Photography – Rockland NY Mom

Four Stars for Movie House Paramus

Posted on July 26, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Photography, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

My kids are getting older, and I am looking for more and more activities that I can do with them, or activities that might be fun with friends. They are at an age where they may want to get dropped off somewhere and adventure on their own now. Have some independence- but I still like to know that we can spend some time together, and that if they are going out there, that what they are doing is safe and wholesome to a degree.

This past Friday we were invited to check out the Movie House in the Paramus Park Mall. When I read the description I quickly realized that it was the perfect place to spend some time together.

What is it?

Movie House features 10 intricately themed rooms, each filled with captivating details, collectibles and hidden surprises. From Willy Wonka to Harry Potter, Top Gun to Alice in Wonderland guests can lose themselves in the magic of the films they know and love. Test your knowledge with room-specific questions and indulge in the immersive environments, from sandy beaches to enchanted forests.

How was our visit?

I love this experience because the Paramus Park Mall is so easy to get to, and I always feel safe there with the kids. Movie House is easy to find on the ground floor of the mall underneath the food court. We parked outside of the Old Navy and were able to walk straight in.

The visit comes with a guide to walk you through moving from room to room, but they don’t pressure you to move on, you’ve got plenty of time to take your Instagrammable Photos, test your knowledge and enjoy the moment. In fact, you can circle back afterwards if you would like. Which is especially lovely when they give you a little bag of popcorn to enjoy.

The movies chosen for each room are relevant and enjoyable for all ages. A family that loves to dress up, we had fun putting on hats, robes, eye patches and more. We were surprised and loved walking into the Blockbuster video store where us adults were struck with some major nostalgia, and we explained what it was to the kids. Loved it so much I had to snap a photo of (A) and send it home to RNYDad.

Although walking through and taking photos etc is fun, I was inspired when we saw the screening room. Fun and comfy to stop in with the family and watch the movie that was on at the time (Dr. Strange). Immediately I thought, this would be the perfect place to have a birthday party for my now “tween” daughter. She and her friends could run around and take photos in each of the rooms, and screen a movie “under the stars” in the screening room. It’s a great way to have a run time, and not worry about the weather (as I end up doing when I throw backyard parties). NO mess to clean up at my house afterwards, no need to spend extra money on photo op props that I have to find homes for afterwards. I inquired about this when we exited and YES they do it. You even talk to them about the group and choose an appropriate movie to show.

This means that the possibilities are literally endless. It’s the perfect activity for really hot, or rainy days during the summer. You can go as a family, group of friends, or host a party/event for groups! You choose your tickets and time slot online- it’s so easy.

It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get through the experience. We took our Great Aunt, and everyone was raving about what a great time it was. We ran right upstairs afterwards to grab a bite to eat before heading home.

What I love

It was fun with family, but I would feel comfortable with my kids going with a group of friends.
There are possibilities and enough things to keep every age occupied (we ranged ages 10-67 when we went).
The staff was super friendly.
The experience was clean- well kept.
Affordable outing for a family
The kids were excited to head to the next room and see what it was- no complaining happened.
The possibilities for groups, events and parties.

Important information:

Movie House is open through August 26th of this year. This location will also house “Halloween House” and “Christmas House”. These both sound like things our family will totally enjoy. In fact, I can absolutely imagine doing a family party watching a scary movie under the stars since we love Halloween. The same can really be said for Christmas!

For tickets: www.moviehouseparamus.com

Family and group packages are available.

Children Under 3 are free

Contact: 201-402-2880

Hours:

M-Th 4pm-8pm

Fri 2 pm- 8 pm

Sat 11 am – 8 pm

We pride ourselves in being able to bring to you attention unique and fun activities.

As always, we appreciate it if you let them know you heard about them here!

Musicianship- A Lesson well Learned

Posted on July 8, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Opportunities, Out and about..., Photography, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

As you well know, (A) has been taking drum lessons with the New City School of Music for 4 years now. He has blossomed into a great, versatile drummer. He has been a full remote student since COVID hit, and we were so excited to report last month that in person performances are back. Despite being able to learn online, and participate in virtual performances as well as performing for NYSSMA this spring, he has really missed having opportunities to showcase his talents live. As mentioned in my previous article he has two opportunities upcoming to do so.

