.

NJPAC Event Dr. Martin Luther Jr. – Fighting for the Dream Awards Ceremony

January 16, 2018/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

Working with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is fantastic. The people that I work with directly and the staff are so nice, helpful and just overall fabulous. This is my third time covering an event for them.

Each time I hear the most amazing speeches that are inspirational, and make you want to get up and do something. Then there’s the inspirational singing from Rev. Stefanie Minatee’s Jubilation Choir . As one who also sings with my church, and loves it, I could listen to them all day. If I knew the words, I would’ve sang too(not really but you know what I mean LOL). They also have this amazing jazz group, NJPAC’s Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens that perform while everyone is getting settled, eating, being social before the ceremony begins.

The honorees on this night were:
Deborah Smith-Gregory, President, Newark NAACP, received the Steward of the Dream Award.

Reverend Ronald Slaughter, the Senior Pastor, Saint. James AME Church received the Visionary of the Future Award.

Philip S. Thomas, the Founder of NJPAC Arts Education, was the Elders Council Inductee.

After the reception, everyone went into the Prudential Hall where it was a packed house, as singers, Mary Mary and Tasha Cobbs performed onstage to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

I am very honored to be a part of these events, I meet great people and I am in awe of the company that attends. Thank you for letting me cover this again.

Rev. Stefanie Minatee’s Jubilation Choir singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice.

Ms. Donna Walker-Kuhne, Vice President, Community Engagement, New Jersey Performing Arts Center

PSE&G Vice President – State Governmental Affairs, Rick Thigpen.

President and CEO of NJPAC, John Schreiber.

The Mayor Of Newark, Ras Baraka spoke.

Here’s Mr. Schreiber and Ms. Walker-Kuhne, along with Carmen Samuel, Associate Producer, Community Engagement at NJPAC, presenting Philip S. Thomas, the Founder of NJPAC Arts Education, as an Elders Council Inductee.

Rev. Stefanie Minatee’s Jubilation Choir

1rst Vice President of the Newark, NJ NAACP Chapter, Kathleen Turpin Merrit.

Here’s Mrs. Slaughter and Ms. Walker-Kuhne presenting Reverend Ronald Slaughter, the Senior Pastor, Saint. James AME Church received the Visionary of the Future Award.

Barbara Abdur-Razzaq speaks and introduces her friend, Honoree, Deborah Smith-Gregory.

Deborah Smith-Gregory, President, Newark NAACP, receives the Steward of the Dream Award, presented to her by Donna Walker-Kuhne.

Deborah Smith-Gregory gives Reverend Reverend Ronald Slaughter and Philip S. Thomas with candles to maintain the light and unity.

Photography Paperwork – Model Releases

September 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Photography Business /by Deirdre Ryan

As a professional photographer, I have an amazing amount of paperwork that I need to have done for each one of my clients, whether a single headshot or a large complicated 2 day photoshoot. This doesn’t include the back and forth emails, texts and phone calls.

Part of my paperwork that I include is a Model Release. But what is this Model Release?

A model release form is a legal document between me, the photographer, and the person or the people, that I’m photographing. At the most basic, it’s a formal written document of their permission allowing me to publish their image on my website, blog, and marketing materials. It also releases the model(s) from any form of future compensation made from any images that they appear in.

Okay this sounds good, but do I really need to have my clients sign one each time?

For me, I give my clients a choice, if it’s a personal photoshoot, they have the option of not signing. And I will respect whatever decision they make, and often times will not put the images on my website, blog, and marketing materials. BUT having them sign, will protect me against any possible civil liability lawsuits in the future. The release protects everyone involved, including the clients being photographed. If it’s for a commercial client, they will sign, and they will also have their own too.

If I decide to license any of the images at a later date, then it’s important, but I don’t do this because I like to let my clients know ahead of time. And if I do anything that can be licensed, then I would make the photoshoot just for the sake of this, to sell the images as Royalty Free stock images. So far I have yet to do anything like this, just a personal choice at this point in time.

