Top 3 Parks to Photograph Fall Portraits in New Jersey

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”

If you are reading this and from the Tri-State area, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp, there’s so many fun outdoor activities for you and the family to do. This is the time of year everyone in the area looks forward to.

As a portrait photographer, walking out to do a shoot on a beautiful fall day, I get that feeling of a kid in a candy shop. There is just SO MUCH to work with! I’m not one to keep secrets so I would like to take a moment to share with you all some of my favorite places to photograph this time of year and why. Here’s my go to list of recommendations:

1. Skylands Manor, Ringwood State Park

2. Laurelwood Arboretum, Wayne

3. Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton

Interested to learn more? Scroll down to see some images from each location and learn more about hosting a photo session there!

Skylands Manor, Ringwood State Park

The pros: Chances are if you are a photographer from New Jersey you have been here before. If your not a photographer and reading this, chances are still likely that you’ve been here before because Skylands Manor is not just a popular photo destination but also a venue.

This park is #1 on my list for a reason. You can spend HOURS here and still discover a new hidden corner on your next visit. I’m surprised each time I photograph here (which is usually 1-2 times a week) because the landscape changes from one day to the next. As a photographer, you have the choice to keep your backdrop “scenic” by utilizing the landscape or more “ industrial” by incorporating the water fountains and buildings on the property.

The cons: There are two “downfalls” I would say about Skylands. One, don’t go here on a weekend. The place is filled with photographers, families and tourists. I have my “secret spots” that I’ve learned over time shooting here that are usually pretty empty, but I would recommend booking your shoots during the week.

The other downside is that the permits are a bit pricey at $175/year. However, as I previously mentioned I shoot here 1-2 times a week so I definitely get my money’s worth. Be careful not to shoot here without a permit as they do check.

Skylands manor is located at 5 Morris Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456

Small bridge in the Native Plant Demonstration Garden

Laurelwood Arboretum

The pros: If you are looking for a small park with a lot to offer, look no further! Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne is beautiful year-round, but I do particularly love the fall colors you will get in their botanical garden and near Laurel pond at the top of Azalea Way trail.

As you can see from the image above, the park offers bridges, gazebos, flowers, trees and even more! You can do an entire session in the entrance area alone, but it’s worth making the short trek up the trail to see more.

Pro tip-If you are planning a shoot at Laurelwood Arboretum around golden hour, do your actual “sunset shot” 3 miles down the road at Terhune Park. It’s a four minute drive and the sun sets right over the water. No permit needed!

The cons: Like many parks, it does tend to get crowded here, especially after work hours. Because it is a smaller park it can be difficult to shoot around the people visiting so be sure to know your way around first to know where to work around.

The permit for this park is also priced high at $150/year, however you can book one session for only $50! Learn more by visiting their website.

Laurelwood Arboretum is located at 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ 07470

Grounds for sculpture

Sculpture: Dorian by Bruce Beasely

The pros: There was no way I was going to make a list of my favorite places and not include Grounds for Sculpture. This park is an absolute gem and I would shoot here over and over again. The grounds are perfectly maintained and every corner you turn is different, so you can offer your clients a variety of looks.

During the fall there are many parts of the park that you can capture the beauty of the leaves changing. Besides the artwork there are bridges, hedges, fountains, and gardens that can be utilized to create a picturesque scene for your clients.

Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Township

The cons: I’ll be honest, I don’t have anything bad to say about this place. The permit price is more than reasonable at $18/shoot. You do have to sign a waiver that you will give credit to the artists who’s work is featured in your photos which is a very reasonable request. I would recommend this location to anyone looking for a unique shoot location!

Grounds for Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

While it’s not much I hope I offered you all a few different options for locations to capture beautiful portraits that you can be excited about for your upcoming sessions. I look forward to all the portrait sessions I have coming up this season at all of my favorite parks! Don’t forget, you can still book your fall portrait session with me at any of these locations by clicking here. Thanks again for taking the time to stay up to date with my blog 🍂

Baptism Photography

Let’s start by asking “what is the real meaning of a Baptism?”

Many Christians believe that a baptism is important because Jesus was baptized, and after his resurrection he told his disciples that they should be baptized too. This tradition has carried on centuries into our modern day society for those who are part of the Christian Church. It is an act in which water is sprinkled onto a person’s forehead (or sometimes a full immersion into water) and it symbolizes rebirth or a purification. This is how one gains passage into the Christian Church.

Beautiful interior of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascension

I’ve been a witness to so many different Baptisms and each are unique in their own way. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a Greek Orthodox Baptism, in which after the immersion the family, godparent and priest circle the baptismal font three times. I’ve photographed a Polish Orthodox Baptism, and Baptisms in the Catholic Church. Prior to becoming a photographer, I didn’t know much of a difference between all of these different types of Ceremonies. Now having been a part of these celebrations, I’m fascinated by how each culture has it’s differences.

Now let’s talk about what gets photographed

Prior to the Ceremony, many families ask to have photos of the baby “getting ready”. If you remember the getting ready part of your Wedding day, you will find it’s very similar to this. I always ask that parents have the “details” ready. This includes the following:

• Pre-Ceremony Outfit

• Baptismal Outfit

• Baptismal Cross and Chain

• Olive Oil

• White hand towels

• Baptismal Candles

• Martyrika-in some cultures these witness pins are used which are handed out to guests at the end of a ceremony

•Additional items include shoes, a copy of the invitation for the guests, florals, or any other details you see fit.

If time allows, I usually like to get some family photos done prior to the Ceremony, but at this point in time I primarily focus on candids.

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The Ceremony

Again, depending on the type of Baptism your child receives, a ceremony can be anywhere from 45-90 minutes. During this time I confirm with the Priest where I am allowed to stand and photograph. In most cases they allow me onto the alter to take close-up photos of the baby being submerged. Other than that we have the lighting of the candles and the blessings which are typically done while the Godparents, family and baby are seated in the pews. Having done many Baptisms, I am very familiar with the timing of these events.

After the Ceremony

Immediately after the Ceremony concludes I ask the Priest to jump in for a family photo. After that, we will proceed to the remaining family portrait combinations. To learn more about what types of family photos I typically take during an event you can refer to my recent blog post “Family Portrait Combinations”

The Reception

Now it’s time to have fun! During the reception I will be capturing the decor details, cake, food, cocktail reception and plenty of candids! At this point all the family photos and important rituals are covered, so parents get to sit back and enjoy. I hope this post helped those of you who are planning a Baptism in the future and be sure to send me a message with any questions you may have!