Welcome to the World Baby R { NJ New Jersey NY Newborn Photographer }

I usually photograph newborns within the first 10 days of life. I met baby R when he was about 6 weeks old. Since My son is just a few weeks older than baby R - I knew to plan for a little extra time for this session. (For you new and expectant moms out there. . .let me explain why . . . the first couple weeks of a newborns life is like a warming up period. . . these new little cherubs sleep most of the day away and you can move and scrunch them in ANY position and they just keep on sleeping. . . it's WONDERFUL!!!!. . . But. . . by about the 4th or 5th week - these little guys "WAKE UP". They get a mind of their own AND they let you know it!) We are no longer in control!!!! And I think it lasts until they are about 18 years old! :-)

Since this guy had entered the "Wake Up" stage. . we took a lot of extra time and care to ensure that we kept him as happy as possible. Mom & Grandma were awesome and kept soothing this little guy so that we could give him some happy moments for photographing. We found the he likes to be diaperless and on his back the best and we had to be careful not to get those private parts in the photo. I love the photos where he is laying on his tummy and I have to say for 6 weeks old - Baby R was extremely alert and had amazing neck strength.

Thanks Mom and Grandma for inviting me into your home to meet the adorable Baby R.

To view more of my work or to schedule a session visit the Now and Forever Photography website.

Happy Birthday Hubby { New Jersey NJ Maternity Photographer }

I knew I liked her before I even met her. Ms. A was super excited for this maternity shoot and was armed with ideas. The photos from this session were intended to be a surprise birthday gift for her husband. . . there are only a few more days until his birthday and I know she is still struggling with keeping the surpise for his special day.

I could have photographed the pregnant Ms. A all day. We had so so so many ideas including DJ headphones, race cars, ugg boots & a scarf, blocks, ice cream (yes, we ate it) & the ultra sound picture, just to name a few. I have so many favorites from this session I had trouble choosing which ones to post.

I'm sure you'll agree that Ms. A is simply stunning. I look foward to photographing that new little guy of hers in a few weeks!

To view more of my work or to book a session visit the Now and Forever Photography website

And the lucky number is ....

. . . .# 58!

(Click on the picture above to see the random number generator result)

Congratulations Eric Strauss. Eric is the father of beautiful baby Emma (who I photographed when she was only a few days old) and the husband of very green/holistic mom Marisa! She actually gave me a great tip on how to make your own natural baby wipes! I tried it and loved it! Eric's guess was #56. It was a very close contest as somebody else guessed #55 (you kow who you are)! Eric I will be contacting you shortly so that you can claim your prize! Thanks to all for playing. Thanks also for all of your comments about my site - I really enjoyed reading them. Keep checking my blog often for more contests & prizes!

~Kristen

Now and Forever Photography

It's Finally Here. . .& a Contest to Celebrate!

I am thrilled to announce the official launch of my new (and improved) website! Check it out by clicking here. It's 99% how I want it except for an updated picture of me. . which I need desperately. To celebrate the launch of my new website - I am running a little contest. The winner will receive their choice of the following:

Free Mini Photography Session

OR

A $50 Gift Certificate which can be used towards a future photography session, prints or specialty items.

So you want to play??? Here's how. . .

Step 1: Go to the new and improved Now and Forever Photography website.

2: Check out the site and then click "contact"

3. Fill out the required information (i.e. your name, email address, phone number, etc.)

4. Then guess a number between 1 and 100. Type your guess in the text message field. Click Send. (Comments on the new site are also appreciated - good or bad - I'd really like to know what you think!).

5. Tomorrow at 6pm EST the lucky number will be generated by the Random.Org true random number generator. The closest guess to the lucky number wins!

Tomorrow evening I will notify the lucky winner by email and also post their name on my blog!!

Good luck!!

Coming Soon. . . .

. . . My new website! I am in the final stages of designing it. I'm so excited. Please keep checking my blog often, as I will be announcing the launch any day now and there may be a little contest giving away a free photo session!