For certain things like the images I did for The Women’s March in Washington, D.C., I am using these as editorial, like for a newspaper. I was part of UniteWomen and had a Press Pass to take these images.

Power Up! Consulting

For these, I had a model release, because I was not only photographing them for their branding, but I wanted to use them on my website. I’m not going to use these as stock images, but if there’s a problem where the images are stolen off of my site, I have further proof that I took them.

My friend Lisa, She’s Losing It.com

For my clients NJPAC and Burlington Coat Factory, I was hired to photograph their events. The same thing, I’m not going to sell these images, but the release protects everyone.

Here are some additional links for more information about model releases:

What You Need To Know ABout Model Releases

FAQs About Model Releases -ASMP

If you’re still unclear, my advise is to find a lawyer, and talk to them about this, as I’m not a lawyer, nor do I even pretend to play one anywhere, even on tv.

It’s complicated and crazy, I know. But who wants to get into anything messy and expensive when we can prevent it with a written document? Then there’s Property Releases, those give me permission to photograph on certain properties, and then whoever signs it, cannot sue or receive any future compensations from images created on said properties. There’s more, but that’s kind of it in a tiny nutshell.

I hope that this post helps clear up the confusion and we can get on with our photoshoots. Thanks!

Notre Dame High School’s Class of 1967 50th Reunion-NJ Event Photography

July 16, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

I loved high school for a bunch of reasons, but for me it was a fresh start. Yes I struggled with certain subjects, math being the main one, and today I still have a difficult time with it. But Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ was my mother’s and her brother’s school. She was the Class of 1967, he was the Class of 1969, and I was the Class of 1991. I made new friends, I worked hard, and had a lot of fun.

So my mother was on the decorating committee for her Golden Year Reunion, of our Notre Dame Family. Then the next day they escorted the Class of 2017 as they graduated from NDHS. The committee looked at other photographers and then I was hired to photograph their once in a lifetime event at the Mercer Oaks Country Club. I’ve shot a quite a few events there before, so I’m very familiar with this venue. A bonus that evening was the woman supervising, was in the wedding party one of my last weddings I photographed last year. I got their early with my mom, who had to help set everything up. You couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather. I already knew where I wanted to shoot this large and very important group picture of all the alumni. The flowers were done by Petal Pushers, the owner is also a NDHS Alumni and also my neighbor. The live band was The Meg Hanson Group, with Billy Hill.

Hey everyone, I need to put this on my blog posts. I’ve been burned horribly, but understand it’s a legal thing I have to do to protect myself. Thanks for your support, here it is: All photographs appearing on this site are the property of Deirdre Ryan Photography. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Deirdre Ryan Photography. Copyright ©2017 Deirdre Ryan All Rights Reserved.

Here is the Class of 1967, those that could make it to this event. The evening sky was just beautiful!

They presented a check of $1,000 our school.
The ladies of the committee.
After the large group photo and presentation of the check, we came inside for a few guest speakers, and a prayer before eating.
They honored their Vets and those no longer here.
The Class of 1967 has the most student who have passed away from either the Vietnam War, accident, sickness or cancer in our high school’s history to this date still. My mother’s yearbook has so many notes next to classmates pictures that say died or passed away, a fifty-something kids…

The band started to play and hardly anyone stayed in their seats. Remember, this class had the year of incredible music.

