Medford NJ | Toddler Portraits | South Jersey Photographer

Ah, the toddler years. A magical time when tiny humans learn to walk, talk, and express their very strong opinions about absolutely everything. If you’re in the thick of it, you’re probably alternating between heart-melting moments and Googling, “Why does my toddler scream when I give them exactly what they asked for?” Welcome to the rollercoaster of parenting—where chaos reigns, but the snuggles are unbeatable.

Here’s a guide to help you survive (and maybe even enjoy!) the toddler years:

She wanted to just pick up rocks and have fun..

1. Embrace the Mess

Toddlers are like tiny tornadoes: cute, destructive, and impossible to predict. Your house may have once been a haven of tidiness, but now it’s decorated with crushed goldfish crackers and suspicious sticky spots. Lean into it. Invest in a good vacuum, washable everything, and accept that “clean” is a relative term.

Pro Tip: Take photos of the mess before you clean it. Someday, you’ll look back and laugh. Or at least that’s what people keep telling us.

Let the kids play and run! With toddler sessions, it should be a time for exploring and capturing this age of curiousity.

2. Channel Your Inner Negotiator

If you’ve ever tried to convince a toddler to wear pants, you know it’s like high-stakes hostage negotiation. They have an uncanny ability to turn the simplest requests into power struggles.

Helpful Strategy: Offer choices. “Do you want the red pants or the blue pants?” This trick makes them feel in control, even though you’re still calling the shots. And if they’re adamant about wearing a cape to the grocery store? Let them. Pick your battles.

This little gal was in her element. Wanting to ride the horsey and be a kid!

3. Snacks Are Life

Never underestimate the power of snacks. A well-timed string cheese or handful of animal crackers can prevent approximately 97% of tantrums. Keep an emergency stash in your bag, your car, and every coat pocket you own.

Warning: They will still demand the snack you don’t have. It’s a law of toddler nature.

4. Sleep Is a Myth

“Sleeping like a baby” is the biggest lie you’ll ever hear. Toddlers have two modes at bedtime: falling asleep in two minutes flat or waging an hours-long bedtime battle that leaves you questioning all your life choices.

Survival Tip: Stick to a bedtime routine—even if that means reading Goodnight Moon 47 times. And when they finally doze off, take a deep breath and enjoy a moment of peace… until they wake up again.

Mom and dad interacting with their adventurous daughter. She was picking up leaves and wanted to show them what she found.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Did your toddler use the potty for the first time? Ate a vegetable? Managed to go five minutes without yelling, “NO!”? These are victories, my friend. Celebrate them. Parenting toddlers is a marathon, and every little milestone deserves a high-five (and maybe a glass of wine).

6. Find the Humor

Toddlers are unintentionally hilarious. They’ll insist on wearing swim goggles to dinner, name every stuffed animal “Bob,” and mispronounce words in ways that will have you crying from laughter. Write these moments down. They’re comedy gold, and you’ll want to remember them when they’re teenagers rolling their eyes at you.

7. Give Yourself Grace

You’re not perfect, and neither is your toddler. Some days you’ll crush it, and other days you’ll serve chicken nuggets for every meal while counting down the minutes until bedtime. That’s okay. You’re doing your best, and your toddler thinks you’re a superhero (even if they don’t always act like it).

We always need to celebrate mom and dad at the end of our sessions.

8. Remember the Magic

Yes, the toddler years are exhausting, but they’re also magical. This is the stage when your little one’s personality blossoms, their curiosity knows no bounds, and their hugs can fix even the worst day. Soak it all in—sticky kisses, endless questions, and all.

Conclusion:

Surviving the toddler years takes a mix of patience, humor, and caffeine… lots of caffeine. But through all the chaos, remember that this stage doesn’t last forever. Someday, you’ll miss their tiny voices, chubby cheeks, and even the goldfish crumbs in your carpet. Until then, cherish the moments and hang on tight. You’ve got this!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Check out our baby and toddler portfolio for birthday portraits!

South Jersey Family Photographer | Salem County NJ

Fall is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to announce that my Fall Mini Sessions are officially open! 🍂 This is easily one of my favorite times of the year. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning into those gorgeous golden hues, and everything feels just a little cozier. It’s the perfect season to capture some special moments.

Sibling family sessions are awesome. We took this at Daretown Lake in Elmer, NJ.

