Pamira Bezmen Photography: Blog

Happy Easter, Happy Spring | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 16:42:21 GMT

Happy Easter, Passover, Naw Ruz, Holi, Songkran, and Happy Spring!

As Mother Earth awakens and the sun shines brighter, I hope you embrace your loved ones and life with renewed joy, peace, and excitement.

May the new season bring to you all the joys you desire and more...

Love and blessings,
- Pamira

Considering a custom photo-shoot?

Let's Talk!

[email protected]
862-812-2313

Gratitude and Complimentary Photo-Shoot Gift When You Book NOW | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 21:22:13 GMT

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I feel blessed to be a photographer. To have a studio. To have the luxury of having a dream, or a visual in my mind, and then putting it into a plan to execute, with the right lighting, the accessories, the posing, and post processing...

This year has been hard for many of us. We have been forced to set aside our normal lives, our passions, our connections and relationships, even our livelihood. We have had to adjust and refocus. We became creative and resourceful and smart in new ways.

I feel blessed that despite all the challenges, I have the life that I have. And that I have my studio, and my camera, and my clients, family and friends who trust me with their memories.

I feel blessed that I am able to dress up and go to my studio to make myself new head-shots, and do a photo shoot for my own family, capturing memories to be seen many years later... That I can do all this for others...

I am grateful. Every single day.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Being in my life. Being my clients, friends, and family.

Life is not about always agreeing with everyone, but to me, life is about love. So much love that even disagreements don't matter. And in the long term, all that will be left are memories and photographs. What we leave for our children. That is why I do what I do. So that when all that we say and do is gone, the masterpieces we've created out of love have been captured and documented, so that our children, and their children, know what we were about - love and light...

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We just wrapped up our annual family photo-shoot, and this is what I'm putting together for my family as a holiday gift to ourselves... So that when we look back at the year 2020, my children don't just remember being locked up in the home weeks on end, the uncertainty of the times, and the feeling of lack, but that we remained strong, loving and beautiful, that we stuck together and that we persevered. That 2020 was a difficult year, but they still had a beautiful childhood full of love and care under the unconditional love and security of their doting parents...

Perla white gold mat 28x28, 7x7 9-up

I was thinking about how many more families need exactly THIS right now.

So, I will offer it up to all my clients, friends and family. If you are interested in a similar experience, all you need to do is to call me at 862-812-2313 or send me an e-mail.

Here is my offer:

Book a family photo-shoot for $550 in the comfort and privacy of my studio (in Essex County), and you will get a fully complimentary second photo-shoot to use towards head-shots or glamour (or a mix of both) on the same day or another day.

That is a $550 value - yours, no strings attached, and completely my gift to you.

Because I know how hard this year has been. And maybe you need some fresh head-shots to revive your business. Or maybe you need to get some head-shots to feel sexy or handsome again, and feel like the hot-shot that you really were - that you still are!

You can use this gift towards personal fun photos or glamour for photos like this one:

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or use it towards business-related head-shots like this one:

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Or you can just gift the second session to your significant other, your mom, dad, or another loved one... Your choice.

I will even gift wrap the certificate and put it in a gorgeous box for you to give it as a gift.

(You can use it as a holiday gift. The certificate can be redeemed any time within 1 year from date of purchase.)

If you prefer, you can gift the family session to a loved one and keep the personal shoot for yourself.

The possibilities are endless...

Booking fee: $550. Includes an all-inclusive custom photo-shoot in the studio, styling, professional retouching and $300 towards professional prints of your choice.

You can pre-purchase a 28"x28" custom framed wall art like the unique mother of pearl frame shown above for an additional $600.

Or we can create your own print collection in any size after you see your gallery. You can pick from a selection of award winning fine art prints, canvas gallery wraps, float wraps, albums, or framed products.

There will be no purchase button on this offer because space is limited and it will be first come, first served.

If you are interested, please shoot me an e-mail and let's talk!

You can always book any type of session you want, but this offer is only valid until December 13, 2020.

So hurry up before you get wrapped up in your other projects and forget! I am just an e-mail away.

Love and blessings, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

- Pamira

fine print:

* The complimentary photo-shoot offer does not include any free products. It cannot be refunded for cash value.

* Pamira Bezmen Photography is a health-conscience and natural establishment, reflecting our own family values and priorities. The grounds and materials are organically cleaned with non-toxic cleaners and we do not book multiple clients on the same day. Due to the very limited foot traffic on premises, we do not expect clients to submit to any additional safety or hygiene measures beyond common sense measures. We do not hold any sessions when any of the parties is not healthy. We reschedule at no additional cost.

* We offer award-winning fantastic print products that will make you smile for a lifetime and then still shine on for generations. Prices start from $150. We customize everything to your taste, space, and budget for no additional fee.

* Due to the very customized nature of our services and products, purchases must be paid for before services and products can be rendered.

* We are not a "digital file studio". We pour our heart out to make memories that you will print and enjoy on your walls, in frames or in an album. Digital products are available to clients who have ordered professional prints.

Happy 4th of July | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 16:02:44 GMT

Independence and freedom never go out of style. I hope you are all enjoying your 4th of July with your loved ones, living and imagining life to its fullest, against all odds.

Love,

-Pamira

NCPE Spring Fundraiser Fashion Show | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 19:20:45 GMT

Pamira Bezmen Photography

I jumped for joy when North Caldwell neighbor and master organizer Carla Flynn asked me to photograph this year’s annual fundraiser for the North Caldwell Partnership for Education (NCPE). Ask a photographer if she wants to picture 54 adorable kiddos and their doting teachers on the runway to raise money for the local schools - and then count how many seconds it takes for her to start packing her camera bag!

This year’s fundraiser was a fashion show, held on March 5^th, at the Montclair University Conference Center, at University Hall, in support of Grandview School (Pre-K-3) and Gould School (4-6). The children and guests had a fabulous time and made lovely memories while raising funds for our schools.

NCPE’s amazing team of dedicated parent and teacher volunteers executed the evening seamlessly. The children arrived at the beautiful Montclair State University Campus on a chilly but sunny afternoon for their early dinner and dress rehearsal, while NCPE team, parents and teachers helped get the children ready and the event hall perfected for the main event.

The models showed off comfy and joyful spring and summer collections by Pixielane JKK and A Spirit Animal. The theme for the show was “Kindness is Always in Style!”, and the Master of Ceremony Ms. Doyen read a personal quote by each of the models on kindness as they walked the runway while DJ Soni filled our ears with a musical feast.

I asked Carla for her take on the evening:

“The fashion show was absolutely amazing! The children radiated such joy and happiness that it filled the whole room. They worked really hard and were absolutely on point when it came to showing off their stuff! The entire community including many, many wonderful volunteers came together to make this event a success, truly showing that “Kindness is Always in Style!”

“This theme was chosen because we wanted to have a uniting message that kindness, friendship and understanding are truly important in society today. Many children are being taught these values at school as a means to stress social emotional learning and we wanted to perpetuate that message loudly into the community.”

The event had the highest participation in years from educators from the district schools. About 30 teachers joined us, as well as Superintendent Dr. Linda Freda, and Principals Dr. Mike Stefanelli (Grandview) and Mr. Chris Checchetto (Gould).

And may I add, they also rocked the runway, too, in style!

Mr. Checchetto said

"It was such an amazing event and just shows that our school community is second to none".

And Dr. Stefanelli added

“The NCPE coordinated another wonderfully successful event for the community and it was obvious that the students thoroughly enjoyed modeling the clothes".

Dr. Freda was equally appreciative of all the efforts, and celebrated the success of the evening saying

“The fashion show was another successful fundraising event for the NCPE. It was fun watching our students showing so much confidence and personality as they walked the runway. We greatly appreciate all that the NCPE does to support our schools”.

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Thank you to everyone who made this event possible! And special thanks to all the donors, vendors and sponsors, including Pixielane JKK, A Spirit Animal, DJ Soni Seehra, Pamira Bezmen Photography, All Jersey Title LLC, Thinsters, Parm Crisps, Shoprite, Premio Foods, Haddad Plumbing, House of Hawley Realty, Brach Eichler, Rampineli Team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Jacobson Professional Insurance Marbro Inc, Sponzilli Landscaping, Willowbrook Animal Clinic, Curcio, Mirzaian, Sirot LLC, Colacurcio Wellness, Andrea’s Festive Flair, Dasilva Law, Cloverleaf Tavern, IB Hair Studio, Rosen Affiliates LLC, Honey’s Kitchen, JH Paper Company, Jag Physical Theraphy, Tony D’s Pizza, Jola Coffee; in addition to the generous support of Families Galvin, Filosa, Atlas, Daly, Opper, Lefton, Cordovano, Dolnik-Colacurcio, Cap Gatch, Zurlo, Curcio, Wang, Cordovano, Chen, Stroever, and Rosen.

NCPE will continue to accept donations. If you would like to support our local elementary schools, please consider sending an e-mail with your intent to: [email protected]

This article and my original images were published in the April 2020 issue of North Caldwell Magazine.

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West Essex First Aid Squad | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 19:08:10 GMT

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It is my honor to present to you this month’s cover story on The West Essex First Squad, especially at a time when their services and support are invaluable to our community above and beyond regular times, due to their increased work-load, in response to Covid-19. I was hosted at the squad building on Bloomfield Avenue, originally built by volunteer squad members, by our resident volunteer Luke Pryor (Crew Chief, EMT), who introduced me to Captain David Black, President Peter Nancoz, and organized our photo shoot with the evening shift.

We were joined by Jeff Sutherlin (Sr. Night Lieutenant, EMT), Matthew Adams (EF resident), Patrick Nancoz (EMT), Julia Adamowicz (NC resident), Thomas Salandra (Crew Chief), Kara Nancoz (Crew Chief, EMT), Caroline Murnane (EMT, NC resident), Meghan Malagiere (EMT), and Tyler Romaine.

The West Essex First Aid Squad (WEFAS) is an all-volunteer organization providing emergency medical services (EMS) and light rescue services to the New Jersey municipalities of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and West Caldwell. WEFAS is also a member of the NJ EMS Task Force. These services are provided at no cost to the residents.

WEFAS members are NJ certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The volunteer members donate over 8,000 man-hours of their time annually responding to calls, in addition to time they put in for training and practice.

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They are able to do all this because of the generous donations of time and money from the community. Approximately 80% of the costs of providing first aid services comes from direct donations from the residents and businesses of our communities while 14% comes from municipal government donations.

Meeting the Squad members and speaking with them about their protocols, equipment, shifts, and care they provide was an impressive experience for me. These volunteers are truly unique individuals who have love and a desire to serve at the core of their hearts. They dedicate themselves over 100% to the Squad, so much so that many of them end up at the Squad building even when it’s not their shift, including on special holidays and their own birthdays. Their dedication is beyond commendable.

Volunteers can join the training program once they are 16 years old, and they can grow through the ranks as they gain more experience, training and certifications. It is quite impressive that once dedicated to the squad, many volunteers stay with it, and serve for many years. Some are 2nd generation, and some have more than one parent who served in the Squad. With so many hours spent at the squad building, preparing, training, and responding to calls, it is no coincidence that volunteers develop deep and meaningful friendships with each other, and become family. Spending the early part of the evening with them, it was easy to see their comradery, trusting and honest communication and devotion.

The Squad has close to 100 members, of various ages and diverse backgrounds, with one common passion: Service!

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Captain David Black says:

“I am required to take additional training and classes as well as recertify every three years. I have a local accounting practice and am able to carve out time to volunteer a 12-hour shift once a week and an additional 12-hour weekend shift once a month. You may ask why I would do all this without being compensated, and I will tell you that for me, there is no greater gift than the gift of service. I have been fortunate in my life and live in a beautiful community. This is my way to show gratitude and to utilize the skills I have learned, whether it is holding the hand of a patient, bandaging a child or saving a life. I volunteer with other members of WEFAS who have become my close friends. Whether you join at 16 years old or 46 years old, age does not matter. We have become one family that values service to the community in a place that we call home.”

If you wish to donate and support WEFAS, there is no better time than now! Your support will go a long way and come back to serve our community!

If you might be interested in volunteering as a Squad member, they are always open to new recruits. Let your heart be your guide if this kind of selfless service is for you, and if the answer is yes, give them a call.

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Remember, for a true medical emergency, do not directly call the squad - always call 911, who will direct you as necessary.

To get more information about the WEFAS and donations, please go to https://westessexfas.org.

Thank you WEFAS! We are grateful for all that you do every single day and night and for keeping a watch over our community during the greatest times of need!

This article and my original photos have been published in the Essex Fells Magazine and North Caldwell Magazine in their spring and summer 2020 issues.

Squad Photo:

Top row left to Right

Jeff Sutherlin- Senior Night Lieutenant, EMT

Mathew Adams- Essex Fells Resident

Patrick Nancoz- EMT

Julia Adamowicz, North Caldwell Resident

Peter Nancoz- President, Lieutenant EMT

Thomas Salandra- Crew Chief, EMT

Bottom Row Left to Right

Luke Pryor Crew Chief, EMT Essex Fells Resident

Kara Nancoz, Crew Chief, EMT

Caroline Murnane, EMT North Caldwell Resident

Happy Father's Day! | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 18:29:19 GMT

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads in our lives and those who are no longer with us. Their legacy lives on...

Whether you're celebrating under quarantine with your closest ones or you've thrown off the masks and taken it to the town for a big party, you deserve all the celebration. For everything you do every day. For the balance, strength, perseverance, hard work, and love you bring to the world.

Thank you to all our dads from the bottom of our hearts...

Love,

-Pamira

Happy Mothers' Day | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 09 May 2020 23:11:35 GMT

To all the magical moms out there, who pull unicorns out of their hats every day, under the hardest conditions and against all odds! Sending you love, respect, and appreciation!

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!!!

Love,

Pamira

Even though we have some limitations, we can still capture memories.
I continue to offer safe photo shoots to my clients, on your front porch, in your back-yard, or in nature. If you wish to capture special memories during this time, you don't have to miss out.

Happy Easter, Different times, same love | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 18:30:13 GMT

Dear Friends,

It is the first time in our life-times that the whole world is experiencing a different spring all at once. As we crave the old normality of our lives, we have been equalized and naturalized beyond our wildest dreams virtually overnight.

I wish you all much love, strength and peace during this time, which I know is hard for many. I remain hopeful and trusting that out of the deepest darkness, unknown and challenges rise the greatest light, truth, and strength.

Happy Easter, Passover, and Ramadan!!!

With much love,
- Pamira

As we modify the way the interact with each other, make and capture memories, I am offering safe-distance photo shoots to my clients, on your front porch, in your back-yard, or in nature. If you wish to capture special memories during this time, you don't have to miss out. Inquire here.

The Astorino Financial Group | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:46:41 GMT

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to The Astorino Financial Group and share some images from our corporate branding photo-shoot. Meeting Frank has been one of the greatest gifts of 2019 for me, and I am excited to share with you what I’ve learned from him about financial planning and why every single one of us needs to be thinking about working with a professional who is not only experienced and has proven to stand the test of time, but also possesses the humanity to treat us as the unique individuals that we are.

Chances are, many of you already know Frank and his family, as he grew up in Essex Fells, being one of the 8 Astorino children. He and his wife Debbie moved next-door to North Caldwell when they had their triplets. Frank has been an integral part of the community ever since, active in philanthropy, education, and as a Councilman.

Frank’s passion for financial planning and his love of people came together under one umbrella when he opened his own practice in 1986. His motto has always been and still is: Putting Clients First.