The first was an outdoor recital this past weekend. These organized performances (which happen twice a year) are free of charge to parents, family members and friends to attend. Sam and the music school staff were able to book Zukor Park, and get the mobile bandstand stage for the students to perform on. The usual performance space is indoors, and although it’s awesome, this was a really nice opportunity. He hasn’t played live outdoors yet. As a musician it can pose a whole new set of obstacles to overcome.

Having been away from the scene for a year and a half, he was understandably nervous. He was in the last group of the day (NCSM breaks performers into groups so you don’t have to be there all day, although you could if you wanted to) and when we arrived we learned that he was closing out the whole performance! Super cool, especially since he always chooses something fun and upbeat. I brought my good camera to snap some pics, intended for this article.

When it was his turn, (A) got settled on stage and arranged the kit the way he likes it and the music started. He had difficulty hearing the music and missed his entrance. For most kids, especially those with little experience it would have totally thrown them off. For a moment I didn’t dare breathe, afraid that he might become embarrassed, stop, I am not even sure what I was afraid of. I underestimated him. He simply listened, counted and jumped in. You would never know.

At the end is where he really shocked me. He was feeling it, and proud, he knew he overcame a huge moment. He finished the song and threw his hands and sticks up in celebration. All in attendance cheered and I snapped a quick (mediocre) photo.

He then came off stage and his sister so proud of him, threw herself around him in congratulations. I missed it. Know who didn’t miss it? The professional photographer that NCSM hired to take photos of the day, (Latham Photography) at no charge to us students. He captured all of it, and super well. Two days after the performance we received our complimentary link to download the edited photos and I was floored. Below are HIS photos of this awesome event.

Did I mention they even went around and took family photos? Here’s our group <3

Needless to say, I am one happy momma. (A) has shown so much growth even in adversity, overcame a little blip in his first live performance in a year and a half, entertained the crowd and has set a new standard for his next performance. Which will be at the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME in Cleveland Ohio in August, another amazing opportunity afforded us by The New City School of Music. I look forward to reporting back and updating you all on that experience as well. <3

If you are interested in hearing more about The New City School of Music and what they have to offer, give them a call. We as always appreciate you mentioning you heard it here. Their current promotion is as follows:

It’s not too late to sign up for music lessons! *** July Music Special *** Get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE if you enroll by July 6th!

Fight the Summer boredom and let’s make some music! Enroll by 8/1 and get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE!

We teach Drum, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, and Woodwinds to students of all ages. In person lessons ARE available! It’s super easy to sign up–just call/text us 845-499-2137 or send us an email at office@newcitymusicschool.com.

Pretty Princess Photos

Posted on March 2, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to take photos with IC You Photography.

Anyone who knows (E) knows that she loves dress up, that she loves lace, and accessories, especially a tiara, oh AND shoes. She is a horror loving girl, with a strong fashion sense (you should see her closet vs mine). What they may not know, is that she also loves Lacrosse. She plays soccer (yay, sort of) and swims well, but she loves Lacrosse. Only people who know us are aware of that. It’s no surprise then that when Isabella wanted to capture the two sides of several clients, to showcase some girl power she thought of (E).

The photos she envisioned were girls dressed up all fancy, with their favorite sports equipment. Isabella’s goal was to break down barriers and show the different sides of today’s youth.

As a female athlete I can say that I have dealt with my fair share of assumptions and discrimination over the years. It was not uncommon when I was in college for people to assume that because I was a female athlete that we must be gay or not be girly and have no fashion sense (well some of that is true… but luckily my daughter helps me with the fashion). Listen, I don’t care who you prefer nor have I ever, but assumptions hurt, no matter what they are.

Fast forward to NOW, to this new breed of girl. I am loving it. Our girls are not encouraged anymore to be tough or girly. It is accepted and praised to be one, both or none. In fact, more of my female students than ever participate in one sort of sport or another, and they are excelling at it. That’s what this shoot was about. Showing who you are.

(E) chose a REALLY girly lace pink dress and her favorite tiara for the shoot, and then brought her mouth guard, cleats, goggles and stick, along with her game face. The photos are simple, on a black backdrop so as not to detract from the subject. They are stunning. I love what they show about (E), and that it might just encourage other girls to be whoever they are as well..

