Photo by Deirdre Ryan Photography Archives - New Jersey, Philadelphia, NYC Personal Branding, Commercial and Editorial Photographer

Elijahs’ Coming of Age Bar Mitzvah

I met Rebecca from my photoshoot with the Girls Auto Repair Clinic as part of my personal photography project. She liked the work that I did that she asked me to photograph her sons Bar Mitzvah.
We did his formal shots at the Or Chadash-Reform Temple in Flemmington, NJ right before the ceremony with Rebecca, Elijah and his little sister. Then the party was at Erinis Restaurant in Ewing, NJ.

What a goofy bunch! LOL

After having some time to go and have an early lunch, we go to Erinis to photograph the room with the decorations. Then everyone started to arrive, so I wanted to make sure that we had everyone nearby to get the family group pictures. We moved quickly because the best place to do this was outside and the sun kept coming in and out of the clouds and it was very bright.
Then Elijah made his grand entrance and the celebration and dancing began with the Horah!

Elijah’s grandfather does the blessing “Hamotzi and then he and Elajhs mother, Rebecca say a toast.
A fun dressing up on toilet paper activity with three teams, then once they rip the paper off, all the kids have to help clean up.
Limbo
Dancing
Photoboothing
Elijah dancing with some wonderful ladies <3

I love trying to get all of the kids in one big group photo at the end of the night before they all head home. By now they’ve all had a lot of sugar and energy in them and are either super tired or ready for more.

Thank you all for letting me be a part of your huge and special day! Mazel Tov!

A Girl and Her Horse-Maile and Luna

October 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Editorial, Horse and Rider Photographer, Lifestyle Photography, personal branding photography, Photojournalism, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

If you haven’t guessed by now, my other passion is horses and riding. Years ago I used to show horses, jump them etc. I’m still an equestrian, and I ride and working on riding more and more each week as my schedule allows it. I met Maile at a farm we both rode at a while ago, since then she and her two horses have moved to Sporty Acres Farm, but we’ve kept in touch and remain friends.

She has this amazing thoroughbred horse named, Luna who is an amazing jumper and mover, loves to go fast. Maile is an amazing rider and watching her ride this horse, you can see the connection between them both.

I had this idea for a photo shoot and I wanted to originally shoot Maile and her husband David as he has a horse named Sailor. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it. My idea is to showcase a horse and rider, for personal branding. Many equestrians have their own websites, are on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Riding is an expensive sport, so getting sponsorships really helps us.

To better understand more about the costs:
How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter Jumper Show?
What Is Equestrian Show Jumping?
What Does It Take To Become and Olympic Equestrian?

Being an equestrian at a professional level is more expensive than sailing or tennis:

By having professional pictures to showcase at our trailers and stalls during shows, and online shows the commitment we’re making. Basically marketing ourselves to small and large brands to help us to afford what we do. And this includes our training, upkeep of our beloved animals, outfits, helmets, saddles, bridles, etc. The list is enormous, and why do we do this?

Because we love it.

The inside of the stables is pretty dark, so while I tried a few shots without my flash, I ended up having to use it.

Love the tail flip! The day was gorgeous, and the sun was perfect.

After Maile’s ride, I wanted to get some shots because I could tell that both were pleased with their ride. I suggested to Maile to take off her helmet and give Luna some kisses and hugs.

No one was using the indoor arena, so Maile helped me with the large muslin background that I brought. The idea to have Luna step on it, I wasn’t too sure of, so we put it up, I set up one light. Thinking that I was going to Photoshop/extend the background to cover up the windows, but as I was editing the pictures, I decided to leave it alone.

With the lighting set up, I didn’t want it to be too punchy or bright, and the colour processing I did in Capture Pro One gave me the look I was going for. The pose Maile has in this first one with her composed, and serious face reminded me of the old paintings when no one smiled but held their horses in a regal manner.

Thank you Maile for letting me come and hang out with you and Luna! We need to get together again soon!

If you’re interested in having me come out to your stables to photograph you and your horse(s), please contact me.

Multi-Generation Family Portrait Session

October 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Families and Children, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

I’ve had the pleasure to photograph the R. Family before, but just with five family members. This time, however, was much different.