The Astorino Financial Group offers highly personalized wealth management, financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, philanthropic strategies, longevity planning, divorce transition services, college planning, employee benefits, and more. But what makes The Astorino Financial Group significantly distinguished in the industry is not what they do, but how they do it. Before they even start talking about your financials, Frank and his team seriously care about WHO YOU are.

Every relationship begins with understanding your passions, your life-style, how you live today and how you want to be living into the future. Your priorities, family structure, age, health, and expectations from life play into what kind of financial plan they recommend to you. The team at The Astorino Financial Group walks you through the scenarios, why and how they may work for you, and what you need to know to make an informed decision about your investments. Educating clients so that they feel empowered in their choices is an integral part of what they do.

Many clients choose to work with The Astorino Financial Group year after year, and some have stayed with the group for 3, even 4 generations. The Astorino Group is proud to be chosen to serve these clients over the long term.

The Astorino Financial Group employs a diverse group of professionals who span a wide knowledge and experience base, from corporate executives to retirement, estate-planning to women-centric advice that is specific to women investors and longevity.

While The Astorino Financial Group uses complex, state-of-the-art technology to help clients attain their financial goals, they also offer a full arsenal of easy-to-use modern tools that clients can use on their own on a daily basis to get their financials under control and to improve their own understanding of their habits. With all their financial assets, liabilities and investments at their finger-tips, Astorino clients are able to get a thorough understanding of where they are relative to their goals, and what adjustments are necessary. As a result, clients and Astorino advisors work as a team, focused on the same goals.

Frank’s advice for clients is to:

Take the time to interview your potential financial advisor to ensure that their philosophies and value proposition match your values and priorities
Prioritize your time to be with your family and pursue your life’s passions.
Delegate managing money to a capable professional who understands your values and whom you trust.

If you are ready to get professional advice on wealth management, you can find The Astorino Financial Group at www.astorinofinancialgroup.com or [email protected], on Facebook at @Astorino Financial Group, or call them at (973) 575-1403.

The original article and a selection of images from our photo shoot were published in the March 2020 issue of the Essex Fells Magazine.

Daly Family | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 20:03:01 GMT

The first time I spoke with Jenny on the phone to begin planning our photo shoot, it was a series of excited "yes, I know"s and "yes, exactly!!!"s and more of "yes, that's so true!"s back and forth. It was clearly just one of those times we were destined to come into each other's lives, and this photo shoot was just the right excuse to make it happen!

The Daly Family call themselves "The Daly Bunch", in a humorous way, after The Brady Bunch. Both Scott and Jenny have their first daughters Amelia and Ava, and Emily, respectively, from their previous marriages, and they decided to unite their lives under one roof, joined by their mutual babies Abigail and Scott Jr., adored by all their elder sisters.

I met The Dalys in their North Caldwell home, at the end of a lovely cul de sac. As soon as the door opened, I felt a rush of bubbly energy, love and joy wash over me! I am an energy-feeler and an empath, and I have a tendency to immediately read the energy in a space. It fills my heart with joy when this level of positivity comes over me, and I just wanted to throw my camera on the floor and hug everyone! LOL! If you know me, you are probably visualizing this scene, because I actually did some of that - it was before the coronavirus social distancing times, so we were all cool with that :)

This beautiful family is a modern family, where Jenny proudly wears the skirt to bring in the bread as a Vice President of Wealth Management and Financial Advisor at Janny Montgomery Scott LLC, and Scott proudly wears the pants running the household, taking care of the kids and attending to their education and activities as their stay at home father. Clearly it takes a strong level of mutual trust, respect and self confidence for any family to step outside of the "typical" roles, and it's easy to see why Jenny and Scott are so good at it. These two love-birds have known each other forever, and developed a deep friendship before anything else. They shared with me their photo albums from their teenage years, and I got to photograph them holding their first ever picture together in their hands, now adorned by their wedding bands. I can't think of too many scenes more meaningful to a loving couple than this - history, longevity, friendship, commitment, endurance, all in one little photo.

The kids are an absolute bundle of joy, each one sweet, kind and special. The little ones are bursting with such bomb-like energy, you have to know them to appreciate the personalities! They all share a special bond and care for each other immensely.

My day with The Daly Bunch was absolute joy and fun. Getting to know them, hearing their stories, feeling their love just warmed my heart, and I am honored and blessed to meet them, as I look forward to many more years of friendship and making memories together.

If you get to see them around town, say hello! And if you're searching for an experienced financial advisor to help you navigate through your finances, help you organize and simplify your life by streamlining your finances, you can find Jenny at [email protected] or call her at 201.883.5615. Her clients adore her and I am sure it's for al the good reasons.

Some of the photographs from our photo shoot were published in the March 2020 issue of the North Caldwell Magazine, where The Daly Family was the cover family of the same issue, accompanied by an article written by NC resident Kat Krannich.

Pamira Bezmen Photography Earns Bronze Medals at 2020 Portrait Masters Awards

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:55:16 GMT

I am excited to share my 14 images that were awarded Bronze Medals at the 2020 Portrait Masters Awards. Thank you to all my friends, family, and clients who continue to support, trust and love me and give me the enthusiasm and the energy to keep on trying to better myself.

It is very humbling seeing all the talented artists and their work in these competitions, and it is nerve-racking to allow your work to be criticized, scored and torn apart. It Is very exciting to get good scores, but a nagging voice inside always asks what happened to the other 1 point or 5 points or 7 points that I would have loved but did not get ...

It is a constant process of evolution and growth, and I could not be more humbled or more grateful.

Thank you for everything! Thank you for allowing me to photograph you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family's memories. Thank you for allowing me to be the strategic partner behind your business imagery. Thank you for letting me fix your hair, skirt, tie, and ruffles until we get the perfect shot. Thank you for letting me place your precious babies into buckets and flower pots. Thank you for your patience while I position, pose, and repose all family members, business associates, pets, flower pots and accessories until we get the image we need. Thank you for bearing the heat and the cold, the wind and the sleet when the photo-shoot calls for it. Thank you for letting me do all that I do. THANK YOU! <3 <3 <3

Here is my award-winning case that I submitted to the Portrait Masters. I hope you enjoy looking through :)

Love,

-Pamira

All images Copyright Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography.

Leprechauns are not the only magical creatures | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 18:28:52 GMT

Leprechauns are not the only magical creatures!

I know it can be hard to focus sometimes in the midst of health scares, global economic concerns, with every news station yelling in our ears on the impending dooms day that is approaching... And by all means, we need to stay smart, open eyed and take precautions to the best of our ability to protect our loved ones and our community.

But once we have done the best that we can do, we need to detach and have hope and faith. That is when we need to focus on all the beauty and joy that is here, right now. If it is your children, your spouse, your pets, your home, or sunshine filling into your bedroom in the morning, or a new petal growing on your kitchen plant... Focus on it.

Focus on it deeply, feel its magic, feel its power, and be grateful.

Because life is only meaningful as long as we are able to feel the magic.

With only a few days to go before St. Patrick's Day, schools closing and stores running out of toilet paper, let's all take the weekend off from being sad and scared, and let's all renew our souls and hearts with all the magic currently in our lives.

Let's renew our hearts so that if the going gets tougher later on, we will have our reserves full and ready to keep going. Grab your kids and go for a walk in the woods. Get out to the back-yard to run around with them. Take your camera or cell phone and snap a few pictures of someone or something that makes you happy.

Sending you all much love. Please stay happy, hopeful and healthy. Wash your hands often, eat well, rest well, and stay away from sick people and stress.

PS: A quick note for anyone who is considering a photo-shoot in the coming days/weeks:

As usual, we take great care that the studio and all supplies, outfits and accessories are cleaned and sanitized appropriately. We never book multiple sessions back-to-back, everything that will come into contact with children, especially babies, is pre-washed with non-toxic materials. I wash my hands thoroughly before every photo shoot, and sanitize several times during a newborn photo-shoot. All hard surfaces are also sanitized.

I never show up sick at a photo-shoot or if I have symptoms that can be contagious.

This is just normal business here, as I care for your family like I do for my own, so that you can enjoy your photo-shoot and make memories without other worries.

With much love,

-Pamira

#pamirabezmen #pamirabezmenphotography #capturethemagicoftheirchildhood #staycalm #focusonlove #hope #stpatricksday #njfamilyphotographers #covid19

Wormser Family Cover Story | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:36:08 GMT

Recently I photographed the adorable Wormser Family for the February Cover Story of North Caldwell Magazine. They welcomed me to their beautiful, light and airy home, sparkling with daylight throughout the grand room, floor to ceiling. Fresh with modern art and minimalistic when it comes to decorations, the Wormsers have imagined and designed their home to reflect their personality: Loving, fun and easy-going.

My heart melts when I hit it off with the family I'm photographing, and it was no different with the Wormsers. We picked the grand room for the family cover photo, and then Marni and Cooper hosted me in their rooms for some play-time. Marni enjoyed a private make-up session with Scott, and Cooper and Danielle did story time.

Oh these two!!! Speak of a-do-ra-ble!!!!

Scott and his brother Evan are the third generation at their family business, Wormser Corporation, located in Engelwood, NJ, a global supplier for cosmetics and beauty packaging. The Wormsers belong to the Congregation Agudath Isreal, where Danielle is on the board of the Early Childhood Center, and Marni and Cooper are also enrolled.

Scott also shared with me his story about how he got involved in Project Purple, a charity in search for a cure for pancreatic cancer. He has run many races to raise awareness and funds for the organization, in honor of his late grandmother who lost the battle to this disease. I have no doubt that she is fondly smiling down at him and giving him wings in all his races.

It was fantastic meeting the Wormsers and getting to know them. Their lovely story came out just in time for Valentine's Day in North Caldwell Magazine, written by dear Kat Krannich. Could not have been better timing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

-Pamira

Banshee + Co Hairdressing & LaRosa Family | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:50:02 GMT

I went to Banshee + co. Harrdressing on a rainy fall day to photograph the beautiful salon and the lovely LaRosa Family. We had a wonderful photo shoot and chit-chatted about natural products, avoiding toxins in our every day lives, healthy living, and caring for our clients like they are family. All things dear to my heart... I'd love to share some of the photos with you and also inform you about a community event coming up on March, 14 2020 organized by Verona Together, in honor of Team Mighty Micco, to raise funds for Alagille Syndrome (a rare childhood disease that Micco has). Read on and join in...

Meet Banshee + co. Hairdressing, located at 396 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell. I’d like to start by saying that what immediately struck me first about this lovely hair salon is the fact that it’s truly a family affair. Catrina, owner and master stylist, has brought her almost 20 years of experience into the salon without compromising an ounce of the personal touch and intimate attention that each client gets. Her husband Mike, although a real estate agent himself (Realtor One Group), dedicates considerable time and support to the salon, personally handling a lot of details from the logo design to marketing and business decisions. Their precious boys Leo (6) and Micco (4) are always visiting, and the staff, currently Olivia and Stephaney, are like family who make you feel welcome and cared for in a down to earth, casual and comfortable ambiance.

Catrina was born and raised in Bellville, NJ and always had a love of arts.

She studied Interior Design before deciding to pursue her passion of Hairdressing. She is an alumna of Artistic Academy and has continued her education at Wella Studios NYC, Goldwell, and her personal favorite Vidal Sassoon just to name a few.

She’s had the opportunity over the years to hone her craft in a few different salons. For the past 10 years she found her home at Shag86, where she fully developed her own signature style of hairdressing, thanks to all the mentors she has meet along the way.

This is how Catrina defines her salon and what makes them stand out from others:

“We are a full-service American hairdressing salon, which was founded on integrity and a promise of providing a quality experience for all of our guests. We really try to offer the clients a calm and relaxing environment they can come to get their hair done and leave feeling refreshed. We like to offer hair care and hair products that are made from naturally derived ingredients. We are environmentally conscious; we recycle and conserve as much as possible; we are a certified Green Business and generate all of our power from Renewable energy sources through MPower Energy.”

Services at Banshee Hairdressing are mindfully crafted to each individual Guest. They hold their Guests’ hair to the highest integrity and take pride in the process. They are proud to offer coloring and cutting customized to your lifestyle in a relaxed atmosphere. Their promise is to have every Guest leave their doors with great energy and an even greater Mane.

Banshee + Co. believes in sustainable beauty, that's why Catrina partnered with Davines as an official Davines Concept salon! Davines haircare is made mostly with natural, biodegradable ingredients, free of sulphates and parabens, offering superior technology with ammonia-free options.

But there’s more to Banshee than a cool atmosphere and great hair! Catrina and Mike have been living in Verona for 8 years and they are strongly connected with the community.

“Our beliefs and values always come first, and we like to communicate that in business as well. We believe strongly in treating everyone with respect and caring for others especially at home and in our local community. Charity is always at the forefront for us, we regularly fundraise for local causes like the PBA, American Liver Foundation, and more specifically the Alagille Syndrome Alliance. Our youngest son, Micco was born with a rare genetic disorder called Alagille Syndrome, which directly effects his liver. Mike was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Alagille Syndrome Alliance, which is a global organization and that works directly with Families and children effected by Alagille Syndrome. We even sell Banshee coffee mugs in the salon and online, which the proceeds go directly to the Allagille Syndrome Alliance (ALGSA for short).”

Next time you need a no-fuss, custom hair experience that reflects your authentic style and spirit in a cool and relaxed environment, stop by Banshee + co. Hairdressing. They are sure to send you out feeling refreshed with a low maintenance style and multi-faceted, shimmering hair with depth and drama.

You can find Banshee + co. Hairdressing at 396 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ. 973-310-9755.

www.bansheehair.com [email protected] @banshee.hair_caldwell #BansheeHair

https://www.facebook.com/BansheeHair/

The original article I wrote for Banshee + co. Hairdressing was published in the North Caldwell Magazine in the December 2019 issue.

I am excited to be a sponsor for Verona Together's 3rd Annual Charity Cornhole Tournament in honor of Team Mighty Micco. We will be fundraising for a rare childhood disease, Alagille Syndrome. If you know my friends Mike Michael LaRosa Your Neighborhood Real Estate Expert and Catrina, Banshee + Co. Hairdressing, they are very active in the community and in raising awareness and funds for this rare disease. If you would like to come to the event on March 14, or become a sponsor, please reach out to VeronaTogether.
#VeronaTogether #AlagilleSyndrome ##TeamMightyMicco #PamiraBezmenPhotography #PamiraBezmen

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Meet Astorino Family, North Caldwell | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 23:48:36 GMT

A couple of months ago I paid a visit to the Astorino Family in their home in North Caldwell. We had a lovely photo-shoot utilizing their favorite spots inside their home, in the sunny grand room, the cozy family room, and by the piano, as well as some outdoor shots in the back-yard by the pool and the front yard backlit by the warm autumn sun. Here are some favorites from our session. I hope you enjoy the images and the article.

Many of you may already know Frank and Debbie through their community involvement via Bridge, Unico, Write on Sports, Church, or other venues, or maybe some of your children have gone to school with one of their four children Remy, Sheri, Kevin and Kerri, who are as involved in the community as their parents through programs at college, The Bridge, handicap holiday party, and church retreats. Frank is also a Councilman, bringing his positive and balanced energy to the township at a time when it's most welcome.

The Astorinos have been an active and integral part of the North Caldwell community over the past two decades.

This is how Frank reminisces about their initial move to North Caldwell:

“I lived in Essex Fells most of my life. Debbie is originally from South Orange. When we first started a family, we lived in a Cape Cod in Essex Fells. We commenced with an international adoption with the help of Lou Barretti, Phd. and the late Dr. Schlachter, who both lived in Essex Fells at the time. Remy was magic for us after being a childless couple for nine years. Shortly thereafter, adjusting with the new joy in our life, Sheri, Kevin and Kerri arrived on the same day a minute apart from one another. The rest is history.”

