Baby J joins a loving big sister and a fun-loving big brother! It was such fun to have “helpers” as we captured their new little brother’s first few weeks at home. I am the big sister to two little brothers too, so I know what they are in for! Welcome to the world, little one!
This sweet family was my first family session since moving to North Carolina. We had the session at the Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh, and it was such fun to get to explore a new location and find great places to capture fun family moments. I was bowled over by how well these brothers got along and how incredibly comfortable they were chatting with me and being in front of the camera. Another plus for me was the mild weather in December, something I’m not used to coming from the north. So happy to be in NC and can’t wait to meet more wonderful NC families!
My first trip back to NJ after moving to NC was for the honor of capturing this newborn beauty and her family! Just a month earlier, I had the pleasure of getting together with this great family to get some family and maternity photos before she made her arrival, so it was such fun to come back to meet her! This sweet little girl joins two big brothers so ready to watch over her little sister. Welcome to the world, little one!
This beautiful girl is due to graduate high school soon, but in the fall, we were able to celebrate her in advance with a Senior Photo Session. From the high school students I’ve talked to, Senior Sessions are not often done in New Jersey. In many areas of the country, though, they are a traditional and timeless way to celebrate the achievements of your high school seniors and all they have accomplished to get to this moment. Senior sessions let your senior show his/her unique personality and memorialize this incredible time in his/her life, the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. Our seniors have had a much different ending to their high school careers this year, so it makes me happy to know that this senior has these gorgeous images to honor her hard work.
I loved everything about this session. The fun, fantastic family, their awesome outfit choices, the gorgeous sunlight, and the great fall weather. Flashback to the previous year when it was very cold and the kids were not quite as happy to be out getting some pictures taken, and I was just astounded at what a difference a year makes. We danced, we sang, we jumped, we snuggled, and we captured the spirit of these beautiful children and this family’s unique love. What a gift for all of us.
Holding onto his daddy’s finger, Baby S was safe and snuggly at our session. This little one has not only two wonderful parents, but two amazing canine “siblings” to welcome him and keep him safe. I was amazed at how loving and protective his pups were with this beautiful little boy. Welcome to the world, little one!
This family is expecting a new baby very soon, but this spring we got together to help them remember this wonderful time as a family of 3 before becoming a family of 4. Mama was beautiful, and both big brother-to-be and daddy were just too cute! A gorgeous sunset and a smiling little boy made it fun for all of us!
Baby N comes into a wonderful family with lovely parents and an adorable big brother. Such big sweetness and love in a tiny little package - there is nothing better. Welcome to the world, little boy!
I had the privilege of meeting this little guy for a newborn session a year ago, and in the blink of an eye, he is one! His favorite book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” - one of my faves as well - so one Saturday afternoon we had fun incorporating it into some of our photos! Plus, we got to shoot at a great location under the light of the sunset, with one big red barn, one cool stone wall, one pretty stream, one great big brother, and two awesome parents, so after that of course we felt “much better”! This little caterpillar is ready to fly! Happy birthday, buddy!
This past year I added Fine Art School Photography to my services. Fine Art School Photos are different from the traditional school photos, with their fake forest backgrounds and stiff poses. The goal with Fine Art School Photography is to create images of children who are relaxed and authentic so that their true personalities can be captured for a moment.
The focus is on their big, beautiful eyes, lit up with laughter or thoughtful with curiosity. Their shy grins or wide smiles aren’t competing with a laser-light show background, but are showcased against a simple black frame.
I had the opportunity to work at two schools this year and had the best time with these little ones. Whether it was a belly laugh over a monkey noise or a soulful stare in response to a joke from me that clearly wasn’t funny, these kids’ true personalities and beauty shone through, making their school photos not something to be giggled at in the future, but images to be treasured for years to come.
Our kids are all unique. Their school photos should be too. If you’d like to bring Fine Art School Photography to your child’s school, contact me!
Baby N joins a wonderful family! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing his blue-eyed big brother and mom and dad for family sessions in the past, and I was thrilled to get to help capture this little one’s early days with his family. I don’t usually get baby envy - after 5 of my own, I’m good - but this little guy just smelled so wonderful that I did get a little tug on my heart!
A First Communion is such an important milestone for our little ones, and I love being able to help them remember this special day. With their beautiful poofy dresses and new suits, these little ones are a joy. As First Communion season approaches, here are some of my favorite images from my First Communion sessions!
Sweet Baby L. I had the pleasure of getting to know her brother over the last couple of years through photo sessions, and it was a joy to meet this new little one just a couple of weeks after her birth. Mom and Dad’s bedroom was the perfect setting for our session – big windows and beautiful light coming through – a photographer’s dream! Big brother was so sweet with his little sister, and I am sure they are going to grow up as fast friends!
2018 was a big year for me and for ChiaraBella Photography. I met many new families, spent the summer photographing kids having fun at camp, started the school photography side of my business, did lots of photo shoots for our local town magazine, and generally worked my tail off doing something I love! Now that the crazy busy fall season is done, the holiday madness has subsided, and I have time to sit back and reflect on this year, I’m smiling over some of my favorite photo things this year. I’m so grateful to my families for letting me spend some time with them in 2018, catching their light, love and joy! There are so many more images from this year I love, but I had to narrow it down, so here are just a few of My 10 Favorite Photo Things of 2018.
As I say at all my sessions, smiles are great, but laughter is even better! Thank you for all the laughs in 2018!
The day of this session was windy. Hair in your face, eyes starting to tear up windy. The kind of day where the sun was out, but the wind made it feel about 10 degrees cooler, so hugging was welcome for the shared body heat alone. Luckily this family didn’t let the wind take the fun out of the session, and their images prove it. They even brought their new kitten along, who didn’t seemed fazed by the dog park just behind us! This beautiful mama is an old friend, and it was such a pleasure to help her capture this moment in time for her family.