Graduation Photo Shoot with IC You Photography

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as IC You Photography is a directory member. All opinions expressed are my own.

-by Cat the Intern

The time has finally come, and I could not be more excited! Since this is my college graduation year, I thought it would be really fun to do a photo shoot. I reached out to IC You Photography to help me out. Here is my experience!

I usually am not one to do photo shoots I have only done one other one last year. But I thought to myself that this year is a big deal, and I want to make the most out of it. I had been talking with Isabella a few weeks before the photoshoot coming up with ideas to make this the best. We talked back and forth about different ideas, and what we would need to make this happen. I ended up bringing my friend to the shoot for moral support and to take some behind the scenes pictures.

I honestly have to say I never had so much fun before at a photo shoot. This was a shoot like no other, but enjoyed every minute! It took over 2 hours and turns out we got over 100 pictures which is so crazy but I’m happy (poor Isabella has to go through and edit those, I don’t envy her). During the shoot we would talk about ideas of what to do how to pose. But not only that we had conversations, and laughed. Isabella is an amazing human and so glad I had the opportunity to work with her. A lot of the shots we came up with on the spot but that’s what made the shoot so fun, and turned out some great pictures.

This photo shoot was really important to me because it it shows me that I did it! My college experience was not the most ideal, but I made it through. School isn’t my favorite thing to do. It took a lot of grit and hard work to get to where I am. These photos are a lot more than just graduation photos, they are memories for my family and I. A testimony to the fact that I was able to persevere and make it through despite great obstacles.

Thank you IC you Photography for making my photoshoot so much fun and making memories forever! This has been a great experience and I am so happy that I did it!

Communion Mini-Sessions

Posted on March 11, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Party, Photography, Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post because these guys are our directory members. All opinions expressed are my own.

Its COMMUNION time!!! Most local churches offer sessions with a photographer that they are affiliated with, but you can also do those outside of the church. As you know, there are so many photographers out there, so we are offering you up some of our directory members who do Communion specific sessions (although all of our members would be happy to do them). You might recognize the handsome guy on Jennifer Tesker’s as my (A). He picked the location for his photos last year and they still make me cry. Here’s the link to the review: CLICK HERE

While we are at it- don’t forget to book that hair and makeup for the big day. Deb at Sparkle Up! books so fast, I’ve already reserved her for (E) who is still two years out.

A Photo-Obsessed Moms Guide to Disney

Posted on March 6, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. We just went, and I thought this information might be useful. All opinions expressed are my own.

Although I won’t pretend I know EVERYTHING about Disney World Photos I recently took my children on our first ever trip and learned a lot. I had researched quite a bit, picked the brain of a great travel agent and compiled a pretty good list for you all. As all my readers know I am PHOTO OBSESSED. I don’t really even know why, I love to fill my house with memories. Love to look back on things we have done as a family the way my kids have grown, all of it. Well of course, its no different when we head to an amazing trip like Disney, but here’s what I learned.

Buy the Memory Maker. Yep its that simple actually. You can see a photographer ANYWHERE, they scan your band and your photos end up on your MyDisney app and account on your PC. This means MOMS (or primary photo takers) you can ACTUALLY be in the photos!!! We got some absolute gems. and while asking someone to take your photo early on seems a little odd, I promise that by the time your trip is over you will spot those cast members from a mile away and your kids will be scanning their bands for the photos. They have lots of experience capturing these special moments, they will do it better thank you will with a selfie or not being in the photo. Also you get those hysterical ride photos where you are trying to hold your 5 year old in a rollercoaster (just me?). You also aren’t stuck taking photos the whole time and can enjoy, like when (E) got to be Beast and (A) Maurice in Storytime with Belle, or Jedi training.

There are some special memory maker magic to keep in mind- if you are dressed the part, characters and photographers alike want to play with you more. Its not really on purpose it just helps everyone get into the spirit. In fact, Rey and Chewie who do not say hi to ANYONE, came over and acknowledged (A) and (E) since they were dressed as Han and Chewbacca.