History it is! It’s already been 20 years since Frank and Debbie made North Caldwell their home, and during this time they watched their family grow and flourish. All four of the Astorino children are down to earth, sweet and smart, while their bond with each other is visibly strong. Frank and Debbie are rightfully proud of who each one has grown up to become.

“Remy is a beautiful, athletic, warm and friendly young woman who played state champion singles for West Essex and ultimately played for Farleigh Dickenson University in college. She currently works in child development in West Caldwell.

Sheri is currently a senior at Boston College (Frank’s alma mater). She brings joy to everyone she meets. She is intelligent, attractive, and loving. Her memory of growing up in North Caldwell is filled with gratitude.

Kevin is also a senior graduating with honors from Seton Hall University (Debbie’s alma mater) next spring. He is very personable and eager to launch his career. Kevin played varsity sports throughout his West Essex career while maintaining excellent grades and enjoying being an integral part of the family.

Kerri has brought with her beauty, artistic talent and flare for entrepreneurism. She runs her own side business while maintaining a challenging curriculum at TCNJ. She is filled with natural talent and will surprise everyone with every step of her personal journey.”

The Astorinos enjoy their family time and traditions including Sunday dinners and holidays with extended family. They like various activities including golf, tennis, time at their pool and Glen Ridge Country Club; traveling to Italy, the Jersey Shore, and Florida. They cheer for the Giants, Yankees, and US tennis; and to relax, they prefer to listen to jazz and soft rock, read in the family room or go out to dinner to one of their favorite Italian, Asian, or steak restaurants.

Debbie is a teacher. Frank is a Wealth Manager and entrepreneur, the owner of Astorino Financial Group that is a well-established wealth management firm with a dedicated team of professionals that is continuing to grow and expand its services and commitment to its clients. You can find them at www.astorinofinancialgroup.com.

What the Astorinos love the most about North Caldwell are the neighbors, its progressive citizenry, the ability to walk in pleasant surroundings, being involved with important committees, being close to Frank’s work, the dynamic population, services, education and recreation.

Many thanks to the Astorino Family for opening their doors to us and sharing a glimpse of their warm family life with the community.

The original article has been published in the North Caldwell Magazine in December, 2019. Written by Pamira Bezmen. Original photography by Pamira Bezmen Photography.

Ascencio Family photo-shoot at home | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 16:04:41 GMT

It came as a shock to most of us when we heard that our beloved Ascencio Family was to move out of town to relocate to Tennessee at the end of the summer. The initial reaction was unanimously one of disbelief, followed by more disbelief and then denial and sorrow.

During the time that the Ascencios lived in Essex Fells, they managed to deeply touch the hearts of many of us with their genuinely caring and kind ways. Whether you met Carlos or Vasanthi, went to school with Ava and Carter, or chatted with Grandma Consuela, Manu or Vinyasa, you felt the same warm connection and humility.

So, as their friend and photographer, I could not let them leave town without a family photo-shoot, and that is exactly what we did!

Carlos, who is originally from Mexico, and Vasanthi, who was born and raised in Malaysia, invested years into the energy industry in corporate executive positions. They both made a decision to use their expertise and know-how to leave the world a better place than they found, and moved to clean energy companies. This decision alone sums up their idealism, respect for the Earth and life in general, and how thoughtfully they approach those around them.

Being in their circle of friends has been a blessing, joy and source of comfort for the soul…

Of all the places they have lived and worked, including India, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Mexico, Seattle, Houston, Atlanta, Ghana, Croatia, and Milan, the Ascencios loved Essex fells the best.

They say “This town finally made us feel home. The friends we met in Essex Fells made all the difference. We felt connected and a part of big family. The relationships we developed with some of the friends we met at Essex Fells are going to stay with us forever. We originally picked Essex Fells for the school, however we were blessed to meet folks from different walks of life sharing the same ambitions as we do for our kids and family. We believe this is unique to Essex Fells. It took us a while to make the decision to move, knowing very well that we will miss our friends and this lovely community we live in. So if you ask us what makes Essex Fells special, it’s the PEOPLE!”

For this photo-shoot I met with them in their home at 109 Devon Road (you can see their Zillow listing here), which is now on the market for the next family to join the EF community. Every corner of this house is “home”, with pure loving energy, light and peace that one can feel.

The house has character and warmth, with plenty of open space and daylight pouring in from large windows, and lots of pockets for family time, quiet time and living space. The Ascencios decorated their home with international furniture and some pieces hand-made by Carlos, making every part of the house a meaningful area with memories of their past life and previous homes. Weekends are spent with family and friends, grilling, tending the gardens and kids running around. The sun room, kitchen and garden are their favorite places.

Vasanthi and Carlos have built their lives around family and community, and when you’re here, it is always “Mi casa es su casa”. The kitchen is always open and ready to serve. Vasanthi is pouring out the contents of her fridge for all to share. Manu is readily available to whip up a cake. Carlos is already slicing up the watermelon while the kids are placing the plates and silverware on the table. All this happens before you need to debate if you should stay any longer. You know you are a part of the family. You stay.

Reading, conversations, and sharing quality time are the cornerstones of the Ascencio family. Grandma reads to the children in Spanish. They also have reading time in bed with mom and dad every night. Hanging out, being together, and dining together are daily routines. Everyone helps. Everyone participates in meaningful conversations where wisdom and love reign.

This year they started an organic vegetable garden in the backyard. Grandma surely has the green thumb and manages to bring more avocado seeds to full sprout than anyone else I’ve met. She’s not only Grandma to Manu, Ava and Carter. She is Grandma to all.

The Ascencios have been an integral part of the community, volunteering to help, lead and support whenever possible. Ava and Carter have been valuable members of the Rainbow Elements Club, where our children have partnered on projects like making holiday cards for hospitalized children, collecting donation items for underprivileged local families, and holding team discussions on compassion, kindness and courage. They have impressed me at every meeting with their wisdom and love, way beyond their age.

Vasanthi has been the troop leader for Girl Scout Brownies, and has led the girls into many meaningful projects.

Manu has been a trusted babysitter and caregiver to many families across town, and I know that there will be many Essex Fells children missing her, come September.

As they move out of town, the Ascencios say: “We have been so blessed to meet some of the nicest people ever in EF who have left a mark in our hearts”. They send their thanks to the friends and families who have made their EF life so special and their EFS teachers Mrs. Brutman, Miss Burger and Mrs. Mckenzie, who have helped them through some hard times and mentored the kids with dedication.

Words are not enough to express how much they will be missed. We hope that the next phase of their lives will bring them every happiness and satisfaction they have imagined and more. And we are looking forward to the next time we will be crossing paths again, sharing a meal, a warm hug, and unconditional love.

Good luck, Ascencios, we love you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

Love,

-Pamira

The story and photos titled "Farewell Ascencio Family" have been featured in Essex Fells Magazine, in the September 2019 issue.

The Ascencio home on 109 Devon Rd is currently on the market. You can see this beautiful home Zillow listing here.

Tolga Savaci Actor Headshots by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 18:19:17 GMT

The legend is back in the game! My mom's wonderful husband Tolga Savaci, award-winning actor and top-model who was the heart-throb of generations in Turkey and across Europe is getting back into acting/modeling in New York, USA. Guess who was his photographer! It was truly so much fun working with a pro.

How many men can rock the side-way glance in such a warm, believable way!

If you watched the T.V. series Kurt Seyit ve Sura (Kurt Seyt and Shura), he was the character Yahya Bey, Kurt Seyt's good friend and hotel owner in Pera, Istanbul. You will notice that he looks quite different in real life, a testament to his talent and believable acting.

During this photo-shoot, I wanted to showcase different faces of Tolga, his expressions, and his ability to use his eyes to communicate a variety of emotions. We created a mix of casual, fun, classy and serious looks outdoor and in the studio.

We started out with a leather jacket and jeans outdoors, then moved into the studio for a black-on-black classic head-shot look. Then we did a variety of images with a tuxedo, sitting, standing, and on the ground, showcasing his facial acting skills and his fine physique.

As an homage to his modeling days on the cat-walk, we did some Vanity Fair style shots, too.

silver hair at its best!

This shot reminds me of a scene from The Godfather. Great expression that makes you wonder...

Finally, we moved outdoors again to show a more summery look wearing a t-shirt and then a fine cotton shirt with white summer slacks.

Before wrapping it all up, I asked him if he'd jump in the pool for a final look, as water is second nature to Tolga after years of being a licensed swimmer, diver and a water polo player. We wanted his portfolio to immediately speak for his athletic side as well as his ability to go from sweet-heart to bad-boy, from elegant to sexy, from thoughtful to sensitive.

I am thrilled with how Tolga's gallery came together. I am excited that these images will represent him in New York and beyond for new opportunities.

Working with Tolga was an absolute pleasure. We were talking, directing, acting, laughing and shooting, moving from one set to another, moving the lights around and working with many faces and looks. I'm quite certain that any agency and photographer that gets to work with him professionally will find it equally fulfilling to partner with a pro who has so much experience and depth to offer.

Here is a behind the scenes shot from the studio, taken by my 8-year old daughter and assistant :)

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And for a final bonus, here is a contact sheet to show the finished product. Pure gorgeousness! What do you think?

You can follow Tolga on Facebook.

Kurt Seyt & Shura English fan page on Facebook.

Kurt Seyt & Shura English official web site.

-Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography nominated for Best of Essex Photographer | Vote and support CASA

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:32:17 GMT

I cannot contain my excitement that Best of Essex now has a photography category. I've been requesting one for years, and it's here! Pamira Bezmen Photography is nominated for Best Photographer!

With your love and support, this dream can come true. Will you please vote for Pamira Bezmen Photography?

You can click on the photo below or directly go to this link. Please vote only once. You can also feel free to leave a review if you like.

As a Thank You, we will enter all voters in a drawing for a complimentary photo-shoot. The winner will be announced in October, 2019.

This year, Suburban Essex is teaming up with CASA of Essex County. CASA stands for "Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children" and it is a non-profit organization whose mission is to find safe homes for foster children. I have volunteered for them in the past and I sincerely support and applaud their cause. Every vote cast goes to support CASA, and helps make the future brighter for a child in foster care.

Please take a moment to vote and support this invaluable cause.

You can also visit CASA to learn more about and support their mission.

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for supporting my business and for helping me raise awareness and funding for CASA!

Love,

- Pamira

Introducing Curl Power Kids | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 01:22:29 GMT

Curl Power Kids is a new brand with a serious purpose. Founded by my long-time client and friend Heather Carter, Curl Power Kids is a unique collection of dolls, apparel and accessories that reflect a wide range of skin tones and natural curls. All of the featured products are one-of-a-kind and designed by artists/artisans, celebrating the diverse beauty of all children and their individuality. Heather plans to grow the collection over time, curating offerings from various artists/artisans.

This is Heather, with her precious daughter Mackenzie, who is the inspiration for Curl Power Kids, with a collection of their hand-crafted dolls.

When Heather asked me to be her photographer for her brand, I jumped for joy!!! You know how much I adore and cherish the natural beauty of each child and believe in raising children with self-love and confidence that is rooted in their hearts and minds rather than their ability to conform to convention.

Heather's tag-line is spot on:

"Curl Power Kids celebrates the diverse beauty of all children and their unique qualities, empowering them to soar and reach their highest potential."

With the brand's mission and personality in mind, in addition to the studio shots, I shot each doll in a unique outdoor setting, showing personality in a fun and happy setting. I wanted to show how a child might bring her or his doll out to the backyard to play, rest, hang out, and simply share in on a child's every-day life as a companion.

Lillian, Carter, Ricky, Belle... Every doll has a specific name, skin color, hair style, and outfit. You can choose from 12 options for now.

Mackenzie with dolls_DSC1163.1
	Mackenzie 1, hero square, DSC1606.1
Ricky 1, hero square, DSC1568.1

you can see the full collection of the doll line and other merchandise on the Curl Power Kids web-site

We did a model call, seeking kids with natural curls. We were overwhelmed with the love and support we got from the community. We are thankful that so many caring parents entered the model call with their gorgeous babes of diverse backgrounds and looks. Every single one was as unique and special as can be! Our only regret was that we could not pick them all.

The studio filled with kids who made fast friends with each other, and so did the parents. It's amazing how we have a tendency to immediately connect with one another from a place of love when we come together for a mutual cause and a shared outlook on humanity. We celebrated the beauty of diversity during the shoots, while the moms and I could not stop ourselves from going "ooooo" and "uuuuuu" at the sight of the children...

The world is definitely a more beautiful place because of our diversity, and I am so very honored to be a part of this brand's story.

Below, you can see some behind the scenes shots from the photo-shoot and some final images... I will also be sharing more finished portraits of our models in the coming weeks.

Please stop by the Curl Power Kids website and check out what they do and the custom products they sell. The web-site will also be updated with photos of our models later this month.

Here is a sneak peek from the model shoots...

Behind the scenes, making friends...

Heather was featured in O Magazine in the June, 2019 issue, where the article focused on her journey as an entrepreneur. She is scheduled to have a follow-up interview in August, 2019.

I wish Curl Power Kids and Heather all the best on this journey. I am excited to see how this brand will grow in time.

If you are an artist or artisan with creations that would fit their mission, feel free to reach out to Heather.

If you would like professional portraits like those I made for Heather, for your family or your business, you know where to find me. e-mail Pamira

Love,

-Pamira

In Loving Memory of Bre | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 18:59:36 GMT

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My then 5-year old daughter and I got lost one day, returning from a shopping excursion. We ended up on the long route back home. My daughter was starving and I had no clue where we were, but luckily we spotted a nice-looking pizza place along the road and pulled in. And there she was! With her piercing eyes, silvery blond hair, and beautiful, warm smile.

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I loved her the moment I saw her. I felt a connection with her and all I wanted was to photograph her.

Although I'm an outgoing person, I had never gone up to anyone and invited her to my studio before. But I pulled my courage together and did it anyway. I wasn't sure as to the right things to say, and I didn't want to come across as being creepy, so I just said the honest truth the way it was going through my head and my heart. On our way out once lunch was done, I walked up to her and said:

"Thank you so much for taking such good care of us. You have such a warm, beautiful smile, and you are absolutely gorgeous. I'm a professional photographer. I would LOVE to photograph you if you'd be interested in that."

I gave her my card. It made my day when she said "Yes".

We had a beautiful photo-shoot together. We chatted and laughed. Bre was a genuinely kind-hearted person. It was my honor to have met her and to have had the chance to photograph her. We made plans for future photo-shoots and talked about her someday working with me as a hair and make-up artist.

Last night I found out in tears that Bre left us so very young and joined the angels. My heart aches for her family and friends. I send them all my love and I pray for Bre in heaven. May she always be wrapped in eternal love and light. May all her earthly worries be gone and done. May God give peace and patience to the hearts of those that mourn her.

I wanted to dedicate this post to beautiful Bre and her family, so that they may always remember her as the happy, beautiful and strong Bre that I met.

Good-bye, beautiful girl! Thanks for coming into my life. I will never forget that beautiful smile at the pizza place. See you later. Love you!

-Pamira

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It Should Be Mothers' Day Every Day | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 12 May 2019 00:19:21 GMT

On this Mothers' Day, I celebrate my mom, my aunts, my grandmothers, and all the mothers before them... I celebrate my mother friends.
And I celebrate myself!

Because motherhood is the hardest job in the world. Because I know how easy it is to forget about ourselves while caring for our littles, families and the world.
And because we need to always remember to mother and nurture ourselves, too. So that we can be the best we can be. Every day.

