Bergen Family Photographers on the Rise

There are a few things that make for beautiful photographs (natural light, red eye reduction, Photoshop), but you’d be satisfied with a grease stain free family who’s being nice to each other.  For all of the above and more, we found some of the best photographers in Bergen to fit every style (and budget).  ‘Tis the season for scheduling your photo sessions.  From holiday cards to cherished prints, to gifts from the g-parents, here’s who we’ve got framed to do the right job.  So snap to it. 

Splurge Worthy

We have been touting Meg Bitton since, well, forever.  And now that celebs have gotten word of her talents (she recently shot a certain recording artist’s CD Cover) she may have to squeeze you in.  But hire Meg for a session where she will meet you on location (your house, a park, a field), let her artistic vision take over, and you will come away with a gallery of ethereal, magazine-worthy images that would please even the keenest eye.  (Meg Bitton Photography, meg@megbitton.com, $400 for an up to 2 hour session fee, print and digital prices start at $105)

Hoboken-based Hartshorn Portraiture is a go-to spot for gallery quality prints of your fam.  Meet owner/dad Mac Hartshorn at a Bergen park (Ridgewood’s Van Neste is a favorite location), or beach (the Hamptons or Jersey shore), or go climate-controlled at his luxe studio, for fun, action shots of your whole brood.  Order an exquisitely produced hand-torn watercolor print for an accent wall or a canvas for the playroom and let their design consultant assist you in selecting the perfect Italian hand¬crafted cus¬tom frame to complement your art to hang just in time for the holidays.  (Hartshorn Portraiture, 201-610-1199, from $495 for a 30 minute session, prints start at $95)

Fresh & Fun

Local mom, and expert photog Christie Adams is living her dream.  When her passion for pictures turned professional she settled into a charming studio in Ridgewood flooded with natural light.  No need to bring your own props, as she’s got tons of those (and dress up too), everything to ensure happy faces- as evidenced by her smiling subjects. (Christie Adams Photography, 201-389-3712, full session fees start at $200 for time in her natural light studio in Ridgewood or on-location, prints start at $55, mini sessions run for 20 minutes on select weekday mornings and include a minigallery plus an 11x14 portrait or 3 mini mounts for $250)

Shutterbug Andi Boffa named her photography business “Sono Bella” which means “I am beautiful” in Italian because she wants all her subjects to feel beautiful when they work with her.  Her sunny, light style is achieved by using props (like balloons, her secret weapon) to engage even the crankiest of tots.  Bonus:  she’s not afraid to schedule an extra mini session if you’re family is having an “off day”.  (Sono Bella Photography, 201-704-6443, full session fee is $175 for an on location shoot, mini sessions are $100, images start at $30)

When her hobby became a passion, Tara McGlinchey became a modern lifestyle photographer full time. Colorful happy family shots fill her gallery (and furry friends are welcome).  She offers storyboards, collages, holiday cards and for those who just can’t decide which shots to keep, a digital photobox. (Tara McGlinchey Photography, 201-654-1619, Photo sessions start at $250/hour, prints start at $45, mini sessions are offered on specific dates.)

Terrific Value

Endless magic to engage even the squirmiest of subjects make Christine Miao of Two Leaf Photography a tot-charmer (like using secret paths and doors at a recent park session).  The result: “fun, fresh and joyful” photos of your kids.  Indecisive moms will also love the one price deal, which includes the session fee and all the digital images so there’s no stress over picking favorites. (Two Leaf Photography, 201- 676-0851, Children and family sessions start at $695 for the entire package: including a 1-2 hour session, editing and retouching, online viewing gallery and CD with images and print release.)

Elise Campbell does it all.  Whoever you keep close to your heart (a newborn, a Terrier, your teenager), she will put them at ease in front of the camera, capture them in beautiful light and help you treasure that moment in time.  For October and November she is offering a no fuss holiday special.  Book an afternoon session with Elise at a Bergen park and for $175 you’ll get a 20 minute shoot, 5+ images to choose from, one digital image and 20% off of any collection/package.   Plus, because she’s a Tiny Prints affiliate, you select the image and card, and she will handle your holiday card order for you. (Elise Campbell Photography, 201-784-8482)