Speciality Items & Pricing ( New Jersey North NJ Photographer Bergen County )

Below you'll find pictures and pricing of just some of the specialty items I am pleased to offer. If you are looking for something you don't see here - please inquire.

Happy Holidays ( New Jersey NJ Holiday Children Kids Newborn Family Portrait Photographer )

Happy holidays to all my friends and clients. It was such a pleasure photographing all these gorgeous children (and mom's and dad's) this season. I have been keeping extremely busy so I have been neglecting the blog. It's late Sunday night and as I wait for my youngest son to drift off to sleep - I decided to post a few snipits from some of my recent photo shoots (I am posting small pics in hopes that I don't clog up the system). Enjoy and to view more of my work or to schedule a session click here!

Here is the adorable son of one my old neighbors from highschool. . . it's so great to get together with old friends and their CHILDREN! Gosh I still feel like a kid myself.

Love that smile with the head tilt. . . what a perfect little model!

I have been lucky enough to photograph this little cutie 4 times since she was 6 months old . . .I keep thinking that it's impossible for her to get any cuter. . .she never ceases to amaze me. She's just gorgeous!

Gotta love Vintage Christmas. The daughter of friends from my old work (aka my real job). Isn't she precious?

And one of my favorite storyboards EVER! "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

The cousins of baby G (I have photographed baby G twice). This two were all smiles. . . And the boy get's my award for Photography HAM of the season. He was a Fantastic subject! He was so into it. . . suggesting poses for himself and his sister. That was a fun shoot!

Does she look cold?? It was a freezing cold day. . She was such a trooper!

And coming up next. . .my ADORABLE neice and nephew. Although we couldn't get them to cooperate for Aunt Minnie to take a picture of them together - we did get some great individual shots. Still waiting for my Christmas card Kel! Lovin this one of sweet Cara!

and my favorite picture of ALL time of my buddy Ayden. He's grown up into a little man so quickly! I can't believe he is going to be 4 soon!

and here is the adorable very blonde and very blue eyed Mr. B. . . the son of a friend I've known since elementary school.

Can you say J crew models?

I photographed this little boy when we was only a few days old. I've taken his and his sisters pictures 3 more times after that. I just love watching my little clients grow up from behind the lens.

Here's Mr. J. . . I took his picture last holiday season and as you can see - he was very excited to see me again!

Yes, you've seen this face many times before. . . One of my favorite little clients. She is the most agreeable little 2 year old EVER. . . and she is cute as a button. She's going to be a big sister soon! I can't wait to photograph the new addition to this family!

I LOVE NEWBORNS!!! I LOVE NEWBORNS!!!! I LOVE NEWBORNS!!!!

And this is why I love newborns. The creative options are endless. This guy was such a trooper - he just cuddled up and fell asleep in any position we put him in. Even when we hung him on the wall - LOL!

. . .and to wrap things up (for now). . I'd be remiss not to include a quick shot of my two guys. "Ho Ho Ho - Merry Christmas" from the newest addition to our family.

and finally. . . give this guy a POP (aka lollipop) and he'll at least look at you when you are trying to take a photo. These days. . .No POP = TEARS, SCREAMING and ABSOLUTELY NO SMILES. Welcome terrible two's. I love you buddy.

A is for Ardvarks ( NJ New Jersey Children's Kids Photographer ) Wyckoff Wildlife Center

I had the pleasure of meeting little A and his mommy at the Wyckoff Wildlife Center. They had the unfortunate experience of hearing me sing the famous Music for Ardvarks song "Taxi". Early on in the photo shoot - mom pointed out that this is one of his favorites songs and unluckily for them - it is a song I know all the words (and hand motions) to. The song seemed to be the key to getting those adorable cheeky grins from little A - so I sang and I sang and I sang as I photographed. I should note that my husband is convinced that I am completely tone deaf! Sorry guys - it had to be torture. Despite my singing, little A was in great spirits and happy to strike some ADORABLE poses for the camera. He was such a good little subject and a true pleasure to spend time with. I think this family's Christmas cards are going to be stunning with this little guy's face on them!