I just made a pledge to myself to make time and seek the things that bring me true joy and feed my soul. I thought maybe some of you could use a gentle reminder, too :)

Happy Mothers' Day, sisters! I hope you have a truly magnificent weekend, resting, celebrating, and receiving the love and care you deserve... But once the weekend is over, please remember to use some of that amazing motherhood unicorn magic inside of you to care for you...

Love,
- Pamira

When was the last time you had a
photoshoot with Mom?
I have a special for the month of May:
when you book a photoshoot for mom, you get a bottle of Processo on me!
Cheers to Mom!!!

2019, Mother's Day 5x7 card

...

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey.

Pamira's work is highly rated by her clients. She creates the highest quality images, along with safe, loving care for your babies, and offers a full selection of professional print products along with a uniquely warm and personalized experience. If you are interested in family portraits, generations portraits, newborn, maternity, sweet 16, or personal branding images, you can call Pamira for a complimentary consultation.

For availability and information, you can contact her at [email protected] or call 862-812-2313.

Celebrating my mom, Nermin Bezmen | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 11 May 2019 23:57:42 GMT

We recently celebrated the birthday of my beautiful mother Nermin Bezmen. An inspirational woman with great integrity and an impeccable work ethic, she taught me to always put my heart and soul into what I do, and always keep learning and growing. It doesn't matter if you were the expert on something 10 years ago, if it gives you butterflies, you can apply yourself to it today and 10 years from now, you will be an expert.

You can do anything you want. You can be a business woman. An artist. A mother. A freedom fighter. A truth seeker. A yoga teacher. A painter. Hard work doesn't make you less, it makes you more. I learned that cooking every meal from scratch for my family every single day is not a chore. It's a loving choice. It doesn't make me a slave to them. It makes me the angel in their food for every meal.

Many of you know my mom with her best-selling historic fiction novel Kurt Seyt & Shura (link to Facebook page), (link to official web site), which was her debut into the literary world over 20 years ago. It became an international best-seller because she was not phased by the fact that she had never written a novel before. My mom is a woman who never allows her doubts to get bigger than her dreams, and I learned this well from her.

I am honored to carry her mitochondria, and leave 2 daughters in this world who carry a part of her. In this life, amongst millions of fans and readers and countless children she's sponsored and educated, she has 3 granddaughters who carry her bloodline.

She is setting a beautiful example for every single one of them. I am proud to be her daughter. Her granddaughters adore her.
I love you, Mom!!!! SO VERY MUCH!!!!
Happy Birthday!!!! Can't wait to celebrate with some Prosecco!

You know what I also noticed while I was writing this post on Facebook? My mom never once told me to work hard. Never once did she tell me to be honest. Never once did she tell me that I could do whatever I wanted, I should just go for it. Never once did she ever make fun of other moms who weren't as involved with their children, and never once did she ever tell me to cook every meal from scratch. SHE JUST DID IT!

I learned everything good from her not because she talked about it in memorable, smart ways. I learned it all because she LIVED her convictions with such pure dedication that they became a part of who I am because there was never a reason to be or do otherwise.
This was a very powerful recognition. At the age of 44 - going on 45 - I have just discovered the true power of my mom's motherhood while writing this birthday message for her.

...

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey.

For availability and information, you can contact her at [email protected] or call 862-812-2313.

Personal Branding Photoshoot for Michelle, The Effortless Affair, by Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 00:00:54 GMT

Meet Michelle McKenna Shuey of The Effortless Affair, a professional event planner

serving New Jersey

Exciting things are happening at Essex Fells Magazine! If you're following the magazine and the community events, you may already know that Dennis Jankowski - our area director and publisher - always manages to attract talent and sponsors that offer great value and services to the community. This time is no exception.

The newest addition to our team is Michelle McKenna Shuey, the owner of The Effortless Affair, a professional event organizer.

We recently got together for Michelle's personal branding photo-shoot, and boy, was it fun! Just put two creatives together in the studio, and you can count on a photo shoot and laughter that never ends! We are also both crunchy mamas of 2 daughters each, and had so much to talk about!

You can watch the video I made for her right here:

Michelle_McKenna_Shuey_-_The_Effortless_Affair_720p

Michelle is a master event organizer, who takes care of your parties from soup to nuts, so you don’t have to. If you have a vision for a celebration, but don’t have the time, she is your gal.

Birthday, graduation, Bar Mitzvah, a moms’ bubbly brunch… You name it, she’s got it covered. Michelle says she helps people have the event of their imagination, effortlessly.

What sets The Effortless Affair apart from other event planning companies? Well, it’s the fact that Michelle is not only your creative fun-planner who has an eye for a beautiful table, attention to details, and the ability to see the big picture.

She also has a background in business with two degrees in Finance and an Economics, as well as her former corporate career at a hedge fund. This makes her also a numbers person, who will keep your party on budget and do the tough negotiations to keep you on target.

If the words “hedge fund” and “negotiation” made you cringe, let me assure you, she is one adorable person to be around, on top of all of the above!

When asked why she chose to become an event planner, Michelle explains “I always loved planning parties and getting people together. I always find myself organizing events for my family and in the social groups I get into. From birthday parties to blind wine tasting events, Parents’ Night Out to morning coffee with newborns… Before I knew it I became the Family Chair of The Women’s Club of Glen Ridge and started organizing the Music with Molly Program as well as their Photo with Santa Event.

Michelle’s favorite part of the job is ‘The Big Reveal’ when her clients walk into their party for the first time. They see their vision perfectly executed, and they can just enjoy their party.

I asked Michelle for her advice as a professional event organizer. She said:

Be realistic about your budget
Focus on what’s important (everyone being together and celebrating with you)
Laugh, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the company around you
Make sure someone has the candles and a wine opener!

- Well, that’s only if you didn’t hire Michelle – because if you did, she will have them ready.

You can find Michelle and The Effortless Affair at [email protected],

on Instagram: @theeffortlessaffair; on Facebook: @theeffortlessaffair

and on the web at www.theeffortlessaffair.com

* Michelle's story and the full article was published in Essex Fells Magazine, in the March 2019 issue.

Do you love the images I made for Michelle?

If you or somebody you know needs a fully customized personal branding photo shoot or awesome head-shots for your business, give me a call or send me an e-mail. It's my passion to create strategic visuals for your brand that you will be proud to use in your Marketing!

...

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey.

For availability and information, you can contact her at [email protected] or call 862-812-2313.

Personal Branding & Headshot Photoshoot with Tricia Himawan | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 16:30:44 GMT

In every business where you come face to face with clients, where you yourself are your brand, where people come to the company because of YOU, there is nothing more important than getting your authentic, true and best face in front of the community.

Tricia Himawan is an award-winning, top results producing residential real estate agent, serving Northern New Jersey. Tricia describes herself as "shy in front of the camera", but there is much more to her. So we spoke at length before our photo-shoot to come up with the visual strategy that would put her at ease and capture her unique personality. Tricia is one of those people who brings her full self into her job. I wanted to ensure that her kind, caring, and confident personality came across in her photographs.

She is someone who goes above and beyond for each client, making sure all of their needs are met during the complex and emotional process of buying or selling a home.

I wanted to capture Tricia in all the ways her doting clients see her: Honest, approachable, smart, kind, professional, and competent.

We had a studio shoot for her head-shots, in-door and out-door, and then I met her another time on a closing day with real clients in front of a property she just closed.

Tricia loved her experience and went home with an armful of portraits. I am so thankful and honored that we were able to work together and I got the pleasure of getting to know Tricia better.

To inquire about real estate services, you can reach Tricia at 973-650-7838 or find her on LinkedIn or on Facebook.

If you need portraits and imagery to represent you, your brand or your business, please call me at 862-812-2313 for a complimentary consultation or e-mail.

-Pamira

A sweet home with a red door...

Sometimes I get the honor to witness and capture milestones and new beginnings in people's lives.

It is these quick moments that are lived in excitement and a rush, but a photograph has the ability to freeze for life.
It was a pleasure joining Louise Levine and Laurence Weiss of Weiss Printers on the day that they bought their new home. It is a sweet home with a red door, surrounded by fluffy greens, and I can already see Louise and Laurence living here happily ever after with their happy pup.
Congratulations guys! And congratulations to your lovely realtor Tricia Himawan, too.

IG #weissdesignstudios

Tricia's professional story was also published in Essex Fells Magazine with original photographs from our photo shoot, in the December 2018 issue.

Meet NJ Top Doc, Dr. James Orsini Jr. and his family | by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:10:12 GMT

Surely one of the greatest perks of being a photographer for me is getting to spend quality time with the families I photograph, getting to know them, having the privilege of seeing them through the eyes of love - the eyes with which they look at - and see - each other.

The Orsini Family is one of these families I had the honor of knowing better because of a photo shoot we did together for Essex Fells Magazine. From their photos you can see how absolutely beautiful and full of love they are, and I can tell you that it is all true. They are one special family beautiful on the inside and out.

When the photographs I create tell the greater story of my families, I feel like my job was well done.

When you can tell how elegant and classy this family is just by looking at their images. When you can tell how smart, competent, and kind the mother is. When you can tell that the dad is a total gentleman. When you can tell who is the tom-boy and who is the doting sister, who is shy, who is Miss elegance ...

But what you can't tell just from the portraits is that James - Dr. James Orsini Jr. - is a New Jersey Top Doc who has made outstanding contributions to the hematology and oncology fields. At Hackensack UMC Mountainside in Montclair, he demonstrates his dedication to his field on a daily basis, alongside his partner, John Conti.

As Director of Oncology and Advanced Prostate Therapeutics, his day consists of diagnosing and treating patients with all types of blood cancers and disorders and urological malignancies. His tactics behind producing successful results for his patients include collaboration with other oncologists and utilizing highly advanced technology. His residency at NYU Langone Health and fellowship at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center helped prepare him for the challenge, in addition to the years he spent shadowing his father, James Orsini Sr., MD.

Fanny, James's wife, is a vocational counselor, and the master of running a family with 4 children so smoothly that you'll think she just spent her day relaxing at the spa. If I were wearing a hat, I'd be taking it off, and bowing in front of her right now.

I love and admire this family so much, and I am just so honored that these images will tell their story for years to come.

- Pamira

The family spotlight on Orsini Family was published as a cover story in the October 2018 issue of Essex Fells Magazine.

You can find Dr. Orsini, Jr. on LinkedIn.

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey.

For availability and information, you can contact her at [email protected] or call 862-812-2313.

This Holiday deck your walls with Your Story | by New Jersey photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:46:45 GMT

Your own story is the most important story you will ever tell your children.

Your own faces are the most gorgeous faces in their eyes.

Your own memories are the only gift they will cherish every single year, with increasing value, for the rest of their lives.

Have you waited for the last second? Or do you want to schedule your 2019 session with a discount?
Make a gift of photography - for yourself, for your children, for your loved ones... E-mail or call 862-812-2313 today for a complimentary consultation and claim this $100 gift voucher.

Love & Light for the Merriest, Happiest, Healthiest Holidays,

Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey.

For availability and information, you can contact her at [email protected] or call 862-812-2313.

Help Her Remember this Thanksgiving with Great-Grandma | Generations portraits in New Jersey

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 15:38:53 GMT

Sometimes a photo is all we have to remember them by... This is one of the most valuable photographs I have taken in all my life and career. It is not only my Thanksgiving ad, but it is the essence of why I do what I do.

We were visiting my grandmother. My daughter was not even 6 months old. My grandmother was sick, getting weak, feeling cold, shivery and achy, and she had started feeling numb in her fingers and hands. She looked like life was finally catching up with her.

I told her I'd love to take a nice portrait of her with my baby, wrapped in some beautiful fabrics. Immediately her eyes lit up! She hurried to her room. A moment later she emerged with red lipstick on her lips and with her hair let down. She pulled out a large plastic bag from under the guest bed which had been set aside for donation, and took out a shimmery skirt to match my fancy fabric.

She took off the 4 layers of wool sweaters and cardigans that were barely keeping her warm, and unwrapped the scarf from her neck. She let me wrap her in the raw silk. She then held her GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER in her achy arms. I knew it was getting hard for her, so I tried to shoot quickly.

She was absolutely happy and proud. My beautiful, strong, smart and amazing grandmother - Leman. Her father's darling Lemanuchka. Holding her great-granddaughter in her arms. The woman who suffered and survived through wars, abuse, rape, suicide, poverty, betrayal, and many deaths. She who knew how to hold on to love beyond this life. The woman who could touch any seed and turn it into a lush, thriving plant. The woman who was stronger than iron, but managed to preserve the spirit of the butterfly inside...

A woman with such high morals and integrity that she managed to raise three children like royalty without a single penny borrowed, without caving to anyone.

Now posing for me with her final legacy, she knew she was making this photo not for herself, but for her great-grandkids.

Next time I was able to visit her, she was in a hospital. Half the time she didn't know who was who. I brought a mounted print of this portrait with me, and placed it across from her bed where she could see it.

She cried. I hugged her.

We were not able to make any more beautiful portraits like this afterwards. Her health deteriorated, and she was no longer herself. Her sharp mind was gone. Her memories were hidden under a heavy veil of confusion... Along with the knowledge of who we were. Before long, she joined her beloved father Kurt Seyt and her forever love and late husband, Vedat.

But we keep her in our memories. And most importantly, my daughter has a strong love and connection with her Great-Grandmother because of this portrait. She knows and remembers her through this image. She can feel her love and her joy and how dearly she held her once - because of this photo.

This Thanksgiving, I wish you all much love with those that matter the most to you. Take a moment to slow down from the driving, traveling, shopping and cooking, and just truly breathe in the love. Capture photos of the grandparents with the littlest ones. You will thank me later.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Love,

Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey.

For availability and information, you can contact her at [email protected] or call 862-812-2313.

Sip & Shop Event at Stitch Boutique Upper Montclair | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:38:22 GMT

I love partnering with like-minded local businesses to help bring value to our clientele together. Especially when it's a woman-owned business that prioritizes a professional and pleasant experience that brings joy to the community, I get excited!

Last week I joined efforts with Stitch Boutique in Upper Montclair, owned by Caitlin Rinaldi.

She is sweet and energetic, and her store reflects a fresh and comfy style that is also classy. Caitlin's passion for dressing ladies comes through the whole ambiance while the very unique architecture of the store adds a punch to the shopping experience.

This location used to be a bank in the 1900s. How many times can you say you've gone shoe-shopping in a golden vault? For some of us who keep our wealth in shoes, the joke is not lost :)

The event was hosted by Essex Fells Magazine and West Caldwell Magazine. Local friends and neighbors popped in to sip some prosecco and check out the collection. Montclair's very own beauty blogger, talented hair and make-up artist Kerry Lynn Mucci was also there, offering complimentary braids and hair advice to the ladies while Sweet Home Montclair offered a candy bar for something sweet to take home.

I truly enjoyed getting to know Caitlin and her PR expert Lauren Wilson-Policke, and I am already seeing some joint photoshoots in my future with the lovely Kerri Lynn. The guests had a fun time in this friendly and warm event, and I got to snap some photos. You can see a sneak peek here. Better yet, stop by the store one of these days and see the real deal for yourself.

To top it off, one lucky shopper will receive an all-inclusive Glamour Photoshoot from me with full styling, champagne & strawberries and exquisite pampering. I am getting excited about the beautiful images we will create together.

Stay tuned for the story to be published in Essex Fells Magazine. I will also share the glamour portraits once I create them.

If you know of a business that caters to local women, that has an edge for fashion, beauty and bringing out the best in every-day ladies, let me know. I'd love to talk about what I can do for them with my photography!

If you are ready for a glamour photo-shoot for yourself, then I'm here for you!