Donna’s mom was turning 91 and she wanted all of her siblings, and the grandchildren together for a family portrait session at the house. Originally the pictures were going to be taken outside, but the weather had other ideas that day. The family came from all over for a special occasion and we had a really great time! The last setup was even on the front porch, it was raining, cold, but as you can see, well worth it.

Everything was set up in the living room, we moved furniture and items out of the way. I used a stool for some to sit on, another to stand on. Great-grandma was fine with standing for a little bit, but then needed to sit, so I grabbed a dining room chair.

My daughter was my assistant and yes, I paid her. She helped me bring everything in from the car, set up the two lights, modifiers, and then break it down, and bring it in the car, etc. We were made to feel like family and afterward were invited to have dinner. Leaving with our bellies full and faces hurt from laughing so much, we said our goodbyes as we headed back home.

Donna was so happy with these pictures, they were just what she wanted, to create gifts for the family to remember for years to come. Everything was planned ahead of time, I came to their home, set up, and while I made sure to be aware of everyone comfort, I took my time to be sure that everything was just right, and so that everyone’s personality would show through. And I think that I accomplished it.

Thanks again everyone for making this session so much fun, enjoy the photos and prints!
Interested in a session? Contact me here and let’s make plans!

The Russo Family Mini Photo Session at Hilltop Park in Bordentown, NJ

October 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Families and Children, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Tera and I have known each other for a long time, she worked at my daughters’ grade school and her younger sister and I were in the same grade. So when she won my session during a fundraiser I was so thrilled! And of course, I wanted to make sure that the images came out amazing because Tera’s sister is also a photographer.

The day was beautiful if not just a little bit on the breezy side, not surprising since the park overlooks Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River. Their adorable little dog is Elijah and as sweet as can be! So, of course, having each of the girls holding him for their individual photos was the natural thing to do.

I love how they came color-coordinated, yet still being who they are, with their own personality. Sure having them ask to do goofy things at the time may have seemed strange at the time, but the end result is that the pictures came out looking like they do this sort of thing all the time, and are completely relaxed and at ease.

Thank you guys for such a great time and I hope that you love and cherish these for years to come!

Also thanks to my husband for helping me with my gear when the wind tried to blow it away!

Want to chat and find out more about Deirdre offers? Click here to contact her!

Photographing Haddon Financial Solutions for Proactive Advisor Magazine

October 17, 2019/0 Comments/in Business Portraits, Editorial /by Deirdre Ryan

David Chalmers and Keith Herman are the faces of Haddon Financial Solutions are located in Haddon, NJ. When I’m shooting for a publication, I tend to shoot with a lot of space for any type that is needed or if they need to crop in closer. With Proactive Advisor Magazine and others, they have a printed magazine, then they have the articles online. I provide quite a few images and they choose the best ones that are suited for their needs. Here I’ve chosen my favorites.

The process is simple and straightforward enough. I get an email for the assignment, to see if I’m available, then an introduction is made to their client. I then reach out and make arrangements with the client as the time for the photoshoot. This is also the time that I choose to get to know them, offer suggestions on what to wear, often they’ve had their pictures taken for articles before, while sometimes they haven’t and they need reassurances that this will be ok.

If I’m able to, I scout the location. But much of the time, I’m not, so I do a quick Google search, check out the building if I can, and go in as light as I’m able but prepared for anything. My goal here is to make everyone look relaxed within the environment that they work in with their own clients. If I can and there’s time, I take them outside. Being quick, polite, a good sense of humor, and professional to make everyone feel comfortable will ensure that I’ll get the best images possible.

For this day, I completely overpacked, but I used 2 lights in each office, the main was a Flashpoint 600 Xplor with a Softlighter II and the other was another with a small Westcott 1×2 Rapidbox Switch Modifier Softbox. For the outside, I only used the Flashpoint 600 Xplor with a Softlighter II. My camera is the Canon Mark 5D III and I used the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L IS lens and the Canon 70-700mm f2.8 L non-IS lens.
http://proactiveadvisormagazine.com/chalmers-herman-committed-to-a-high-standard-of-professionalism/