Behind the castle there are photographers who will do special princess/prince photo shoots and even have “props” you can use. You will NEVER get every photo so just relax and take advantage of what you stumble upon. I won’t lie, we don’t have a great castle photo (I don’t even know how that happened) and we didn’t get to take the famous lantern pics, but despite that, we are ok :o)

There is also another photo shoot area at Disney Springs that is included in your memory maker- we didn’t know in advance so we didn’t take advantage, but its a great way to start your trip if you head there first <3

No need for your large camera, but bring SOMETHING. Dining meet and greets may have photographers at the “big” character out front, but they will not take your photo with EACH character, so you need something (I suggest compact- my IPHONE XR was perfect).

Silhouettes. I have loved silhouettes forever. They are classic. I made some of my kids when they were super young, and its something that Disney does REALLY WELL, affordably. There are several locations, but we went to Disney Springs and did it our first night because I knew going into it that I wanted to do them. It costs $10 per silhouette and comes with 2 copies. Takes less than 5 minutes per child (so no sitting forever) and the ladies are LOVELY. The frames which I splurged on are another $10 each. I got 4 frames and the silhouettes and felt like I had won the lottery. Can’t get there and dying to have some? You can mail order them with the information below. You can do both kids or a family etc. in one, but I liked them separate.

Creepy Photos. Stumbled across these when I was “Pinning” Disney Vacation stuff and am SO IN LOVE. I am aware however that these may not be for everyone. Next to the Haunted Mansion there is a souvenir shop called Momento Mori. If you walk in all the way to the back you can ask for the creepy photos, or the ghost photos, they know what you mean. You MUST do these alone, they don’t do family or group shots despite everyone asking. These cost $20 per person, you sit for a moment and have another lovely conversation and about 5-10 minutes later you have a creepy photo of your child/spouse whoever. We did just the kids and they are going to be my new Halloween Décor for above the fireplace. They are 8×10 and so cool. As you walk from side to side they change from normal photos to ghost photos. In this case I didn’t love the picture frames that were available so I ordered two from AMAZON when I got home. I LOVE them and was really sad to put them away in the Halloween box but I can’t wait to bring them out every year and look at them.

Affiliate link to Frames HERE

Photo Mat Autograph Collector. I knew we wanted to have something autographed, but I couldn’t get over the idea that a book would go on a shelf and not get revisited. I wanted to make it something that the kids, RNYD and I would be able to see and enjoy all the time. I decided to buy a generic photo mat to have them sign. I also purchased a package of every color sharpies for them to use. The kids loved this part because they got to pick and choose the color for each character, they really enjoyed this. The characters also used it for some fun interaction everywhere we went. That made a simple meet and greet a little more special. I kept the markers in a plastic zip lock bag in the front pouch of my backpack, and the 11×14 mat in the back. I won’t pretend that it stayed in perfect condition it has some bends and bruises but it looks fine. Upon arrival home we put our FAVORITE memory maker photo of the four of us in it and put it up. I figure if/when we return we can do it again with whatever characters they want to see then. I think this would even work at Universal where I know my kids are looking forward to meeting a few heroes and characters (especially Scooby Doo!).

Are there more opportunities? I am sure, I couldn’t do them all that’s as honest as it gets. Also, it was our first trip, those who go more often would be able to tell you even more, but here’s what I learned.

All in all this trip was magic. We created many memories that we can carry forever, and collected many souvenirs that we can use to recall them. Several of which are photo related ;o) WAHOO!!

Most important is that there is SO much to do at Disney its a great idea to book with a knowledgeable agent. I highly recommend Scott Walters. He saved my butt a few times. I freaked out on a few occasions when I felt lost and the agent that I had booked with fell a bit short. I was disappointed in that. Your agent should ask you about what you like and dislike far in advance, fight for you to get deals, make suggestions for you based on your family’s needs and be supportive. When my son caught a cold and we had to cancel a sit down dinner, he booked us a character breakfast for the following morning (our last) in moments so that we didn’t waste the credits and still had the best experience ever. He will be booking any future family trips for us, that’s for sure.

Scott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

MY Be You Photo Shoot Experience

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This post is unsponsored and this article is written through my own POV as well as opinions. This is a very personal post for me to write, but I am happy to share my story about coming out of my shell.