Love,

-Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning portrait studio that offers exceptional service and a uniquely warm experience. You can check out her work at www.pamirabezmenphotography.com or on facebook @ Pamira Bezmen Photography. She is on Instagram @ pamirabezmen

Stitch Boutique is located at 598 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ. You can find them at www.shopstitchnj.com or on Facebook @ STITCHBoutiqueNJ

Kerri Lynn is at www.montclairbeautyblogger.com and also on IG @ montclair-beautyblogger

Sweet 16 Photoshoot for Maryclare | NJ award-winning photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:14:38 GMT

Sweet 16 is such a lovely time! Full of hope, youthful excitement, and the innocence of the age.

I met with lovely Maryclare and her doting mom Lucille for a Sweet 16 photo-shoot. As soon as Lucille and I began speaking on the phone for our initial consultation, we knew we had a connection. We both valued kindness, family, and memories above all else, and believed that photographs were immensely valuable in securing the happy times for our children for life. I asked her some questions about her vision for the photo-shoot and combined it with my own to bring her and Maryclare's dream photos to life.

On the day of our session, Maryclare was absolutely beautiful, cool and decisive, and she helped make this photo-shoot a breeze. We took some fine art photos that showed off her special gown, and also some fun and playful ones. We combined studio and outdoor to create some variety of classic, contemporary and joyful looks.

When I shared the first sneak peek, Lucille said "I am in tears. If one picture makes me feel this way, you better have two boxes of tissues for when we meet." And of course I did! There is no better compliment for me than tears of joy and emotion when I share the gallery.

As a mother of two girls, I identify with the emotions deeply. I myself am watching the years fly by and my little baby dolls turn into big kids. I can only image how much bigger the pride, joy and tears will get in another decade!

Here are some images from behind the scenes and some of the finished portraits I made for Maryclare. Enjoy!

One day you turn around and see that your little girl has become a young lady. Happy Sweet 16, dear Maryclare!!! I am so thrilled to be a part of your memory-making!

Love

-Pamira

behind the scenes, we had so much fun :)

(many thanks to dear Lucille for sharing these with me)

Do you have a young lady in your life who is about to turn 16? Or maybe has a celebration to capture?

I would love to make this memory last for her and the whole family! You can find me at [email protected] or 862-812-2313.

Born To Be Independent | Celebrating 4th of July | NJ Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 17:26:44 GMT

Take a hint from the littlest of them all.

"Mommy! Me, Me, Me"

"BABY tie shoes!"

"Luna, Luna! Me too, tambien!"

We are all born to be independent. And are we blessed to live in the land of the free!

Wishing you all a wonderful, happy and safe 4th of July holiday with your loved ones, AND praying for all of humanity to some day be truly free to live in peace and harmony.

Love,

- Pamira

The studio is closed for the 4th of July holiday, but we will re-open on Monday, July 9th. Looking forward to catching up after a weekend of fireworks and family :)

* * * * * * *

~ Summer Special for Loyal Friends ~

use it. share it. gift it.

Gifts for Her That Will Keep Getting More Valuable for Another 100 Years

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:31:32 GMT

Make her a gift that she will cherish every single day of her life.

For this Mother's Day, give her the gift of ever-lasting memories through gorgeous portraits. Choose which one Mom will want the most, and I will deliver your gift to you or her electronically or wrapped in a beautiful white gift box tied with satin ribbons and flowers.

1. Generations Photo Shoot

Grandma with all her children and grandchildren. A multi-family session that will brighten everyone's day and capture your connection as a whole family.

This is her legacy, and your children's heirloom. It's a shoot you have to do now for Grandma, for yourself, and most importantly for the children.

Starting from $550 for one family up to 5 people. Grandma is my guest. Every family gets at least 20 images and $300 towards prints included in the price. Each additional family +$250.

DSC_4086.3.PRINT 2 11x14

2. Family Photo Shoot

Mom, Dad, Kids. The tightest love, captured in time. You know She's been wanting this. Now is the best time to make it happen. She is gorgeous now. Don't delay this another year!

$550 for one family up to 5 people. Includes full service studio session, wardrobe, styling, 20 images, professional retouching, and $300 towards prints.

_DSC3690

3. Mommy & Me Mini Session

Mom with all her children. A classic that is as old as time. A mother's love sealed forever in a portrait.

$250 for one Mom and the kids. Includes studio session, wardrobe, professional retouching, and option to order a la carte prints.

DSC_7117.2

4. Glamour Session for Mom

Mom pampered all the way with champagne and chocolate, hair and make up. To bring out her inner gorgeous that's underneath the yoga pants and pony tails.

$550. Includes full service studio session, styling, 20 images, professional retouching, and $300 towards prints. Option to add professional hair and make up artist. Mom can invite up to 4 guests to join her for this gorgeous photo shoot, for no additional sitting fee.

5. Gift Voucher

Get a gift voucher for Mom to use towards whatever she wants. She can use it towards a photo shoot or prints, or both. A few family members can each order gift vouchers in the amount they like, and mom can combine them towards her dream shoot.

Starting from $100. Pick the gift level that is right for you.

Do you know what she wants? Book now.

Generations. Family Portrait Session. Mommy & Me Mini Session. Glamour Session for Mom. Gift Voucher.

Have questions about which one to choose? Call me!

If link doesn't work, you can send a direct e-mail to [email protected] or call 862-812-2313 for a complementary consultation.

- Every booking comes with exceptional service, personal care and attention, and access to full studio wardrobe and accessories.

- Complimentary styling, LOVE Your Walls design service, and professional retouching are included.

- All gift sessions are redeemable for 12 months. She can schedule her session at her convenience.

See you & Mom soon!

Happy Mother's Day!

-Love,

Pamira

Spring into Love | NJ portrait photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 02:03:21 GMT

As the snow begins to melt and the promise of spring warms our hearts, I want to send you best wishes for a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday.

Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover or Ishtar, my heart is with you.

Happy Easter! Chag Pesach Sameach! Happy Spring! ... But most of all, Happy Family!

May you embrace the new season with all your loved ones and make it a memorable one.

Love,

-Pamira

When Love Comes Knocking - Valentine's Day in Parenthood

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 23:45:20 GMT

Does anyone remember the Valentine's Days that were just celebrated between two adults enamored with each other? It was a lot of planning, dressing up, shopping, showering, prettying up with that one person in mind. An exciting process full of secrets and surprises until both of you eventually revealed it all later that evening.

Well, it's all a little different now. Like when love comes knocking on the door at any time of the day or night (and usually when you're in the bathroom), or when you receive your candy in a way you never have before (stuck under your slippers maybe), or when your biggest admirer showers you with so much love (and a slobbery runny winter sneeze) that you can't stand it any more!

Oh yeah! You know you are a parent when your Valentine's Days have changed forever, but you also know you would not have it any other way!

Have a happy, peaceful and memorable V-Day, everyone! Make this one about family and love! Let those babes sit on your lap and feel all the love you have for them! And if there is time, try to have a toast with the bigger love - the one who was there before it all...

Love,

-Pamira

A special Valentine's Day Gift from Pamira:

Come out and have a day with champagne and chocolate in my studio! Bring just yourself, your partner or your best girlfriend. I will pamper you to a beautiful photo shoot, and your first professional print enlargement will be my gift to you.

Why you should book a professional photoshoot in winter | award-winning NJ photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 23:37:32 GMT

I know most of us love to book our photo shoots in warmer months, to celebrate spring blossoms, to capture summer blooms in the sun, or to preserve the beauty of our family against the colorful fall foliage.

But I want to let you know that there is an overlooked sister season out there that deserves more love: The Winter!

Here are the top 3 reasons I recommend booking your photo shoot in winter:

1. IF YOU LIKE THE STUDIO LOOK, THE ALTERNATIVES ARE ENDLESS FOR THE LOOK YOU WANT.

Because you are not limited to weather outdoors, your photographer can create ANY look you want in a studio. You want to be lying in a bed of flowers? Done. You want a vintage romantic theme with lace and tulle? Done. Baby in a basket? 4 generations in ball gowns? You want something timeless, classy, modern, cute or sexy? Done, done, and done.

Family, head shots, boudoir, couples, generations, fine art ... Bring it on!

In the studio, your photographer can create any look you want, regardless of the season.

2. IF YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF THE OUTDOORS, YOU CAN GET RARE AND GORGEOUS PORTRAITS IN WINTER.

How many beautiful fall photos have you seen in your life? Probably quite a few.

Summer and spring? Likewise, probably many.

But if I ask you how many amazing winter portraits you've seen, it's probably not that many. The reason is that winter is underrated, and the mucky bluish tint of the snow or the bare trees is not easy to manage for amateur photographers.

But for a professional who knows what she's doing, a snowy day is a precious gem waiting to be captured. And you can be in it!

3. IT'S EASIER TO GET A BOOKING WITH A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER IN WINTER.

Because many people like to schedule their photo shoots for the other seasons, professional photographers tend to have more flexible schedules in winter months.

There you have it! There are probably other reasons, but I hope that I've given you enough motivation to emerge out of your hibernation for a couple of hours to go and have a photo shoot. And of course, if you're in or around Essex County, I'd love to hear from you and talk about how I can make gorgeous winter portraits for you.

Enjoy that beautiful Winter!

-Love

Pamira

The image at the top of this post has been captured outdoors, in real snow. Nobody got cold, upset or wet. We made about gorgeous images in a short amount of time, and everyone involved had an amazing time! (and the apple got eaten in the end)

Peace at Home, Peace in the World | A holiday message from Montanez-Bezmen Family

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 19:52:29 GMT

Peace at Home, Peace in the World

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a blessed 2018!

Thank you for your love, support, friendship, and patronage. As a photographer, I could not be more blessed than to be doing what I'm most passionate about. And I could not do it without your endless love and support. Thank you!

See you in 2018 :)

Love,

- Pamira

Welcoming our new First Family | Mayor Davis & Family Portraits for Essex Fells Magazine

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 19:42:16 GMT

Recently I met the publisher and owner of Essex Fells Magazine, Dennis Jankowski, at a fundraiser event. Sweet and charming as they come, he convinced me that I could photograph the next cover story for them with a couple of days' notice :)

When I got the opportunity to photograph our new mayor with his family for the January 2018 issue of Essex Fells Magazine -- despite a rather tight timeline to plan and submit portraits to the editors in the middle of the Thanksgiving holidays -- I knew I wanted to be a part of this project. What an exciting new start for them, and for all of us as a community to give them a warm welcome!

A sincere and smart family all around, I am honored to get to know the Davises, and to make these memories for them to remember for years.

Here are some of the images we selected for the magazine. You can follow the cover story next month when the magazine is delivered in the mail :)

Welcome, Mayor Davis! Welcome Davis Family! And thank you, Dennis, for making me a part of this welcome!

Love,

-Pamira

Sweeter Than Candy Photo Gifts | NJ award winning photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 21:33:04 GMT

Did you trick or treat? Did you collect five pounds of pure sugar? Did you give out little tangerines with Jack O' Lantern faces drawn on them? Or are your kids already too big for Halloween, leaving you nostalgic?

Whichever it was, hopefully you had a wonderful Halloween!

Well, the biggest candy night of the year is behind us, but the sweetness of fall is not half way over yet!

Come out and play, do an outdoor portrait session in the woods, or let me dress you up in the studio. Bring your mom, dad, grandparents. Gather the grand-kids. Drag the puppy along. Make a gift for yourself. Make a gift for someone you love.

Sweeter than candy is the gift of memories. You can gift a session. Or you can gift prints, albums, or jewelry from a session you've already had.

To make it easy and fun for you, I will do all the packaging, wrapping, mailing, and coordinating. I will cater to you and handle every single detail.
To top that off, have your first Fine Art print on me for any session you book until November 21st, 2017.
That is a $150 value!

Remember to mention SWEETER THAN CANDY when you call for your consultation.

If you need help coordinating your wardrobe for your outdoor family session, check out my blog post "What to Wear for Fall Outdoor Family Portraits".

-Love,

Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-wining, full service portrait studio in Essex County, New Jersey, that specializes in maternity, newborn, and family photography as well as professional and glamour portraiture. Pamira services the New Jersey, New York area, and also photographs in Istanbul Turkey, for part of the year. For availability and information, you can contact Pamira by clicking here.

What to Wear for Fall Outdoor Family Portraits | NJ family photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 16:58:25 GMT

We are being blessed by a lovely warm October, so outdoor sessions are going rather pleasantly. I wanted to write a blog post about what to wear for fall family portraits for an outdoor session because this is a question I'm getting from a lot of you.

Here I will share my couple of cents and link some images that are good family wardrobe combinations that I like.

1. FIRST DECISION TO MAKE: What is the look you want to go for? Upscale, fun, artsy, vintage, outdoorsy, warm and fuzzy or light and breezy...

When coordinating family outfits, you should keep in mind that everyone's look should speak the same language. You can't have one wearing thick sweaters and winter accessories while another is wearing light and breezy fabrics. You can't have mom in an evening gown when dad is wearing a plaid shirt and lumberjacks. You get my point :)

2. PICK YOUR PALETTE.

Warm or cool. Pick one.

3. DO YOU WANT TO CONTRAST OR BLEND WITH THE SCENERY?

If you prefer a bit more of a pop, go with creams or whites or a deep warm color so you glow against the colorful fall foliage. If you would like to be in harmony with the scenery, then pick a color from nature that we are likely to find a lot of in the spot where we will be shooting.

(Tip: tell me ahead of time if you love yellows or reds or oranges, and I will try to find a spot that has mostly your favorite color)

4. GO SHOPPING IN YOUR CLOSET.

Decide if you are wearing jeans or dresses or corduroy pants. Decide if you are wearing sweaters or jackets. Decide if you are wearing winter accessories.

Put together what you have and see how they look.

Pick a couple of neutral colors, one darker tone, and one main "color", and maybe some coordinating secondary colors.

Tip: Don't overdo color so that you don't look like a bunch of autumn Easter eggs. There will already be plenty of color in nature, so you want to minimize distractions. After all, it's about your family and not the outfits.

Examples of neutrals:	Cream, beige, gray, tan
Examples of darker colors:	Denim, brown, navy (try to coordinate with the neutral in terms of warm or cool)
Examples of main colors:	Mustard yellow, mauve, brown, olive green, moss green, rust, sienna, burnt orange, deep red, burgundy, warm yellow, maroon
Examples of secondary colors:	Choose a neighboring second color to your main color or add similar tones of your main color.

5. CONSIDER THE TEMPERATURE.

It's no fun trying to let your true self out to be captured by the camera while clenching your teeth or shivering.

I try to have back up warmth in my bag for you, but please remember to dress accordingly. Remember tights or socks or inner shirts if the weather calls for additional layers.

6. LAYER.

When outdoors, we are not always able to have access to a changing facility. It's a good idea to layer your outfits and bring easy to change accessories, so that we can get a few different looks in the same session. This will give you more variety to choose from for your wall portraits and also add more fun to your family album.

7. BE OPEN TO PLAYFUL & EXTRAORDINARY OPTIONS.

I always like to add in a touch of "artsy" or "whimsical" to my photo shoots.

It's a lot of fun when we add a crazy tutu dress, an extravagant crown, some vintage materials or hand-made knits to a session as a second or third look once we've already gotten our every day look taken care of.

I believe this makes the shoot so much more fun, and it gives you an option to get a Fine Art Portrait out of your outdoor family session.

This image on the right is one of those fine art portraits I'm talking about. I made this dress and head piece just for her, and this beautiful little lady absolutely rocked her shoot!

Tip: I will always ask for your favorite colors and feeling about certain looks before the shoot, and usually show up with something hand-made just for you. If you have some cool or crazy ideas, bring them on!