Links to music is courtesy of http://www.musicoutfitters.com/topsongs/1967.htm :
Ode to Billie Joe – Bobby Gentry
I’m a Believer – The Monkees
Light My Fire – The Doors
Happy Together – The Turtles
Groovin’ – The Young Rascals
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli

Yes, that’s me dancing with my mom LOL I’m so glad that she had a great time.
I Think We’re Alone Now – Tommy James and The Shondells
Respect – Aretha Franklin I Was Made to Love Her – Stevie Wonder
Come Back When You Grow Up – Bobby Vee and The Strangers
Soul Man – Sam and Dave
Incense and Peppermint – Strawberry Alarm Clock
Ruby Tuesday – The Rolling Stones
It Must Be Him – Vicki Carr
Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone – The Supremes
For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield
All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
Your Precious Love – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Somebody to Love – Jefferson Airplane
Get On Up – The Esquires
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Jimmy Mack – Martha and The Vandellas
A Whiter Shade of Pale – Procol Harum

They held a raffle…

And then suddenly all of the Catholic grade school classmates wanted group photos. These schools aren’t around anymore so I waited around for everyone to come to where I was so that the photos could be taken.

The band was rocking and awesome! I actually know the lead singer, he actually knows my good friend Phil, a fellow photographer and musician.

Reflections – Diana Ross and The Supremes
Please Love Me Forever – Bobby Vinton
San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers In Your Hair) – Scott Mckenzie
This Is My Song – Petula Clark
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson
I’ve Been Lonely Too Long – The Young Rascals
Penny Lane – The Beatles
You’re My Everything – The Temptations
Dedicated to the One I Love – The Mama’s and The Papa’s

How Can I Be Sure – The Young Rascals
Friday On My Mind – The Easy Beats
Gimme Some Lovin’ – The Spencer Davis Group

You can’t have a party like this without a conga line 🙂

Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out) – The Hombres
Let’s Live for Today – The Grass Roots
Groovin’ – Booker T and The MG’s
Funky Broadway – Wilson Pickett
Pleasant Valley Sunday – The Monkees
I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) – Aretha Franklin

Cold Sweat, Pt. 2 – James Brown and The Famous Flames

Here We Go Again – Ray Charles
White Rabbit – Jefferson Airplane
Bernadette – The Four Tops
The Beat Goes On – Sonny and Cher
Snoopy vs. The Red Baron – The Royal Guardsmen
Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking) – Janis Ian
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon – Neil Diamond
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

I Dig Rock and Roll Music – Peter, Paul and Mary
Daydream Believer – The Monkees

Baby, I Need Your Lovin’ – Johnny Rivers
Mirage – Tommy James and The Shondells
Green Green Grass of Home – Tom Jones
I Can See for Miles – The Who

Here at last is the Notre Dame High School Class of 1967 Alumni Committee, they put on a fabulous night for everyone. Thank you for letting me a part of this evening, I had a blast!

An Evening With The Jewish Federation Of New Jersey-NJ Event Photography

July 12, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

The Main Event is a huge fundraising event for The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey and it was held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, NJ.

Their mission as quoted from their website:

Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey adds value by providing the leadership necessary to create a strong, collaborative, caring and vibrant Jewish community in northern New Jersey, Israel and abroad.

They have programs to help seniors, the youth, families, Holocaust survivors, those with special needs, advocacy, Synagogue resources and so much more. They had a silent auction, food, an awards ceremony and the guest speaker was Leigh Anne Tuohy. You may have remembered a film called The Blind Side? It was based on her family’s story of adopting an African American boy and how he rose up to play football with a scholarship to University of Mississippi and win the Superbowl with the Baltimore Ravens.

I love this, and no she wasn’t mad, she was laughing afterwards LOL!

Sometimes someone else gets in the picture LOL!

Here is the wonderful and inspiring Leigh Anne Tuohy.

I had a lot of fun, I mean, when do I not? I get to meet great people, make new friends and learn about causes that I haven’t heard of at times. Everyone was so gracious and lovely. I had my laptop with me, so after it ended, they needed some shots for their social media promotions. Then since I was literally up in my husband’s old neighborhood, I went to White Castle for a late evening snack and brought him home some too.

Thanks everyone for hiring me to be your photographer!

Hey everyone, I need to put this on my blog posts. I’ve been burned horribly, but understand it’s a legal thing I have to do to protect myself. Thanks for your support, here it is: All photographs appearing on this site are the property of Deirdre Ryan Photography. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Deirdre Ryan Photography. Copyright ©2017 Deirdre Ryan All Rights Reserved.