Thanks guys for making the trip up to meet us. Here is your sneak peek! Enjoy!

Little C ( NJ Childrens Kids Photographer ) Wyckoff Wildlife Center

Today I met up with the beautiful little C and her mother at the Wyckoff Wildlife Center. We were a little nervous about the weather forcast for today - but lucky for us the weather man was wrong again (as usual). It was a perfectly warm and sunny November day (the weather man predicted November rain).

Mom dressed little C in the cutest outfit (LOVE THOSE BOOTS!). Her hair do was just too cute for words too - I am a sucker for pigtails. Little C reminded me of a minature Sacajawea and the setting at the Wyckoff Wildlife Center was perfect!

Since I have a 2 year old myself - I expect a little run for my money when I schedule an shoot for that age - but little C proved me wrong. She was truly the most delightful and agreeable little girl EVER! What a pleasure it was to spend an hour with her.

Below is a sneak peek from today. Thanks mom for introducing me to your lovely daughter.

W Family Holiday Photos - ( NJ and PA New Jersey and Pennsylvania Childrens Kids Photographer ) Reading Museum Wyomissing PA

I had the pleasure to photograph the W family again this year. We met in Pennsylvania at the Reading Museum which is close to where I grew up. We couldn't ask for a more perfect day, the sky was blue, the weather was warm and the children were delightful.

As a freelance photographer of mostly children - I find extra joy in photographing children throughout the seasons/years. Children grow up so quickly. Just last year little J wasn't walking or really talking. . . this year he is walking and has a phenomenal vocabulary. Big sister M started first grade this year - what a milestone - and I am convinced she get's more beautiful each year. She is definitely going to be a heart breaker. And - let's not forget about the animated D. She has a smile that can light up a room and those EYES. . . ooooh those eyes are just stunning. I think my absolute favorite photo from this session is of her little face by the red bridge (you'll see what I am talking about below).

Thanks W family for inviting me to take your holiday photos again this year. I hope to see you all again soon!

Our Friend S - ( New Jersey NJ Kids Children Photographer and Photography )

This afternoon Charlie, Matty and I met our with our friends S and J at the Wyckoff Widlife Center (one of my favorite places). S and Charlie are good buddies now. . . in fact I actually bribe Charlie with "if you behave we can go to S's house", and it has been working like a charm. Mom J says she uses the same bribe in reverse. It's truly a match made in heaven.

It was a beautiful fall day and Charlie and S had a blast running around outside while Matty slept soundly in the stroller. S was eager to have his pictures taken today (so long as he was allowed plenty of breaks to chase Charlie or have Charlie chase him).

I am loving these photos of our friend S. His blonde hair and bright blue eyes just sparkle. I can't wait for mom and dad to see them all!! Until then. . .here is the sneak peek! Enjoy!

D Family - Wyckoff Wildlife Center - ( New Jersey NJ Bergen County Kids Children Photographer & Photography)

The moment I met the D boys - I knew we were going to have a great session. They were both so adorable, dressed in the cutest sweaters and smiling from ear to ear.

Older D - was quite the ham. . smiling and posing for EVERY picture. I couldn't ask for a better model. Younger D (who is quite the dare devil) was also eager to give the camera some priceless cheeky smiles as he ran around and enjoyed the freedom from the stroller. Mom definitely had to be on point with this little guy as she tried to stay within arms reach to make sure he didn't take a jump of the bridge or go for a swim in the lake.

I'm excited to share the sneak peek of these adorable boys and can't wait to finish the entire gallery (hopefully by next week mom!). In the meantime, I wouldn't be surprised if Mini Boden or Crew Cuts or some other agent contacts mom to see about contracting these two cuties for magazine modeling.

Enjoy!