8. REMEMBER TO BRING OUT THE REAL YOU!

If you have a particular style that makes you "you", try to keep loyal to that in a tasteful way. We want your portraits to look beautiful, but more importantly, we want them to tell YOUR STORY to the next generations. The same goes for the kids. Let them pick some items they LOVE, and they will be more likely to give us their best smiles during the shoot.

Hope this is helpful! Happy fall and happy memory-making everyone!

-Love,

Pamira

Below is a link to some wardrobe combinations I pulled together from Pinterest. You can refer to them for inspiration if you like.

Click here to go to Album of coordinating family wardrobe images for inspiration

Click here to view board on Pinterest

Disclaimer: the Pinterest pins are NOT my photographs. I am not connected to, nor do I endorse, the makers of the images, pin boards or the manufacturers of the outfits in the images. The selection is for inspiration only.

Preserve the magic of childhood | NJ's award winning family photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 20:33:58 GMT

PRESERVE THE MAGIC OF THEIR CHILDHOOD

She will always protect her, love, cherish and tolerate her.
She will always be able to lean on her, trust her, and bathe in her unconditional love.
They will not remember how little they were once, and how precious in our eyes. They will not fathom how their every little toe, and every shiny strand of hair was a work of art to us. But they will have their stories told to them, time after time, and they will have photographs that have frozen their magical moments. THAT will make their childhood live on for as long as they live.

Interested in scheduling your own family portrait session? Call 862-812-2313 or e-mail us now for a complimentary consultation. Or send us your contact info, and we will call you at your preferred time to chat.

Looking forward to speaking soon!

-Love,

Pamira

See other images by Pamira Bezmen Photography


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Outdoor October | Outdoor Portrait Sessions by award winning New Jersey photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 16:05:24 GMT

I am happy to introduce:

Outdoor October

Here is a month full of outdoor photography opportunities, with priority booking only for my inner circle of friends.

This is for you IF:

- You want to take advantage of the last of the green or the upcoming parade of fall colors
- You want a family session in the woods
- You want a mini harvest session
- You want a studio session with a quick step outside for added variety

- You want to get a head start on your holiday portraits and gift prints

Bookings starting from $250 for mini sessions. Full sessions $550. (please see schedule below)

BOOK a Mini Session:
October 14: Into the woods outdoor family session mini
October 29: Mini harvest session (feel free to dress up for Halloween)

BOOK a Full Session:
Pick your own date and style and get my acclaimed full service experience!

Yes, I want to BOOK NOW!

See you soon!

Love,

-Pamira

The story of the above image:

These are the last days of green out there. I have been obsessing about having an image like this surrounded by lush greens all summer long, and we were able to catch it just in time before the leaves started turning. For the next few weeks we will have a parade of colors, and I can't wait to get those, but for now I'm loving this lush green portrait. More than the greenery, I love that I was able to get my cherub staring at me while nursing while I can still hold her in my arms like a baby. These days go fast, and before I know it she will be too big for this.
Thank you to my family for helping me bring the images in my imagination into the day light. Thank you for your patience with me while I obsess on every trail and bush about the light and the texture. Thank you for trusting me to step into the woods, marsh and weeds when the mission calls for it

Love you all!

Eliana's Newborn Session | New Jersey family photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:50:54 GMT

Baby Eliana, 7 days old. Newborn portraits by New Jersey's award winning family photographer, Pamira Bezmen. www.pamirabezmenphotography.comBaby Eliana, 7 days old. Newborn portraits by New Jersey's award winning family photographer, Pamira Bezmen. www.pamirabezmenphotography.com

It was such an honor to photograph sweet, determined and elegant Little Miss Eliana on the 7th day of her precious life. I met her wonderful family back in 2014 when we photographed her big brother Vincent when he was about the same size :)

I feel extremely privileged to be able to grow with my families, and be a part of their journeys in life. With every box of prints and every album, I send a part of my heart home with them.

Here are some images from our session... Introducing Miss Eliana Michelle...

Sweet little Eliana, you are elegant, fair and lovely as a flower. I was absolutely taken by your quiet but strong presence. What an honor it is to be photographing you, 3 years after photographing your brother Vincent. May your life be lovely and peaceful in every way...

-Pamira

Newborn portraits by New Jersey's award winning family photographer, Pamira Bezmen. www.pamirabezmenphotography.comNewborn portraits by New Jersey's award winning family photographer, Pamira Bezmen. www.pamirabezmenphotography.com

Miss Eliana, Newborn portraits, Pamira Bezmen Photography, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comI know I usually post images of solo babes on my page, but don't be misled. As much as every photo shoot is focused on preserving the beauty of our babies, the single most important memory we can leave for them is the memory of being loved, protected and cherished in the arms of their doting family - that is US! It means that I strongly encourage every single mom and dad and grandparent to step in front of my camera and BE in the photos with their precious little angels. Because I know that 10, 20, 30 years from now, these are going to be the images they will look at with warmth in their hearts. Here is gorgeous little Miss Eliana, in the loving embrace of her mom, dad and big brother Vincent <3

I know I usually post images of solo babes on my page, but don't be misled. As much as every photo shoot is focused on preserving the beauty of our babies, the single most important memory we can leave for them is the memory of being loved, protected and cherished in the arms of their doting family - that is US! It means that I strongly encourage every single mom and dad and grandparent to step in front of my camera and BE in the photos with their precious little angels. Because I know that 10, 20, 30 years from now, these are going to be the images they will look at with warmth in their hearts.
Here is gorgeous little Miss Eliana, in the loving embrace of her mom, dad and big brother Vincent <3

Pamira Bezmen Photography at Anderson Park Art Fair 2017

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 18:28:24 GMT

Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comPamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.com

Hello friends, old and new! Here we are, wrapping up another art fair. The rush of setting up the exhibit, the long days, and the muscle soreness in the morning is nothing compared to the joy of seeing you all! There is nothing quiet as invigorating as receiving your sweet words of encouragement, kind compliments, and the excitement of meeting new friends!

So thank you all, for stopping by, for giving me your hugs and love, and new friends, thank you for putting your trust in me to make new memories for you and your loved ones.

One of the thrills of Art Fairs for me is seeing my beloved clients and models next to their framed portraits. Sometimes, it's the first time they see their images professionally printed. It is super exciting and emotional for all of us!

Here are some snap shots from our weekend together. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you all in front of my camera, very soon!

Love,

- Pamira

Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comPhoto taken by my lovely daughter, in front of my display table.

Photo of me, taken by my lovely daughter, in front of my display table.

Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comMy dear Shaya, daughter, model and assistant, with her award-winning portrait in the background, named "Tutus, Dandelions and Bare Feet". This image got the Seal of Approval at the District competition and then earned a Merit at the International Photographic Competition 2 years ago.

My dear Shaya, daughter, model and assistant, with her award-winning portrait in the background, named "Tutus, Dandelions and Bare Feet".

This image got the Seal of Approval at the District competition and then earned a Merit at the International Photographic Competition 2 years ago.

Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comLovely Delaney and her amazing mom Kaitlin in front of Delaney's award winning portrait. This print got a seal of approval at the Northeast District competition this year and then earned a Merit at the International Photographic Competition in August 2017.

The wonderfully inspiring, strong, beautiful and graceful Delaney and her amazing mom Kaitlin in front of Delaney's award winning portrait. I wanted to capture Delaney's delicate but determined stance and graceful poise in life in this image. I wanted the warm colors to reflect her warm personality and have her "pop" against the darker background with her light skin, just the way she "pops" from a crowd of people in real life.

This print got a seal of approval at the Northeast District competition this year and then earned a Merit at the International Photographic Competition in August 2017.

(Delaney is a survivor and her story deserves a whole blog on its own. All I can say is that she is an inspiration to many, and she has my heart.)

Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comMy lovely model Svetlana is seeing her portrait printed for the first time this weekend. This was an image we made in my new studio almost 1.5 years ago, when I was still expecting my second daughter. It was the last days of my pregnancy, and we worked with the lovely Johanna Pena for make-up to bring my vision to life. Svetlana is a timeless beauty and I am absolutely in love with these images!

My lovely model Svetlana was seeing her portrait printed for the first time this weekend. This was an image we made in my new studio almost 1.5 years ago, when I was still expecting my second daughter. It was the last days of my pregnancy, and we worked with the lovely Johanna Pena for make-up to bring my vision to life. Svetlana is a timeless beauty and I am absolutely in love with these images!

Pamira Bezmen, Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey's award winning portrait photographer, Essex County, www.pamirabezmenphotography.comMy lovely Miranda with her mom and dad in front of her portrait "Blue from another time". Since the day I met Miranda, I've been in absolute awe of her timeless beauty, creamy skin and amazing blue eyes. Looking at her always takes me to another time, and I wanted to make a portrait of her the way I see her. Completely pure and lovely, her piercing blue eyes jumping at me. I hand finished this portrait by printing it on 100% cotton fine art paper, hand tearing the edges and painting them with gold. Miranda's mom and dad will be taking this frame home this week :)

My lovely Miranda with her mom and dad in front of her portrait "Blue from another time". Since the day I met Miranda, I've been in absolute awe of her timeless beauty, creamy skin and amazing blue eyes. Looking at her always takes me to another time, and I wanted to make a portrait of her the way I see her. Completely pure and lovely, her piercing blue eyes jumping at me.
I hand finished this portrait by printing it on 100% cotton fine art paper, hand tearing the edges and painting the edges with gold.
Miranda's mom and dad will be taking this frame home this week :)

Me, on day 2 of the Art Fair, photographed by hubby.

My dear supportive husband, Shawn, and I. Sometimes professional photographers do iPhone selfies, too :)

Svetlana with her family, holding another one of her glamour portraits.

(This one was going to be a surprise for her later, but Shawn let it out of the box a bit too soon :)

Dear Ms. Miller, paying me a surprise visit at my booth.

A Summer Abroad | NJ Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 16:37:39 GMT

It sounds so European to say "We spent the summer abroad", doesn't it? With all the implied sense of adventure, free spirit, and joy embedded in that simple sentence. And it's all true, there is all of it included, and then some.

After a 2 year break we took to have our daughter Luna, we resumed our tradition of going back "home" to my birth country, Turkey, this time with 2 children. As much as we are proud and devoted American citizens, I'm a firm believer of keeping connections tight with the "old country", wherever that may be, as it instills a strong sense of belonging and culture in the children, rooted in a wider understanding of the world and appreciation of differences that makes us who we are.

The whole trip was lovely, and exciting, and even a little bit boring at times, just like being home. And the duties of changing diapers, nursing a feverish teething baby into the wee hours of the morning followed me across the Atlantic Ocean onto the hills of ancient Istanbul and into the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea. The days were hot and the nights were long. The children stayed up as late as the parents did, and sometimes fell asleep on our laps at dinner tables. Sometimes we fell asleep while the kids were still wide awake.

It was a dream come true for my older daughter Shaya to be reunited with her beloved cousin Pia. It appeared as if time stopped for them and they were transported into a world of cousin life. Magical creatures, baby dolls, imaginary stories, running up and down the house making a mess on all the floors, eating half a breakfast with us upstairs and another half with my brother and sister-in-law downstairs, friendly sharing and sibling rivalry all in one. Making up for lost time in the way that only children can, I think the girls lived these 5 weeks more fully than did any of the adults.

The children's never-ending laughter and arguments spiced up the time in a roller coaster, giving them a reason to understand what family is. There to love and support you unconditionally, get on your nerves like no one else can, and to offer themselves up to you unmasked... What great honor and joy to see it through the eyes of our children again... At the ripe ages of 42 and 41, my brother and I are not so far off from exactly that. Maybe we don't pull Barbie dolls from one another's hands, but the rest is all the same.

Seeing old friends, exchanging hugs, stories, congratulations, condolences... 5 weeks is just long enough to pretend you've never left, but also short enough that it's over in the blink of an eye...

After a bit of jet lag, we are reporting back to our lives in NJ. Our hearts full of memories, and my memory cards jam-packed with RAW files that need to be sorted out. There is easily 6 months of retouching material in there, if I had the time! Ha! That may not be happening, but I am fast and furious diving into my new sessions and clients' galleries.

I hope that you've all had a memorable and magical summer, and I can't wait to see you soon in the coming months. Remember, these are the last few weeks of warm outdoor photo shoots before we turn into cooler days and fall foliage. If you have an end-of summer or fall outdoor session in mind, please let me know soon. Also, if you want to take the whole family out to an art fair soon, please come and visit me at the Anderson Park Fine Art Fair on September 16 and 17, 2017. (Show hours are 10 am to 5pm, rain or shine. Admission is free to all and there is free parking around the park.)

directions to Anderson Park, Upper Montclair, NJ

See you soon!

Love,

-Pamira

Our family of 4 on our boat trip on the Mediterranean. More to come, in a future blog, on our "Blue Voyage"...

This is an original Teddy Bear, from my beloved, late father's childhood. He was born in 1936.

To think that my daughter is snuggling with it in 2017 - 81 years later - is really precious.

This is one way she is able to connect with her grandfather, via the straw-filled Teddy, with torn up feet and hands,

which have been repaired with a glue gun and duct tape :)

One of the priceless benefits of visiting the childhood home is connecting the babies with heirloom objects like this one.

Now Luna has a memory with Teddy, too :)

This is the view of Istanbul from our home (and my studio) Bebek. Looking at this scene immediately takes me back to my childhood.

My 2 girls, celebrating Shaya's 6th birthday in Istanbul.

My niece, forever the gymnist (or monkey) :)

Enjoying a cuddly moment with my little one after an intense breakfast!

(she likes to feed herself - and all her clothes!)

Nothing like home-made ice cream, made with organic fresh summer oranges from the native land.

My beloved brother with his family...

We miss these 3 so, so so much!!!

Wrapping up another Brookdale Park Fine Art Fair | NJ Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 17:43:10 GMT

It's always a rush putting up an exhibit at the local Fine Art and Craft Fair. We happily survived yet another one last weekend as Pamira Bezmen Photography Studio - and when I say "studio", I mean "the whole family", because truly these art fairs are a family affair. Just like raising a child, I can say it takes a village!

First, my husband and I had to set up the tent in the rain on Friday evening. (Before that, he had to rush home from work, we had to load up the cars, leave the kids with my mom and step-dad, and before that I had to prepare every single display item by hand, order hardware for framing and hanging, put together each frame, organize chairs, tables, table cloths, business cards, etc... but I'll fast forward through that part).

Setting up the tent in the rain was not as bad as our first time doing it 4 years ago when neither of us had ever attended an art fair as an exhibitor or set up a large tent this size (10ft x 10ft) before, and we had to figure out where each piece went from the instruction manual under a torrential rain and thunder storm. At that point we did not have my mom to help with the baby, so we had our little one with us to add excitement to the set-up process! Looking back at it now, it appears as a funny memory. It was not so funny back then! (yes, yes, I am laughing now!)

Just to give you an idea, this is what the tent looks like at the beginning:

Ha ha! Yep! It's surely an engineering project. You can see the little hand written cheat tags I taped to the bars, so that we could remember which went where. However, this time, I did ask myself if it would have been faster to just figure things out without the tags because somehow reading a tag titled "Right back back upper left door inner" did not make a lot of sense to me standing in the middle of a park, staring at a box filled with 60 bars that looked exactly the same! Each of which had an equally confusing title tag. Like this one: "Upper Left Back Front". Hmmm...

Why I thought these descriptors were spot on when I created them 4 years ago, I have no clue. They are surely not useful when setting up the tent. (In fairness to myself from 4 years ago, the tags magically start making sense AFTER all the pieces have been put together. I was like "Aaaaaah, yeahhhh, that's what it means!)