By: Catherine Sheridan, RNYM Intern

I have never been a person who likes to be the center of attention, I am kind of shy, and not too out going. As every kid does as they grow up they face insecurities, and I too have many insecurities. I have grown out of most of them but some are still relevant. Jennifer Tesker who is a directory member here on the site has a photo shoot called “Be You”. I first saw it on Facebook and was like wow this is so cool. Then (A) and (E) did the shoot as I was blown away, and it got me thinking, what if I could do this. So I reached out to Jennifer and asked her if adults were able to do the shoot as well, she said yes and sent me samples of photos she’s done with adults. I looked them over and discussed with my mom if I should do this. We both agreed and I booked my appointment. Honestly I was so nervous but really excited at the same time. I brought my friend with me for support, and then it was finally the time to start shooting.

I honestly did not know how to feel or act or what to do. But Jennifer was so nice and walked me through the whole thing. I really ended up having so much fun. For a minute of my life I had no insecurities, no worries, I was able to have fun and be my self. She showed me some of the photos she captured and I was blown away, honestly could not believe it was me. The whole experience really changed me and how I think of myself. I owe it to Jennifer Tesker Photography for helping me see me how others see me and letting me be me without being scared. These photos are honest- which is a nice change to some of what you see out there. It’s nice to know that someone thinks you are pretty, just being yourself. Its fun to watch the kids do their silly things, but it was really nice as an adult to feel that way too. Not forced to be something I am not. No fancy clothing or makeup, just me and the camera.

Flyer For this years booking-Mention Little Tor Elementary and give back to a local school too!

TBH- A Mom’s Holiday Confession

Posted on January 31, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. Jennifer, however is a directory member.

I have to be completely honest. I PRIDE myself on having everything together. I lose sleep for it. I barely ever say no, and do believe there is nothing I can’t accomplish if I don’t set my mind to it. Those who know me well however may say that lately I’ve been a little different. It’s true. I feel a little different, a little odd. I don’ t have it all together and its felt that way since November. I’m not sick, my life is blessed, I am just overwhelmed. Somehow back in November it began and I am still having a little trouble getting out of it, despite some gains back to being my regular old self. Perhaps that why months later you are just hearing about our session.

Enter the holidays. You all know I am Photo Obsessed, we have a photographers directory for goodness sake! I review and work with EVERY person on there to make SURE they are good and excellent options for our readers. In fact, I do that with all of our directory members period. I don’t want to talk about something that isn’t quality, its a waste of your time.

I’m feeling overwhelmed and I need holiday photos. Jennifer is not only a directory member, our kids have become great friends, and if I may say so, so have we. So one day at swim class we booked a photo appointment. I usually enjoy these. I am long past the days where I fretted too much over whether or not the kids would participate. We decide to bring the dogs, and even RNYD is over it and knows I force him once a year so he has to participate.

For some reason the outfits are giving me trouble, I don’t want to do typical red and green, red and black. We did Navy hues last year. I wanted something timeless that would stay on the wall all year. I’ve lost weight and toned my body and want to look pretty (thanks Amir ;o) My dress finally shows up like the day before.

We get to the shoot on time and everything should be fine, but for some reason I’m still not feeling right, not me. Seeing Jennifer puts me at ease. While she takes the photos I feel good, except my dogs are being pains. They had never been in the woods before (ugh how did I not think of that!?). Jennifer is able to get them to cooperate (thank God) but I’m thrown. We proceed, and she tells me to stop worrying, the photos are perfect.

I book our viewing and pray that my worry doesn’t show, that the dogs did in fact behave, that my worry is just that, my worry.

Well it was. Jennifer is unbelievable.

Got our family photo.

Got amazing solo shots of the kids.

Got shots of the kids together that are just too much.

Puppy photo? Got it.

Adorable candid family shots? Yep.

She even snagged one of me and the MR (which we never do)

I think you would agree, she nailed it.

Even though I didn’t feel like myself and faked my way through a lot of the rest of the holiday this was one less thing I had to worry about. At that moment I was so crazy happy to have someone I could trust, someone I knew would do a good job even though I am in an overthinking, over planning, attempting to be perfect all the time and just falling short place. Jennifer had my back. She still has my back. In fact, I didn’t love my cards this year (the design not the photo part) and she said she’d help me and walk me through that next year too. <3

THIS is why I am so adamant about working with our members. I NEED to know that anyone we recommend will be fabulous. Our readers NEED to know that we recommend quality. They NEED to be at ease with one part of our crazy lives. Readers, that’s why we are selective with our postings, prospective directory members, that’s why we insist on working with you and writing about it. We appreciate that you trust us to do what’s good and right for businesses and consumers alike and take that seriously.