What to Expect

These sessions are ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting to celebrate the season! I’ll be photographing at some beautiful outdoor locations in the area. Picture a backdrop of tall grasses, vibrant fall foliage, and soft, golden light. The vibe is relaxed, easygoing, and fun. I want this to be a stress-free experience for you—just show up, enjoy the moment, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Each session lasts about 15 minutes, which is just enough time to get a variety of shots without taking up too much of your day. Whether you’re planning to update your family portraits or just want to capture the beauty of fall, these mini sessions are a great option.

Beautiful golden hour light in Salem County, NJ.

Little girl twirling and wearing dollcake couture!

Little baby wanting to go for a picnic at the lake!

Why Book a Fall Mini Session?

• Quick and easy: These sessions are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. We’ll be in and out in no time, but I’ll still capture beautiful, meaningful photos you’ll love.

• Perfect for holiday cards: Fall photos make for gorgeous holiday cards! It’s also a great opportunity to get ahead of the holiday rush and have photos ready for gifting.

• Autumn vibes: There’s nothing quite like the colors and light that fall brings, and I’ve scouted out the perfect spots to make sure your photos are full of seasonal beauty.

What Should We Wear?

Fall is the perfect time to break out the layers! Think sweaters, scarves, boots, and cozy jackets. Neutrals like beige, gray, or cream work really well, and you can add a pop of color with mustard yellows, burnt oranges, or deep reds. If you’re unsure about outfits, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help with suggestions that’ll make your photos shine.

How to Book

Spaces for these mini sessions are limited and tend to go quickly, so if you’re interested, be sure to book soon! 

Fall Mini Session Info

This is one of my favorite times of the year to capture special moments, and I would love to photograph you and your family. If you’ve been thinking about getting some new photos taken or just want to celebrate the beauty of fall, let’s make it happen. 🍁

I look forward to seeing you and creating something special together!

Unicorn Magic: A Deptford, New Jersey Photographer's Tale

As the “best” unicorn photographer in New Jersey, I've had the unique privilege of blending fantasy with reality through my lens. Today, I'm thrilled to share a tale that seems as though it's been lifted from the pages of a storybook—my magical unicorn portrait session in Southern New Jersey. This enchanting experience allows children to meet and frolic with Drifter, our very own unicorn, wear beautiful princess gowns, and immerse themselves in a magical portrait experience unlike any other.

Our June 2024 Unicorn Mini Session Launch!

The Birth of a Unicorn Portrait Session

Ever since I was little, I've been enamored with the idea of magic and fairytales, where every story promised an adventure and a glimpse into a world far beyond our own. It's this childhood wonder that inspired me to create something truly special here in Southern New Jersey—a unicorn portrait session. I envisioned a space where fantasy meets reality, a place where children could not just see but interact with a creature as mystical as a unicorn. My goal was to offer more than just a photo session; I wanted to craft an unforgettable experience that would let kids dive headfirst into their imaginations. Combining the elegance of princess gowns with the enchanting presence of a unicorn seemed like the perfect way to do this. The seed of this idea grew into a heartfelt project, aiming to bring those storybook pages to life, allowing children to star in their own fairytales. This was how our magical journey began, bringing a touch of the extraordinary into our corner of the world.

Finding Drifter, Our Magical Unicorn

In my quest to bring the realm of fairytales to life, the search for Drifter took me on an unexpected adventure. I wanted a unicorn that not only looked the part but had a heart as pure as the stories suggest. Drifter wasn't found through an ordinary search; it felt more like fate when our paths crossed. From the moment I saw him, with his graceful presence and eyes that sparkled with kindness, I knew he was the one. Preparing him for his role involved more than just adorning him with a whimsical horn; it required nurturing a bond between him and the children who would soon be in awe of his magic. His gentle nature made him a fast friend to the little ones, embodying the essence of what I had dreamed our unicorn should be. Training him was a journey of mutual trust and affection, creating the foundation for the magical encounters to come. Drifter was not just found; he was discovered, a true unicorn at heart, ready to make our fairytale sessions come alive.

Creating a Fairytale Setting in Southern New Jersey

Transforming a slice of Southern New Jersey into a realm that seems borrowed from a cherished storybook took imagination, dedication, and, yes, a sprinkle of magic on my part. I sought out spots that already whispered tales of their own, where the light danced through the trees just right and the air felt filled with enchantment. Enhancing these natural backdrops with delicate touches—like winding vines, ethereal floral arrangements, and the soft glow of lanterns—helped to conjure a scene straight from a fairytale. Each decoration was selected with the goal of transporting the children and their families into a world where unicorns roam and princesses play. The beauty of our local landscapes provided the perfect canvas, but it was the small, magical additions that truly brought our fairytale setting to life. It’s in these carefully crafted scenes that the magic of our unicorn portrait sessions unfolds, creating a gateway to a world of wonder right here in Southern New Jersey.