So, this was my husband and I putting together the tent on Friday, in part sun, part rain weather. And, get this: not even a single argument! High five, Shawn & Pamira!

And, when you sweet people came to visit us on Saturday and Sunday, this is what it looked like:

Much better!!!! :)

Despite the rains on Saturday and tropical humidity on Sunday, it was a wonderful weekend overall. It is such a true pleasure showing my work to my old and new friends. It is lovely meeting new clients and talking about how I can use my photography to make treasured memories for them. It is an honor to be considered to be your memory-maker for the coming generations and to carry the faces of your precious babies, mothers, fathers, siblings and grandparents into the future.

Thank you to all of you for coming to visit my tent. Thank you to my dear husband for believing in me and my art so much to spend his Father's Day working along my side at the fair. Thank you to my dear mom and step-dad for caring for our babies while we were at the Brookdale Park, so that we did not have to worry about how they were doing without us.

Thank you to all my old clients who stopped by to give me their hugs and support. And thank you to all my new friends who signed up for my newsletter. This, I hope will be the start of a long-lasting relationship of years of working together to make memories for your family. Keep an eye peeled for the drawing for the complimentary portrait session (the announcement is coming soon). And please feel free to reach out to me any time to discuss your next photography project.

Maternity, Generations, Newborn, Glamour, Couples, Babies, Adults, Personal Branding, Film Noir Fitness Portraits, indoor and outdoor... You have a beautiful face, and I have a passion to capture it!

Talk soon!

Love,

-Pamira

Here are some more images and a video from our exhibit at the Spring Fine Art and Crafts Fair at the Brookdale Park, Montclair / Bloomfield, New Jersey, organized by Rose Squared Productions, Janet and Howard Rose.

Pamira Bezmen Photography, New Jersey award winning photographer, Brookdale Fine Art and Craft Fair, Rose Squared Productions, www.pamirabezmenphotography.com

Exhibit at the Spring Fine Art & Crafts Fair, Brookdale Park, New Jersey Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:19:47 GMT

You are invited to BOOTH # 268 ...

After taking a year off to have my baby, I will be exhibiting at the Spring Fine Art and Crafts Fair again. Come out and visit me at Brookdale Park (Montclair/Bloomfield, New Jersey) next weekend, June 17-18. The show will be open rain or shine, from 10am to 5pm both days, and admission is free to all. I'd love to see my old friends and clients and meet new faces.

click here for directions to the show

Feel free to share this invitation with your friends, too. I will be giving away one complimentary photo session at the end of the weekend. The winner will be randomly selected by one of my daughters. All you need to do is visit me at my booth and sign up for my newsletter.

And as usual, I have gifts for my loyal clients who refer me to their friends. I also have some studio samples I will be retiring. If any of the retiring samples have your sweet face on them, you are welcome to take one home with you, after taking a picture with me :)

In honor of Father's Day, if you book a session during the show weekend, you will get a $50 gift voucher from me towards your print order.

The Brookdale Fine Art and Craft Show is a curated show, full of amazing local and visiting artists and vendors from NJ and across the United States. The organizers Janet and Howard Rose of Rose Squared Productions, Inc. are two of the most experienced organizers in the show industry, and have been putting together these shows for decades. They cherry-pick the artists and make sure that every detail is taken care of, from security to parking, in order to create a family friendly and safe day for all of us. There will be food at the fair, lots to look at, and old and young trees of Brookdale Park that will be lending you their shade. Gather up the family, pack your bug spray and come out for a day at the park.

I am excited to be coming out to meet you all and show you some of my work. Hope to see you soon :)

Love,

-Pamira

Below are some snap shots from past art fairs...

What I look like at my booth :)

The tent from the outside may have signage and some hanging art, depending on which side you are coming from. Make sure you walk the show in both directions because it's easy to miss a ton of goodness while you are focused on the booths that are directly on your side of the path. I like to go down on one side and then walk back on the other side. You never know what you miss if you just do one round :)

This is my husband Shawn. He fills in for me if I am with the kids or have to take a quick break. If you run into him, you can leave your information, and we can give you a call when I return to the booth. He can also provide some basic information about what I do.

And this is me at another one of the past fairs. I hope that we won't need the extra cardigans this time, and the weather will be lovely. Fingers crossed!

Happy Mother's Day, Celebrate Mom, New Jersey family photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 15 May 2017 01:49:43 GMT

Today was all about celebrations! From the first moment of waking up, to the end of the day... Flowers, cards, brunch, giggles, songs and dance... Celebrating the mother who made me, celebrating the mother I have become, and celebrating the little girls I am raising, who will someday, if they so choose, and if they are so blessed, be a mother to another...

The cycle of life is right before my eyes! From where I am, I can see clearly that motherhood must be the ultimate expression of hope and trust. 'Hope' that there will be a tomorrow, and 'trust' that I have the power to make it better for someone else.

Today, I was fortunate enough to spend my day with my little ones as well as my own mother and the men who love us. I was fortunate enough to take some new photos, AND I finally made the time to retouch this image of myself holding my little daughter almost 1 year ago. Time flies faster than we can keep track of! My baby girl is now a 20+ pound chunker with a full-blown personality, and definitely not fitting in my one hand like she did a year ago. For my own sake, I am thankful for having these images of her so tiny and innocent. And for her sake, I am thankful that I am in this image with her, holding her, protecting her, loving her, so that she will forever know what she meant to me from the first day I held her in my arms. I am not promised tomorrow, but today I have the power to make memories with my babies, and to create mementos that they can cherish year after year.

Wherever you are today, I hope that you have had an amazing day, celebrating mom and motherhood, showering in the love of family, making memories for the children. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Much love,

- Pamira

Celebrate Mom!

Happy Spring and all that comes with it!

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 22:51:18 GMT

Two coughs and a sneeze and March just flew by! - Literally, we were coughing or sneezing most of March, so I am so very happy to see the sun back out to warm and pamper us.

I want to wish you all a Happy Passover, a Happy Easter, and a joyful, happy, and amazing Spring!

Easter Egg Hunts, First Holy Communions, Mother's Day, chirping birds, budding trees, and outdoor family sessions! There is so much to celebrate and enjoy this season! Have it all, and make memories! And, yes, call me to document them and make them last forever for you!

Much love,

- Pamira

First Holy Communion Special Sessions starting from $250. If you've been procrastinating, call me now, and I'll do my best to squeeze you in.

Have you seen my new video? Celebrate Mom. You can watch it here. Enjoy!

(or you can click here to go to the page Celebrate Mom)

How to find the right photographer for your family or business | Pamira Bezmen Photography NJ

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 18:54:22 GMT

How to find the right photographer for yourself or for your family, by award-winning portrait photographer, Pamira Bezmen, New Jersey

This is one of the most popular questions when it's time to hire a professional photographer. Whether you need amazing photos for personal branding, sexy ones to wow your man, or heart-warming ones to celebrate the birth of your brand new baby, you must first figure out who will be the right photographer for your project. Just like buying furniture or a lovely piece of jewelry, you will have alternatives, and sometimes choosing can be hard.

I want to help simplify the process for you and give tips about what to look for, and how to deal with the emotional side of this decision. I'll tell you what most photographers won't tell you and here is your step-by-step check list.

0622 pink

Finding Your Photographer

1. Define your project.

Are you looking to photograph yourself, your whole family, newborn baby, maternity, boudoir, pets, business or something else? Figure out what is the main focus of your project, and seek someone who has exactly that in their portfolio.

2. Search within your geography.

Do an internet search with keywords like "Newborn photographer, New Jersey", "best photographers in Verona", "award winning photographer, Essex Fells, New Jersey", "maternity portraits, New Jersey". The more focused your keywords, the more focused will be your results. If your search does not return sufficient relevant finds, then you can use more general terms and expand your search, like "New Jersey Photographer", "Essex County photographers", "Photographers Morris County".

3. Use your network.

Ask friends and family. Photography is a highly personal and private experience. If your best friend had a great experience with someone, you are likely to have a similar experience with the same photographer. If a good friend has a gorgeous family photo on her Facebook page, ask her who photographed them.

4. Use internet resources.

Make sure you visit the business web sites and Facebook pages of the photographers on your short list. Look at their portfolios and galleries. Read about them. See if you feel a connection with their style and the photographer. Chances are, one of them will speak to your heart.

5. Get personal.

Call the top 2-3 photographers on your list and speak with them live. Ask them questions. Feel out the way they treat you on the phone. Are they confident with their answers and do they make you feel comfortable?

If you feel a click, you have a match. If not, keep on looking.

Technical Details - What to Look for

Ask questions to your prospective photographers on the phone to gauge where they are with regards to each of the items below. Look at their web sites and decide if their skill level meets your expectations.

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Know-how.

With many DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras available for sale to the general public and the general appeal of photography, I completely understand that many people can be drawn to photography. However, a passion for photography and the ability to purchase an expensive camera don't equate to experience and know-how. Look for someone who has the experience, not for someone who will experiment with you.

Wow factor.

When you view the portfolio of your prospective photographers, be critical, and expect to be wowed. If you see images in their galleries and feel like "I want that for myself", that is great. If the images are so-so, and you feel not so impressed, keep on shopping.

Consistency.

A true professional must be able to produce great images, not by luck, but by choice, over and over again, for every single client. Sharpness, lighting, mood, color harmony, framing, posing, overall feel and composition must all come together. If a photographer's portfolio has some good images and some amateur looking ones, they may not yet be at the professional level you need.

Variety.

A professional must be able to create great results in various situations, not only indoors or in nature, or only with daylight. Any age, any skin color, any location should be a piece of cake for a pro.

Honesty.

Look for clarity, honesty, and information. A professional must have a proper business sense and be able to provide clear and straight forward answers and explanations to all of your questions. There should be no hidden facts or surprises.

Praise.

Read what others have said about the photographer. People usually provide feedback passionately when they have a great experience or a terrible experience. If the reviews are passionately positive, it's for a reason.

(Not to brag, but we are pretty proud of our client feedback record. Time after time, we get raving reviews from all our clients, and we are in heaven with our 5-star rating! I want to take a pause to thank all our clients for loving on us constantly! Thank you!)

Products and Services.

Ask your photographers what they can do for you. What products do they offer? What services do they offer? Ask them to walk you through the whole process from the shoot until the delivery of products. This conversation will help you gauge the level of their professionalism and expertise, as well as what level of service you can expect if you hire them. Do they provide wardrobe, styling consultation, hair and make-up services? Do they make albums or canvas gallery wraps? Identify things that are important for you and see if they have it.

Professional Accreditation.

Look for a photographer who is a member of a reputable organization like PPA, Professional Photographers of America. This ensures that you are dealing with a professional who is aware of and committed to delivering the industry standards of excellence and has the backing of a nationwide network.

Paperwork.

Make sure your photographer works with a legal contract and proper invoicing. Things like studio terms and policies, what you get, what they get, cancellation policy, return policy, payment terms, booking fee, privacy policy, model release, etc. should all be clear and spelled out for you. Knowing the rules of engagement ahead of time will save both sides potential headache and conflict down the road if something does not go according to plan.

Investment

Photography is an investment. It is a highly technical skill that requires years of education and training, a passion for the arts, a heart to capture the best of you, and the courage to collect very expensive equipment and tools to do this with. Accordingly, the best photographers will not be cheap. When choosing your photographer, go with quality and the right photographer, and not the price of an 8x10" print. Chances are, the photographer who offers you a session and everything on a CD for $250 has not been in business very long and also will not be in business much longer - at least not at that price level.

If someone is trying to lure you in with cheap prices, it's probably because they can't compete on quality, product or service. And there may be hidden fees.

For an album that will warm your heart for the next 50 years, or for a canvas wrap that will hang on the wall for the next 3 generations, for the portraits that will represent you and your business all over the internet, make sure you choose a photographer who can deliver.

Pamira Bezmen Photography is an award-winning, full service portrait studio, located in Essex County, New Jersey, servicing the Tri-State area. Pamira's specialty is creating warm and romantic portraits that capture the love in your family and bring out the beauty of each subject. She is a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), and has been awarded The Seal of Approval and Merit degrees at district and international photographic competitions consistently since 2014. Pamira photographs maternity, newborn, family, glamour, and professional portraiture for all ages and genders. In order to see some of her work, you can visit her web site. In order to inquire about a photo shoot, you can send her an e-mail.

PamiraBezmen, 5429.3.800x533px

Happy Holidays from Pamira & Family, 2016-2017

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 20:22:54 GMT

How time flew... We put another year behind us. It was happy, sad, joyful, unbelievable, magical, and miraculous at times. There were weddings, funerals, babies, birthdays, and celebrations... We took it as it came, and made it ours. But most importantly, we kept our loved ones close, and documented memories. So that even when the good times and the hard times are behind us, we would have lasting memories of love...

Here is to a wonderful Holiday week, and a Magical New Year, full of hope for all good things to come, and making more loving memories.

Thank you to all of you for being in our lives, as friends, and your patronage of my humble studio. I am looking forward to seeing you in front of my camera in 2017!

Love,

- Pamira & the Montanez-Bezmen Family

Thankful from the bottom of my heart... | Pink Friday Specials | NJ photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:44:31 GMT

I am grateful for all ... Thank you for growing with me, and letting me grow with you. Thank you for letting me touch your lives and capture your memories. Thank you for your friendship and patronage.

My heart knows only love and kindness for you. It feels only love and kindness from you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

- Pamira

- PINK FRIDAY SPECIALS -

CANVAS GALLERY WRAPS 15% off
until 5pm on Nov/25
the best canvases in the industry for a special value
30"x40" ... $935 | 24x36" ... $807 | 20x30" ... $640

$50 GIFT FOR YOUR NEXT BOOKING
until Dec/3
book your next session by December 3rd, and
receive a complimentary $50 print credit on me
(actual session date can be any date before March/2017)

JEWELRY 20% off
until Dec/10

Sterling Silver with cubic zirconia or Rose Gold
Necklace & Charm: $360 | Charm: $260

click here to see more about Heirloom Portrait Jewelry

HOLIDAY CARD SPECIAL
order by Dec/1
I will include complimentary parchment envelopes, return address labels
and guaranteed priority shipping
when you order your holiday cards by Dec/1
50 cards ... $125
100 cards ... $175

click here to book a session or order any of the above specials

Heirloom Portrait Jewelry by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:29:42 GMT

Introducing MY ANGEL FOREVER Necklace and Charm... What better way to keep your loved ones close to your heart every day.

I am so pleased to introduce a new line of special products that fit my offerings in spirit and quality. The unique, custom touch that you expect from me, with your favorite image turned into a keepsake to wear, cherish and enjoy for years to come. Another way to make your photographic investment come to life day after day.

Choose from Sterling Silver and Rose Gold options.

Sterling Silver 18" necklace comes with a charm that is sprinkled with sparkly cubic zirconia all around the pendant.

Rose Gold 18" or 24" necklace comes with a rose gold pendant.

Introductory price: Necklace with charm: $450, additional charms: $325 each.

If you would like to see me wearing my custom jewelry, here is a post on my Facebook page.

You can call me to turn your favorite images from a past session into custom jewelry, for yourself or a loved one. If you haven't booked a session with me yet, let's speak.

Love,

Pamira

Holiday Mini Sessions 2016 by New Jersey Portrait Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:06:56 GMT

Here are the 2016 Holiday Mini Sessions for your little ones.

In and out throughout the month of November, with a very special offer. I hope you can take advantage and make more memories this holiday season with precious portraits that will live on forever...