If you ever have a question please don’t hesitate to ask us we answer honestly and candidly. We love what we do and love that you appreciate us.

-The RNYM Family

Family Photos

Posted on September 24, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

I’ve long preached the importance of taking photos with your family. You don’t HAVE to take professional photos, you can use your timer and take your own (I do that too). I like to have professional pics done because I don’t take photos as well as they do, I don’t know how to edit, and lets face it, it’s also less stressful for me. I don’t have to worry that I got the perfect shot, or that I can’t get everyone to smile at the same time (especially if I am trying to get into the photo), and then there’s the problem of cutting back the number of photos. Photographers are hard on their work and aren’t emotionally attached to your child’s face. They choose the best photos of the set (even outtakes) and present only those to you, making your life easier. I have enough trouble bringing together outfits for the family that “coordinate” and don’t “match”. This stresses me out in a way only a few understand.

Recently I’ve come to realize another layer of these photos which I want to bring light to. When you have those professional photos taken, or take your own. Please find a way to include your pets. I’ve taken snapshots of our family pups here and there for years but it wasn’t until 3 years ago that we thought to bring our pup to our family holiday photo shoot. The photos were amazing and it quickly became our tradition.

(Photo Credit: Kennedy Grey Photography)

Boy am I glad it did. This past summer we suffered immense loss when our 12 year old chocolate lab left us, followed almost a month to the day by our 15.5 year old mini-dachshund. Although we knew it was coming, it was still one of the hardest thing we have ever had to go through as a family. The kids now old enough to understand were also heart broken. Its those photos that we look at fondly and remember them while we talk about the silly things that they did.

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)
(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)

Which brings me to my point. Take photos WITH your pet. Not just of your pet. I know that when people DO take professional photos, they are reluctant to bring them, because the photos may not come out “perfect”. It’s just another variable. Here’s something to help ease your mind. OUR (RNYM) photographers are all great at capturing your furry loves- so here’s our directory PHOTOGRAPHERS DIRECTORY. In fact, they also love to be challenged, have a less traditional pet? They have experience there too, give it a try.

I believe in this so deeply right now that after a month of a pup-less home we decided to foster (quickly followed by adoption) two black lab sisters. A side note for those who may be interested, we worked with Animal Rescue R Us, out of Northern Jersey. When we first got them they were 9 weeks old. With our kids the ages that they are right now (5 and 8) these are likely the pups they will remember. They get to grow up together. I vowed to take photos of them as just pups and with us, the kids, the family, and to continue to as they grow.

We weren’t ready to share the news with everyone yet, just sent some pics to a few, one of whom was IC You Photography‘s Isabella. She is an AVID animal lover and DEMANDED that we bring them in for a shoot, before they were too big. To commemorate the first milestone, oh and bring the kids too. So not knowing I went.

I watched in amazement as she was able to get 10 week old pups to sit, sleep, stay, and so much more. I cried as I knew we were making memories of the pets my family will cherish for the next 10-20 years. I reveled in the happiness that Isabella showed on her face as she worked with both kids and dogs, snuggling all of them. Listened to her ideas and chuckled thinking it was the cutest thing I had ever seen.

Meet Sasha

Meet Camy

We spoke throughout about how it was very good for the puppies to be handled, and socialized not only to Isabella, but her pups in the other room. Gambet even came in to say hi :o). We discussed that No she could not have one of our dogs, and the rescue that we worked with to adopt them. She snapped away and I didn’t even catch everything that she was doing.

Isabella even took the time to take a pic or two of my monkeys alone. Love this one especially cause Little Miss just learned how to snap, and won’t stop. Check out her fingers <3

I’m so very glad that we did it, and look forward to bringing them to many shoots to come. It also spurred the new promotion that Isabella is doing where she will offer discounted “Pet Portraits” for those rescuing pups.