NJPAC Annual MLK Awards Ceremony Event-NJ Event Photography

February 22, 2017/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

Working with the NJPAC in Newark, NJ is always fun. I get to meet the most wonderful people, and see those who I’ve worked with before. Part of their events such as this, are the inspiring speakers and their speeches. Not to mention the talented singing of the choir. As one who also sings, I truly appreciate them. Part of me wishes that I could join them in song 🙂

During the Martin Luther King Jr. event, they hand out awards to those who make a difference in the community. The two people honored that night were, Gloria Buck who recieved the Steward of the Dream Award and Ryan P. Haygood, Esq., who recieved the Visionary of the Future Award. It’s also my job to get photos of the people who are amongst the sponsors of NJPAC, and with the help of some individuals, I am able to find out who they are, what table they’re sitting at and get a group photo of them.

This particular evening, the weather was less than cooperative. There was icy rain/snow on the roads, the traffic on the NJ Turnpike was a mess. A lot of guests were running late. Before the awards ceremony, everyone eats dinner, and then afterwards they hold a performance in the main theater. it was a packed house! As a matter of fact, they had a full room, so full in fact, they had to bring in extra tables and chairs. The theater had other activities going on, so they gave me a dressing room for me to keep everything in, set up my laptop to do a quick edit on images that they wanted for a Press Release. My husband accompanied me as my assistant. Parking the car, keeping track of my gear for me, etc.

The weather outside was raw, wet, and cold, the atmosphere indoors was warm, welcoming and full of hope.

Please read the Press Release in this link from NJ Stage.

All images copyright Deirdre Ryan Photography. It is unlawful to copy, steal or otherwise download these in any way.

Thank you to everyone at NJPAC!

Women in Business Helping Other Women

May 3, 2016/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

I was fortunate to be with my friends at the NAWBO-NYC Chapter’s 3 Hour Bootleg Camp-Full Morning To Grow Your Business and was invited to photograph the event for the chapter. The event was held at the Microsoft building in Manhattan around the corner from Times Square.

There was networking in the early AM with a continental breakfast and then the keynote speaker, Stephanie Breedlove, who was introduced by Sophia Wade, the President of the chapter. Stephanie, whose business was acquired by Care.com for a reported $54 million, talked about which small steps led to her big gains. She and Sophia are both lovely women.

The program then continued in different rooms and areas throughout 2 floors.

Cynthia Greenawalt had her ‘Breakthrough Networking’ about to maximize your social capital and deepen your sources for referrals.

Joan Pelzer, a social media expert and online engagement strategist, spoke about how to create online relationships that you can take offline.

Dr. Sharon Melnick, author of Success under Stress, talked about seven proven shortcuts to become the go-to expert in your field, and land big clients instead of chasing leads.

My friends, Francine Parham and Dolores DeGiacomo talked about “Perfect your Pitch!” Learn new techniques to tell your unique story, and receive on-the-spot constructive feedback from expert communicators as well as your peers, and spoke about their new book The Ultimate Career Pocket Guide

And Jeri Quinn, author of Customer Loyalty Playbook, shows you how to close more deals when you know the ‘brain science’ behind the sales conversation.

In between all of these sessions and roundtables, there were networking opportunities. I had plenty of cards of course and many women were interested in these images. Everyone that I met that day were fabulous and kind. All were goal oriented like myself and that is to succeed, have a life and be happy. Thank you for letting me be there!

#FF Strong Women Awarded At NJPAC

April 28, 2016/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

Back in January of this year, 2016, I had the pleasure to photograph the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ. This was to honor two women, Shane Harris who received the Visionary of the Future award and Antoinette Ellis-Williams to receive the Steward of Dream award.

