family – True Life is Beautiful

maine lifestyle photographer

When I get a call from a friend who I absolutely adore, and she asks me to photograph her sweet little two year old, my heart just melts. This age seems so magical to me …. the wide eyes, the flailing legs, the almost smile (okay, maybe gas … ), the cute outfits, and the nursery that is almost always dressed just perfectly. Be still, oh heart!!!

I’ve known Lianna when she worked for Center for Grieving Children, when I did a lot of volunteer photography for the organization. We became fast friends, and now she is a Mom — a wonderful, attentive, nurturing, loving mom. And although I don’t know Nick very well, it’s clear he has this diaper and Dad thing down pat!

This is a wonderful age for a lifestyle session … you know, capturing those seemingly ordinary moments that when frozen in time, are really quite extraordinary. Here is Lianna, Nick and little lady Jocelyn …

Rest your head close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine.

— Baby of Mine, Tony Washington

Jane is a lifestyle and family portrait photographer covering Maine, New England, New Orleans and beyond. To remember your seemingly ordinary moments in a most extraordinary way, contact jane at jane@janeberger.com.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Event | portland maine family photographer

For the second year in a row, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in some pre-work for the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Event, taking place this Thursday (September 28) at DiMillos in this wonderful foodie city of Portland, Maine.

In a nutshell, this is a food station frenzy meets silent auction event! First, more than a dozen chefs from some of Portland’s best restaurants will offer their own culinary creation — it was so delicious last year, and will be equally as delectable this year! Who’s participating? Think Union, Sur Lie, Baharat, Honey Paw, Ice It! Bakery, Mami, Union Kitchen, RiRas and so many more!! Secondly, there is an online auction (click here to see what’s on the block and to bid NOW!) as well as a silent auction taking place at the event on Thursday night. Yours truly is donating a family lifestyle session that includes a beautiful album — great for a family night of board games and popcorn, an afternoon of baking and crafts, or your annual tree-cutting outing ending with a delicious cup of hot chocolate! These sessions are fun for all!

My assignment, and I loved every minute of it, was to make images of the participating chefs, the families, and the children — the sweet little March of Dimes miracles — to help promote the event. I had a ball!

For more information on this yummy night out, click here. Buy your ticket. Support the March of Dimes. And then eat, eat, and eat some more! In the meantime, meet some of the talented chefs, the grateful families and the beautiful little children who have directly benefited from the efforts of this organization.

Jane is a family lifestyle and portrait photographer in Maine, New England, New Orleans and beyond. Contact Jane at jane@janeberger.com to capture the ordinary moments in an extraordinary way.

family expansion | maine family photographer

Last week you saw photos of my maternity session with Val. Well, it was really HER maternity session with me. Let’s just make that one clear…. 🙂 If you missed that post, then click }here{ It’s really sweet!

Val is the sweet wife of my awesome, handsome, smart, funny, kind and loving nephew Joe. They were married seven years ago (last week to be exact…) and are now expecting their second child — a girl! — and her name is Riley. How cute is that? Riley’s big brother, Cam, was on hand for the maternity session that was also a sweet family session with some heart-stopping father and son moments. We’re at Kettle Cove, on the beach, with a sunset. *sigh*

So feast your eyes on this wonderful family who I love with all my heart! They will soon be four, and we can’t wait!!

The love in our family grows strong and deep ~

leaving us memories to treasure and keep.

Jane is a family, lifestyle and event photographer covering southern maine, new england, new orleans and beyond when the opportunity arises. For a session that stops a few moments in time, email jane at jane@janeberger.com.

portland, maine family lifestyle photographer | ferry to peaks island on a summer afternoon

The leaves are falling from the trees and there’s a chill is in the air. That makes this a perfect time to take a walk down memory lane, to a time when the air was warmer and the closet was full of open-toed sandals. *sigh*

But first, I first met these folks several years ago when I was photographing their home to sell. They were warm and engaging, and I knew almost immediately that I’d love to hang out with them, get to know them a little better, and photograph this beautiful family.

So we planned a short trip, stayed local, and had great fun while I was able to capture this sweet family’s love, laughter, and spirited personalities!

The afternoon was warm and cheery — perfect for a ferry ride out to Peaks Island. We boarded the ferry (Casco Bay Ferry Lines) and began our mini adventure!

It really was such a pretty day for a ferry ride on Casco Bay!

Our first stop was the ice cream shop on the corner and we were in a hurry because, really, who doesn’t LOVE ice cream??

We grabbed a handful of bubble gum for later use and took a stroll down the street of this quaint, beautiful Maine island.

And for the rest of the time, we just played, explored, and had fun! Are these kids gorgeous or what?

This was such a fun few hours. I especially love the candids that captures their closeness, joy and love!

Family is not an important thing … it’s everything.

–michael j. fox

jane is a lifestyle photographer who delights in capturing the connections between people who love. Contact jane at 207-730-1894 for more information.