It’s important, in my opinion, when you choose a photographer that you try to bring your “whole” family along. I know that ALL of our directory members are happy to work with family pets. If you are looking for a way to incorporate them but aren’t looking for a full photo shoot- the Palisades Mall does have pet days with Santa which we did take advantage of a few times and loved. I am so super thankful for these photos being in my life. I look forward to documenting their milestones to come together.

Took my own Advice

Posted on June 27, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

BEFORE VIEWING- AFTER SESSION

Jennifer is a fabulous photographer. We all know that. She has photographed my children numerous times over the years and they are all darling. Most recently she did a “Be You” session with my kids and it was just so much more than I could have ever imagined. Quickly approaching was (A)’s First Holy Communion, and we knew that we would want professional photos done. At 8, (A) is now formulating his own opinions about things so we let him choose who would photograph him. He picked Jennifer.

It seems that everything that could get in the way of these photos did. The weather has been less than cooperative as of late, so even though he made his communion on 5/12 he had his photos done 5/24. Jennifer wanted to wait for good weather (us too because we wanted outdoors) so we did. I AM SO GLAD WE DID. I was feeling less than myself at work, so in between meetings I ran down to CITIMD to find that I have Strep. I did NOT want to miss our photos. So I went home after work and took my first antibiotic, a quick nap, and got up to get (A) ready. I didn’t want to miss the amazing weather.

Jennifer picked the perfect spot. We met just before sunset and the session started. I’m blown away and I haven’t even seen them yet. She quickly showed me a few screen shots on the camera as I stood there, and then one was on her Instagram timeline later that night. To say I am waiting patiently would be a lie. I am DYING.

My first teaser from Jennifer-

They looked so amazing and I know that they are going to be even more than I expected. I am already planning on arming myself with some tissues for the viewing.

Something I have to prepare for- I took my own advice. (A) had a specific idea in mind for a photo or two that he asked for on the little dock. He went but was nervous at the end of it and wanted me to go with him “to make sure it was safe”. I want to re-explain- I have STREP, I was dressed like a bum, my hair in a ponytail. I went with him to check it out and we had a moment. Next thing I know, Jennifer is snapping away. I tried to ask her to stop (nicely and please know that she wasn’t pushy at all, if you know her you know that she isn’t like that). But she told me it was fine, that I was going to want it. So you know what? I let her, I took the photo, sick as a dog, in a tie dye t-shirt, running shorts and crocs.

FAST FORWARD TO VIEWING

HOLY CRAP! Jennifer showed me the video and I balled. My little man looked so handsome, so grown up. I’ve cried at the beauty of photos before, but these, were perfection. Exactly what we were looking for. Less formal than many, so much of his personality came through. A great variety to choose from.

Formal: The photos that commemorate the milestone that his communion represents.

Informal: Those that show more of who he is, silly faces, showing off his belt and tie that he picked out himself.

His Ideas: When we got there he told Jennifer that he had some special ideas of his own for photos. Even posed himself.

Which leads me to the final photos- which are hard to share, cause I wasn’t ready. Not camera ready, not in the least. I was completely out of my comfort zone, completely sick, but my little man asked me to. Able to allow it because I trust Jennifer to make sure she gets whats really important, our relationship, which actually has nothing to do with how I look. Maybe like me you can look past my crocs (OMG was I really wearing those?), and my mom bun, or the tie dye shirt my brother bought me with my maiden name on it. Instead see what I now see. A mom and her little man, a moment caught in time, and at peace together. A testament to what we do as parents for our kids, sick, messy or otherwise.

The truth is, he won’t remember made up Momma, cause that’s not what I look like all the time. This, is more like the real laundry doing, computer typing, dinner making, child loving mommy. These made me cringe when I first saw them, but now they make me so proud. The more I look at them, the more I love them. Thank you Jennifer, you were so so right.

These photos are one reason that we stand behind the photographers on our site. I’ve worked with them all, and trust them. They have been working with us for YEARS. We don’t recommend anyone that we haven’t worked with <3

To see Jennifer’s latest offerings check our her website http://www.jenniferteskerphotography.com/ and don’t forget to tell her we sent you.

(Photo Credit: Kennedy Grey Photography)

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography) (Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)
(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)