Our last Fall Unicorn Mini Session!

The Enchantment of Dressing Up

The moment the little ones step into our selection of princess gowns is truly magical. It's here, in front of a myriad of colors and styles, that their transformation begins. Each child, with eyes wide in wonder, gets to choose the gown that speaks to their heart—a pivotal step into the realm of fantasy. The range we offer ensures that every child finds that perfect fit, that dream dress that makes them feel like royalty. As they slip into their chosen gowns, you can see the transformation not just in their attire but in their very essence. They stand a little taller, smile a bit brighter, and move with the grace of a storybook princess. This enchanting process is not merely about dressing up; it's about opening the door to a world where they can be anything they imagine. It sets the stage for their encounter with Drifter, allowing them to step fully into the fairytale awaiting them. This experience, watching them twirl and marvel at their own reflections, is a cherished part of the magic we create together.

Unicorn Mini Sessions are special and a real treat!

Capturing the Magic on Camera

My role in these unicorn portrait sessions goes beyond that of a mere observer; I'm tasked with the delightful challenge of immortalizing fleeting moments of enchantment. It's not merely about the technical aspects of photography—lighting, angles, or composition—but about seizing that spark of wonder in the eyes of the children as they interact with Drifter. The essence of this magic, palpable in the air, demands patience and an intuitive sense for the perfect timing. I watch, camera in hand, for those instances of unguarded joy, the spontaneous laughter, and the soft, awe-filled whispers shared with our unicorn. Capturing these moments requires a harmony between anticipation and spontaneity, a balance I've learned to perfect over time. Each click of the shutter is a testament to the bond formed between the children and Drifter, a dance of shadows and light that weaves a story of wonder. These images aim to be more than just photographs; they strive to be windows into a moment when magic was not just a concept, but a lived experience.

Love this beautiful little lady with her favorite unicorn!

The Joy in Their Eyes: Unveiling the Portraits

Unveiling the portraits to the children and their families is a moment that fills my heart each time. Watching their faces light up as they see the magic we've captured together is beyond rewarding. It's in these instances that I'm reminded of the true impact of our work. These aren't just images; they're vivid reminders of a day filled with laughter, wonder, and a touch of unicorn magic. Seeing the kids relive the joy of their fairytale adventure through the portraits, pointing out moments of joy and whispering about their time with Drifter, brings the entire experience full circle for me. It's a profound reminder of the power of imagination and the lasting joy that a single day's adventure can bring into a child's life. Witnessing the pure excitement and hearing the families express their gratitude reinforces the significance of these magical moments we create together. It's a treasure to be part of these memories, and each reveal is a new chapter in our enchanting journey.

Why This Magical Experience Matters

In a fast-paced world where the whimsy of childhood seems to slip through our fingers all too quickly, the opportunity to foster pure joy and wonder is invaluable. These unicorn portrait sessions carve out a space for kids to not only dream but to live within those dreams, if only for a moment. It's about more than just capturing smiles on camera; it's about igniting the spark of imagination that fuels a child's creativity and belief in the impossible. By offering a sanctuary where magic is real and unicorns walk beside us, we provide a rare gift: the chance to hold onto childhood wonder just a little bit longer. This experience is a reminder to us all that amidst the routine and the ordinary, there exists the extraordinary, waiting to be discovered. Through the laughter and awe-inspiring moments shared with Drifter, we're not just making memories; we're nurturing the future storytellers, dreamers, and believers of our world.

The Future of Unicorn Magic in Southern New Jersey

As I look to the future, my heart is full of anticipation for what lies ahead with our unicorn portrait sessions here in Southern New Jersey. I dream of introducing more fantastical elements that will elevate the magical experiences we offer. Imagine fairy companions, enchanted forests that come alive, and mystical spells that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The feedback and joy from families have fueled my passion and commitment to explore new ways to enchant and captivate. Each session is a step into uncharted territories of imagination, and I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what we can dream up together. The smiles, the wonder-filled eyes, and the unforgettable memories we create are the guiding stars of this journey. I'm eager to see how we can make these encounters even more magical, fostering a space where the impossible becomes tangible. The path ahead is luminous with possibilities, and I can't wait to embark on this continued adventure, crafting more spellbinding moments for the dreamers of tomorrow.

If you would like to join us for our next unicorn mini session. You may find that information here!