Saco, Maine | Bayview Beach Family Photo Session

a beachy morning

For those of you who have sessions with me, you know that it is a necessity to work the session around the best light. That typically means either early morning or early evening into dusk when the sun is at a slant, providing the most glorious and flattering glow. Most people choose the early evening option … not that I blame them! But not this family! And I love it! This is the second time I’ve photographed this family in as many years, and both times were early morning sessions. This was so great for so many reasons ….. the light, as I mentioned above, is just lovely, and we had the beach virtually to ourselves except for a few other early morning beach lovers. We had the opportunity to run around, play, have fun, and capture some really great moments. The boys have grown for sure, but still have the same handsome smiles I remembered. They were full of energy, a little mischievous, and full of love for each other. I mean, look at their happy faces!

We were done by 8:00 a.m. So I snuck back for a few minutes of solitude. Breathe in. Breathe out. Aaaaahhhhhh.

new hampshire family session | fun in the woods

beautiful family of 3

I had the pleasure of meeting these folks last month and photographing their sweet little family. We made this session a lifestyle session to capture them doing what they do as a family … read, play, laugh, hug and love. Max is 6 months old and a real cutie pie. His personality matched his bright yellow shoes perfectly — all happiness and sunshine — and they both look great in pictures! Clearly this is a family who love, who enjoy each other and like to make each other happy. I love that kind of a family!

What a nice time at Mines Falls in Nashua, NH, we had! It was hot, but the shade of the woods kept us comfy and cool. It was a pleasure to spend time with this family!

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life. –Albert Einstein

jane is a family portrait and lifestyle photographer who specializes in capturing the connections between people who love.

To schedule your own family session, call jane at 207-730-1894.

Nashua, NH Family Photographer, a walk in the park

walking, reading, running and loving

Last month I made the trip to Mines Falls in Nashua, New Hampshire, to photograph two families. This first family I just adore. I’ve known the Daddy for a very long time, and I’ve been photographing his family since he had his first child, almost 5 years ago. It’s been so wonderful to watch them grow as a family, now with two children (a girl and a boy, in that order!). This is our first time venturing into the woods for a semi-lifestyle session with lots of candids and a few posed portraits too.

Stella (don’t you just love her name?) is a real girly girl. She’s all sugar and spice and is a true delight! And Sam is a great little guy who loves running and playing, and although he may sometimes be reluctant to show it, loves his big sister too!

What a fun time we had! I love knowing that I’ll be seeing them again and have the chance to watch them grow!

Our path may change as life goes along, but our bond will remain forever strong.

Jane is a family and lifestyle photographer covering Southern Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

yarmouth, maine family photographer | a special celebration

turning 90 and surrounded by love

I met this woman years ago at a Seadogs baseball game that was also a fundraising event for ALS. From the first time we said hello, I really really liked her. You know how that happens … that instant connection and that instant fondness. I photographed a family wedding for her not too long after we met, and as the years went by, every now and again we’d touch base. This last time we communicated it was about photographing her and her extended family in celebration of her sweet mother’s 90th birthday. 90!! How wonderful is that??? The party would be held on the fourth of July in her mom’s backyard.

everyone wanted a picture with the birthday girl!

caught with his hand in the popcorn bowl... — caught with his hand in the popcorn bowl…

It was a delight to spend an hour with these folks and be a part of a very special birthday for a very lovely lady.

The advantage of being 90 is that there are a lot of people to love.

Jane is a family and event photographer covering maine, new england and beyond.

Contact Jane to schedule your family session.

Maine wedding & lifestyle photographer

Starting over again … or, if you build it, they will come.

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching over the past several months in both my personal daily living and my professional photography business. I’ll save my personal tidbits for another time. Right now, I’m thrilled to share with you where I’m taking my photography business and why.

First, let me tell you that I love … I mean really LOVE … going through life with a camera in my hand. It allows me to step back and truly watch what goes on around me. People, animals, events, nature — I find them all fascinating, and I’m thankful that I have a way of capturing the moments as they unfold in a way that tells the underlying story. This thrills me!

So while my business has always been a business that I love, I’ve decided to hone in on what speaks to me and focus on what truly feeds my soul, and know that this will make my business a very happy business for me and make for very happy client experiences for you.

I know this is cliche. I know it but I just can’t help it … I love love. There — I said it. And happiness. And fun. And emotions. And affection. (And hugs … oh, I love hugs!) And then I go back to love. So I will be focusing on all that and especially the connections between people — including couples, siblings, friends, family, parent/child — you know … people who share, people who connect and people who love. Melts my heart…..

Weddings

For me, this means small intimate gatherings that can include elopements, vow renewals, engagement sessions, proposals, small weddings, fun little gatherings and intimate celebrations. My perfect couple wants to share their experience with those who are closest to them, and they adore the relationships with the people they love the most. Click here to see more about my wedding packages.

maine_portrait_photographer_0002 — a flower girl’s dream

Lifestyle Stories

Portrait-wise, you’ll hear me talk about lifestyle stories. These sessions are designed to capture the seemingly ordinary moments in your everyday life in a very extraordinary way. I love these sessions — they are so real, so true and so fun! Learn more about these here.

massachusetts_lifestyle_photographer-1062 — family joy

massachusetts_lifestyle_photographer-1064 — i feel like dancin’

“Follow what you love and it will take you where you want to go.”

-Natalie Goldberg

That’s exactly what I intend to do. I invite you to come along for the ride!

#truelifeisbeautiful