The NJPAC Youth Chorus opened with Lift Every Voice and Sing, everyone stood up to join them in song. While I was taking pictures, I couldn’t help but sing as well. The president of NJPAC, John Schreiber, introduced Donna Walker-Kuhne, who then introduced Rick Thigpen of PSE&G. Afterwards, the President of the Newark Chapter of the NAACP, Ms. Deborah Gregory, spoke.

What I found one of the more adorable parts of the event was Antoinette’s husband, Junius Williams, introduced her with a cute story.

The Jubilation Chorus was amazing to listen to, and as I too sing in a choir, it was an added bonus to my ears and wished that I could join them!

Thank you all for letting me photograph your event. It’s always a great time and hearing everyone speak was uplifting and lovely!

NJPAC Celebrates Kwanzaa

March 3, 2016/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

You may ask…what is Kwanzaa?

The following text is from this link :

In 1966 Dr. Maulana Karenga created a uniquely African American and Pan-African holiday called Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December through January first. Kwanzaa is related to many African celebrations of the first harvest. The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which translates as first fruits.

In African-American culture Kwanzaa is a time for five fundamental activities:

To reestablish interpersonal bonds
To express reverence to the creator
To commemorate and honor ancestors
To commit to following cultural ideals
To celebrate life, family, community and culture

Kwanzaa recognizes and celebrates these 7 principles of African culture:

Umoja (unity): To work towards unity with others whether family members or members of a larger community.
Kujichagulia (self-determination): To define oneself and find one’s unique voice in the world.
Ujima (collective work and responsibility): To cooperate in community building and problem solving.
Ujamaa (cooperation): To build and sustain business from which the community as a whole profits.
Nia (purpose): To collectively strive towards cultural unity based on tradition.
Kuumba (creativity): To use our creativity to improve our community.
Imani (faith): To believe in each other, our leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle.

During Kwanzaa, children receive gifts of books and heritage symbols. The book represents the value of learning recognized since ancient Egypt and the symbol is to remind the child of his or her commitment to African traditions.

Kwanzaa colors are red, green, and black. A mat (called a mkeka) is laid on a table and decorated with 7 candles representing the 7 principles and one is lit on each day of Kwanzaa. Ears of corn are placed on the mkeka, along with a unity cup (called a kikombe cha umoja) for pouring libations in honor of the ancestors. The mkeka is also decorated with beautiful art objects and books that represent the best that African culture has to offer.

The final day of Kwanzaa is set aside for reflection. Celebrants spend this day in quiet contemplation and maintain a peaceful, humble attitude towards others. It is a time for individuals to answer three questions:

Who am I?
Am I really who I say I am?
Am I all I ought to be?

Answering these questions honestly can bring about a renewed commitment to being the best we can be and to honoring the time honored African cultural traditions. Kwanzaa does not reflect any religion but rather plays tribute to ancient cultural values and traditions.

As you can see it is a beautiful holiday and I was very happy to be referred to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) to photograph their Kwanzaa celebration back in December. It had all that you read above, including speakers from the President and CEO John Schreiber, Vice President of Community Engagement, Donna Walker of NJPAC, and three of the Elders. These Elders were honored by dancers and young people.

Leaders Luncheon With Burlington Coat Factory and The Phillie Phanatic

March 3, 2016/0 Comments/in event photography /by Deirdre Ryan

I had the pleasure to photograph another fun event for the Burlington Coat Factory back in December for their end of the year Leaders Luncheon. It was held inside the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team and their mascot, the Phillies Phanatic. This was a lot of fun, because the Phanatic was up to his usual mischief(I even got a photo with him!), and then afterwards, they split up the large group into 2 groups to tour the field and where the Phillies warm up, their locker room, and the media room.

The Diamond Club offers sweeping views right above home plate in the ballpark, and lucky for us, the month was mild, so we were able to go outside and not have to worry too much about jackets. It was “brisk” with the breeze, but a gorgeous day!

Thank you once again to everyone at Burlington Coat Factory and of course, the Phillie Phanatic 😀 You were awesome!