First Birthday Family Photos

September 04, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Family

One of my favorite things about taking family photos is choosing a location. I usually provide options, but I love when there is a place that the family feels comfortable and has had some fun memories too! (This has also been a great way for me too see so many new places!) Going to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum was an adventure (and a half!) with the Levine's. The place is surprisingly big and multidimensional so there were a lot of spaces to be creative. Lenny needed a nap halfway through but we used that as a photo opportunity too! Photographing the Levine's was a piece of birthday cake since both Mariana and Jerry were ready to have some fun with Lenny. (They also did an amazing job picking his outfit... A tie that says "1" I love it!)

It was the day after Lenny turned One and we got to celebrate with family photos.

Happy 1st Birthday Lenny!

Family Photos with the Bogerts

August 14, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Family

I first met Jeff Bogert at a Tech Meetup in Montclair and we've run into each other in town ever since. We tend to talk a lot about photography (he takes wonderful photo's of homes in the area) and it's always a pleasure to talk to him. It wasn't at all surprising that meeting his family was wonderful! Renee was absolutely delightful and the girls where helpful and cooperative – the best little models I could ask for. We spent some time at my favorite spot in Montclair, NJ: Van Vleck House and Gardens. The place feels rather fictional – from the grand old house to the paths that roam all around the large estate, it's like stepping into a chapter from The Secret Garden. We started the family photo session on the lawn and continued all around. The photo of the girls laying on the grass with their mom was featured in the Mom issue of The Digest.

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Delicious Food Photography: Hoboken & JC

August 08, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Food

Every issue of The Digest is special and unique in it's own way, but theRestaurant Guide is the shinning star of the bunch. It's the one we are most excited to work on. We really think about it all year long! Food photography is definitely a passion of mine. I love the race against time - set up and photograph it before it starts to melt/cool/thicken/drip/etc. All the photos posted on this page, except the NJ Beer Photo, were taken on location, at the restaurant they are from. No fancy tricks or fake food - what you see is what you get! (I just made sure to light and photograph it in the most flattering way.)

Get ready to drool!

Mike and Lizzy's Engagement

August 07, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Love

Mike and Lizzy are quite obviously in love! They've been together for eight years and they've still got a whole lot of 'spark.' Lizzy is a whirlwind of activity and Mike is right there with her. Their weekends are usually packed with fun new adventures - which is definitely one of my favorite things about them! In fact, Mike proposed to Lizzy on a vacation he planned for them to Niagara Falls - somewhere she had always wanted to go... The guy's got a way of making her dreams come true! Lizzy contacted me about an Engagement Session just after their return from The Falls. She was absolutely certain that the NJ State Fair was the perfect place for the photos - and I completely agree. I wanted the photos to be fun and exciting - just like them.

We met for their Engagement Photos just before golden hour on a Sunday. The fair was already in full swing!

20 Minutes with Sarah & Robbie – Mini Mommy and Me Session

July 16, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Family, Food, Love

There is no doubt that Robbie is an adventurer in the making. We met at park in Jersey City and he was out looking for new exciting things the moment his feet hit the floor. Every new discovery was quickly shared with his favorite person: mom. Even in 20 minutes it's clear that Sarah is a wonderful mother. She encourages Robbie's quick mind and keeps him busy. The two have a great symbiotic energy that was so much fun to try and capture.

“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.' I should think so — in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Cherry Blossom Festival w. The Rosarions

June 07, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Family

I've known the Rosarians since before they had their first baby boy - Zsigi, than came Viola and Balti in quick succession. Zsofie has always been an inspiration - she is the queen of DIY projects: she makes fresh yogurt, raises butterflies, her garden would impress my (very ukrainian) grandmother and her homemade Kombucha is almost addictive! Her strong belief in good food and nutrition has definitely rubbed off on me and it's obvious that Greg, her husband, loves it. The love and feelings of joy they have for their children and each other is beautiful.

We met at Essex County Branch Brook Park the Saturday before easter. The trees were in perfect bloom and it seemed that most of the County was there. We took a walk through the park and found a some cozy spots for family photos. I love how adventurous the kids were and how ready Greg and Zsofie seemed to try something fun; by the end of the shoot I was tempted to start climbing the trees too!

Mommy and Me Session at Another Man's Treasure Vintage Store

May 07, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Family, Fashion, Print

I first noticed Another Man's Vintage Store on my way to a photo shoot at La Conguita.* They had a rack out on the sidewalk and I couldn't resist perusing through on my way back to the car. The collection of different things at the shop is amazing! But I do have to admit that my favorite was the collection of jewelry.

I was ecstatic to go back to the store and take photos of Meika, who fits perfectly into her surroundings at the shop. She is sweet and stylish. Her daughter, Biba, is already showing signs of following in her mom's (rather fashionable) footsteps. Biba was insistent on picking out shoes and going through all the jewelry. The photo's were especially fun for me because it was done in the family's store and we were aloud to play with everything!

*side note about La Conguita: I highly recommend the steak and the cafe con leche. The food is authentic and delicious!

"Fashions fade, style is eternal."
— Yves Saint-Laurent

20 Minutes with Elita - Mini Maternity Session

April 04, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Uncategorized

This photo session was 21 minutes and 20 seconds - because that's all it took to capture the radiant Elita. Her photo opened the Mother and Child photo editorial in the September/October issue of The Digest. I love doing mini shoots because they need a little extra creativity. The lack of time makes it more exciting and we move from scene to scene much quicker. So for anyone that's intimidated by a long, exhausting photo session take a look at these photos that are a result of a 20 minute walk around the park.

"A grand adventure is about to begin." - Winnie the Pooh

Editorial: Karina and Zoe Bella

February 05, 2014 by Olya Bahrynivska in Family

I could not have asked for better models than Karina and Zoe Bella to show off the outfits from Anthropologie. Spending the day creating these images with them was so much fun. Zoe Bella is full of energy but Karina can (somehow) keep up with her. She was curious and ready to help with anything we needed. Zoe started really enjoying being in front of the camera when her mom changed into a white polka dotted dress. As soon as she laid eyes on the pretty dress we could tell that she wanted to look just as pretty. She kept playing with the fabric and when she hid behind it and peeked out I got my favorite image. In that moment Zoe wanted to be just like her mom: smart, charming, and beautiful.