Hi, I’m Shirly
I’m a mom, a photographer, and a firm believer that the best family photos don’t come from perfect outfits or perfectly behaved kids. They come from an unhurried hour, good light, and room to be yourselves.
I live in Edgewater, New Jersey, with my family, and I’m building a portfolio of family and couples photographs all around Northern New Jersey and New York City: Edgewater, Fort Lee, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, New York City and everywhere in between.
My philosophy: simple and light
Simple, one beautiful location, easy guidance, no complicated poses or props. And right now, no booking, no packages, no pressure, this is a portfolio I’m building, one honest photograph at a time.
Light, I shoot in soft, natural light, usually in the hour before sunset, and I keep my practice shoots light-hearted. Kids can run. Parents can relax. That’s when the real photos happen.
As a mom myself, I know how fast this season goes, and how rare it is to be in the photos instead of taking them. This portfolio is my way of practicing exactly that.
Is Shirly booking sessions right now?
No, Shirly is currently building a portfolio, not running a booking business. This site is where she gathers the work she is making while she learns and practices. The portfolio comes first.
What does she photograph?
Two portfolios, slowly and carefully: family photography, golden-hour, unhurried, kids being themselves, and couples photography: natural, romantic, unposed. Each practice shoot is reviewed and edited by hand, and only the strongest frames make it onto these pages.
Where does she practice?
Mostly outdoors around Edgewater, Fort Lee, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, New York City, the Hudson River waterfront, local parks, and favorite city corners, usually in the hour before sunset when the light is softest.