I am also introducing a limited edition special product just for the holidays this year: My Angel Forever Charm and Necklace. What better way to keep your loved ones close to your heart every day.

Looking forward to hearing from you when you are ready to book your session or if you would like to turn one of your favorite images into a unique custom jewelry for yourself or a loved one.

Love,

Pamira

Boo! My daughter turned her sister into a pumpkin! | Halloween photos by NJ photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 00:57:43 GMT

A PUMPKIN!!!!! Eeeeeekkkk!!!!! ::)))

May your witches be nice
and your ghouls merry...

May your harvest be plenty,
and your family warm and cozy.

Happy Halloween!!!

Love,

- Pamira

Slowing Down | About motherhood and Time... | NJ Portrait Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 21:08:53 GMT

Slowing down... It is by far the hardest part of motherhood for me.

Loving them unconditionally: check.

Being sleepless night after night: check.

Putting them ahead of all else: check.

Carrying them on my person and protecting them: check.

But slowing down? Oh my! That is hard, hard, hard for me. That means everything I have in my mind, my heart and body, for a project, ideal, or need, must wait. Wait until everyone is fed, cleaned, wiped, changed, nursed, played with, attended to, listened to, chatted with, role modeled, entertained, challenged, appreciated, understood, cared for, educated, and put to bed... And oh, then it begins again.

Every mom knows that sometimes the same cup of coffee waits all day to be had. Or three hours pass by before you know it, and you still have not peed. Or sometimes you just pee yourself a little (or a lot)! Aaaaah, don't make faces, you know it happened to you, and to me, and to every other mother out there, and maybe even to a few dads.

The good news is that it gets a bit better with the second child. You know what to expect, you are cool about the gas and the teething, you learn quickly what different little sounds mean. You take your time to actually go to the bathroom - get this - before you pee. The baby will be fine. She can wait for a minute or two. And life will go on.

BUT - and this is a big BUT - life is still S-l-o-o-o-o-w.

Everything I put my mind to takes about 4 times longer than before, if not 5 times or 10 times. Still, some things just don't get done. Even as a second time mom, I find myself overextending myself, trying to pretend I can accomplish things as if I were free as a bird. I end up running from my daughters to my projects in 5 minute intervals, diligently, and consistently, trying to do it all. Thankfully I have stamina, but I must confess sometimes it's exhausting.

Sometimes I wait for so long for both girls to be taken care of in all the ways possible just so that I can have that long-dreamed-of, uninterrupted 1 hour to myself. That means I can do anything I want. I mean anything!!!! Call a dear friend I miss, take a shower, start my next photography project, have breakfast, watch a training video, write thank you cards for our baby gifts, or read a book. Or paint that metal thingie I bought to build a studio prop, or make a few floral headbands, or a tulle skirt.

Just the thought of the alternatives is so exciting that I paralyze myself with the possibilities. I dilly dally. I go to the bathroom to pee - two times in a row. Brush my teeth. Make coffee. Check facebook. Oh my! I have TIME! And not one, but two free hands! I imagine myself hiking through the woods, climbing mountains, hanging off a cliff with my camera... For that one moment, the world is my oyster. In my imagination, I'm getting into new businesses, reaching out to old clients with thank you notes, vamping up my marketing to reach new clients who will love my photography, I write blogs and invent new set-ups. Just the thought feels good.

And then I... Take out my paints. Walk through the studio. Look through the tulle and the flower bunches I have. Pick up a ripe cucumber and an eggplant from the vegetable patch. Run inside to check on the baby. Watch the baby for 5 minutes in awe of her beauty. Check on my older daughter. Watch her play with her dolls and make a mess all over the kitchen floor with a bucket of water, glue and sand... I retouch one photo. Start a blog post. Share a thing or two on facebook. Take a sip of my coffee...

Just as I'm getting into it, I hear it.

"WAA!"

The unique and determined little call from my baby, "WAA!"

It means "Mommy I'm awake. Your free time is over."

It also means "You are a blessed woman, and I'm here to remind you every day, many times, if you only take the time to slow down."

I put my coffee down and go to pick her up. Instead, I lie by her side, and... slow down.

I smell her head, feel her soft skin, and take in the grandeur of this tiny little miracle, who will soon not be this little any more.

Blessed I am. Slow down I do.

- Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography Earns Merits at International Photographic Competition 2016

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 20:46:18 GMT

I am once again humbled and excited to share with you my most recent merited photographs from the International Photographic Competition, August 2016. Previously these images had received the Seal of Approval at Professional Photographers of America's (PPA) Northeast District Competition earlier in the year. I am forever thankful to all my loving and supportive clients, family, and friends for holding my hand through this journey.

Thank you!

With love,

-Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography, Water Fairy

A Wish from the Magic Carpet | Happy Mom's Day

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 08 May 2016 18:52:42 GMT

I downloaded a sleep time meditation podcast for Shaya this week. The guided meditation takes you through an imaginary journey on a magic carpet, especially designed for children. Once the magic carpet lands in a lovely place, you get to make one wish.
I was half dozing off, half keeping an ear on how Shaya was doing with her meditation, and that is when I overheard Shaya's wish.
She sat up in bed, held the phone in her hands as if to concentrate, and slowly said: "I wish my mom never dies."

It was so touching, so sweet and innocent. She could have wished for anything - any toy, any amount of chocolate in the world, or a palace full of princess gowns and glitter. But she wished for an eternity of "me".
As a mom, I could not have asked for a better gift for Mothers' Day!

I know we don't get to live forever, but I do know that a mom's love is eternal.

Here is a celebration to all of you mommies, who give it your best every day, and to the amazing moms who raised us. Thank you! I love you Mom!

I hope that you are all enjoying an amazing day with your babies, abundant with love and joy, and you get to celebrate your moms and mother figures in your lives even if they are far away.

Sending you all big hugs and much love,
-Pamira

Frankie and Dorian's Portrait Session Sneak Peek | New Jersey family photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 22:20:04 GMT

Frankie's and Dorian's Portrait Session Sneak Peek by New Jersey's award-winning family photographer Pamira Bezmen

Sometimes the cuteness, beauty and love come bundled tight and big, and my job as a photographer is twice as fun, and so exciting! As soon as I opened the door, I fell in love with Frankie's big, purposeful eyes and bright spirit. I knew we were going to have a lot of fun in this session. Only 3.5, she has the grand personality, self confidence, and camera savvy as a professional adult, and I can say we worked as a team to determine outfits, looks and poses. If I can take credit for guiding her half the time, she was guiding me the other half :)

Dorian originally did not care much for being in front of the camera, but he was so sweet in accommodating us girls when we asked him nicely :) And I am so happy that he played along because looking at the images I got of the two of them, and the ones with their sweet Mommy, my heart skips a beat. I hope that both Frankie and Dorian will get to enjoy these portraits for many years to come and cherish their amazing love and connection captured in these images.

Here is a sneak peek of some of the images from our session. I hope you all enjoy what you see.

With love,

-Pamira

Pamira Bezmen Photography Earns Merit Awards at 2016 Northeast District Competition

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 22:36:03 GMT

Pamira Bezmen Photography Earns Merit Awards at 2016 Competition

March, 2016

I am very honored and excited to share the news with our friends and clients that Pamira Bezmen Photography has been awarded 3 new merits at the 2016 Northeast District Photographic Competition, organized by the Professional Photographers of America.

I have been competing in these district competitions for 3 years now, and it is by far one of my greatest learning experiences in my art and technique. Out of my 4 entries, 3 have been deemed worthy of a merit, also known as a "Seal of Approval".

My 3 award-winning entries are "Butterflies in Her Tummy", "The Song of the Ocean", and "Water Fairy".

"Butterflies in Her Tummy" is one of my favorite maternity images that I created in the studio with a mix of natural and constant studio light of my beautiful and very lovely client Sarah when she was expecting her first baby. I wanted to give the image a magical and ethereal feel by adding the butterflies and the texture that complimented her happy expression as well as the flow of the fabric I wrapped her in. To me, an expecting mom is not only beautiful, but she embodies all the powers of Mother Nature, so I find it very fitting to blend natural elements and creatures in my maternity portraits, such as earth, flowers, trees, wind, water or butterflies. For this image, I thought the cheerful butterflies would be the best compliment to symbolize the excitement of first time motherhood, where the flowing fabric added to the joyful and natural feel. Of course the butterflies also symbolize transformation, and motherhood is one of the greatest transformations a woman can go through.

ButterfliesInHerTummy

To see some other examples of my maternity portraits, you can see my Gorgeous Mama and Belly Angels page here.

"The Song of the Ocean" was shot on a beach in Puerto Rico on a cloudy afternoon. Climbing through heaps of washed up seaweeds, my daughter and I found a large and gorgeous sea shell, which was also the only one on the whole beach. The creature inside was no longer living, but still in the shell and was pretty smelly, but we could not resist taking some photos with it. My daughter readily took the shell to her ear, wanting to hear the sounds of the ocean, while the wind blew her hair and dress in the air. I cleaned up the lighting and mood in post processing to make sure that it was as natural and soft looking as I had envisioned this moment. I wanted the image to take the viewer to that beach, imagining that they were feeling the breeze and holding the sea shell to their ear.

TheSongOfTheOcean

"Water Fairy" is another image I created in the studio. In the past year my daughter has been very much into fairies of all types, and I wanted to create a series of portraits where she is a fairy. In this portrait I added the water and fishes in post processing, as well as the fairy wings and pixie dust. This portrait is now displayed in our living room, printed on a beautiful large canvas gallery wrap, and my daughter loves seeing herself as a fairy. It is a portrait that brings reality and imagination into one scene, and I truly enjoy seeing how much she loves it. She tells our visitors and clients what a special image this is and how the canvas is so beautiful! It is very cute and funny at the same time seeing her market my work as my little spokesperson :)

Water Fairy

To see more of my children's portraits, you can click here.

I am happy and excited to continue creating quality images that capture and evoke emotions. I cannot express how thankful I am to the amazing judges at Professional Photographers of America for their critiques, which help make all of us participants better photographers. As much as it is gut-wrenching to hear my work being judged live or even listening to the recorded critiques, I learn so much from each critique that I can comfortably say competing is one of my biggest and fastest learning tools as a professional. Seeing the works of other photographers is also extremely humbling and inspirational. There is a lot of talent, creativity, and experience out there, and I am honored to be a part of the photographic community of professionals who work very hard to create lasting memories out of short fleeting moments like these.

-Pamira

Emily's 1st Birthday Angel Photo Session | New Jersey family photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 21:18:57 GMT

Emily's 1st Birthday Angel Photo Session | by New Jersey's award-winning family portrait photographer, Pamira Bezmen

Sweet little Emily is such a little doll! Truly, she does look like a baby doll in so many of the images that I finished editing and retouching her gallery in no time because I simply could not stop going! We scheduled her session at around 10 months so that we would have plenty of time to get everything retouched and her sweet momma could pick her favorites and get her prints delivered in time for Emily's birthday party.

Without ruining the surprise of the full gallery, here are some of my favorites from our session :) What a family of beautiful girls! Lucky papa! :)

May you always be happy and so well loved for all your life, sweet Emily!

Love,

- Pamira

3 Minute Survey | What's on that beautiful mind of your's

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:27:12 GMT

What's on that beautiful mind of your's???

We would love to hear what you think!

Will you give us 3 minutes of your time?
and we'd like to gift you $50 towards professional prints for your next session

CLICK here for survey in English
Turkce anket icin buraya TIK'LAYIN

THANK YOU!

-Pamira

2015 Year in Review | New Jersey Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:21:46 GMT

2015 Year in Review :) I wish I could make a collage large enough to capture all my favorite images from 2015. Of the dozens of sessions we've done and thousands of images we've created, I've put my heart and soul into each one. Thank you to all my clients for trusting their memories with me! I appreciate you beyond words can say.

Love,

-Pamira

What an amazing year 2015 has been. I was blessed with dozens of beautiful clients. I had the honor of documenting and sharing in on the journeys of hundreds of special individuals, many families and professionals. I gave a piece of my heart and art to each of you, and I am beyond thankful for all you have given me.

We made a point to sharing the prosperity you have afforded us, with many reputable and honest organizations, locally and globally, whose causes we believe. Pamira Bezmen Photography and the Montanez-Bezmen family has supported many well-meaning causes in 2015, including helping children who lost their homes in the Middle East due to war and territorial disputes, the hungry in our local community, under-privileged families in need, children in foster care, veterans and the blind, environmental causes, as well as protection of wild life and endangered species including polar bears, our very own American wolves, bears and more...
We donated our time, money and services with love and hope for a better world full of love and equality. Thank you for standing by our side, supporting us and making this possible.
We hope to do more in 2016. Please stick with us, and let's do more together.

Do you have organizations you love and want us to support?
Do you have projects in mind for partnering to bring love and joy to the community?
Shall we plan a fundraiser together for an amazing cause or organization? - Let us know .

Happy Birthday Sadie!!! | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 23:07:19 GMT

Happy Birthday Sadie!!! | Pamira Bezmen Photography

Wow, you are a big sister of 2 full years today! Happy Birthday, sweet Sadie!!! I hope you are having a wonderful birthday!!!!

-Love,

Pamira

Down the memory lane... I can't believe this was you just over a year ago ::)))

Jake's Sitting Up Session | Pamira Bezmen Photography | NJ Family Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 23:50:57 GMT

Jake's Sitting Up Session | Pamira Bezmen Photography | NJ Family Photographer

Jake, it's such a pleasure meeting you! You are absolutely delightful, and I could not be happier to see your family grow in number, love and joy. Thank you for giving me so many precious smiles and I can't wait to see you again soon - hopefully for your 1st birthday!

Here is a little sneak peek. I hope you all love them as much as I do :)

Love,

-Pamira

Aiyana's 2nd Birthday Angel Session | NJ Family Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 23:40:17 GMT

Aiyana's 2nd Birthday Angel Session | by NJ's award-winning Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen of Pamira Bezmen Photography

Sweet Aiyana, you are growing up so lovely and pretty. Our session was a challenge to schedule, but I'm so glad we were able to do it, and I hope that you and your dear family will enjoy your images for many years to come.

Here is a sneak peek for your mama and papi. Hope they also like how these came out :)

Love,

-Pamira

Gabriel's Newborn Angel Sneak Peek | NJ Newborn Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 23:28:45 GMT

Gabriel's Newborn Angel Sneak Peek | NJ Newborn Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

He is here! He is early! He is delicious! I am ever so thrilled to be the photographer of the lovely Antonakos family, and my joy keeps growing with them.

Welcome, sweet, handsome Gabriel! You're a prince, you're a Viking, you're a baby bear... but most of all, you are one precious little angel. God bless!

Love,

- Pamira

Jaden's 1st Birthday Angel & Holiday Session | New Jersey family photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 20:22:36 GMT

What a lovely 1st Birthday it will be and an amazing 1st Christmas! I am so glad that I was able to meet sweet Jaden and his lovely mama and papa. It was a very, very fun photo session :)

Dear Jaden, here comes your sneak peek. Hope you all love it :)

Much love,

Pamira

DSC_4403.1

Mackenzie's Birthday Angel Sneak Peek | NJ family photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 19:28:58 GMT

It's our second birthday together. Mackenzie is getting quite tall and even prettier, and this year we got so many more smiles from her during our session than we did last year.

I love being a part of my little clients' growing up journey. We get to know one another and grow a relationship year after year. I am truly blessed for having them in my life :) Happy birthday, Mackenzie! It was such great joy seeing you again and having the privilege to capture your birthday memories for you and your sweet family. I hope that you will cherish your images for life!

Here is our lovely Mackenzie's sneak peek...

Pamira Bezmen Earns New Merits at IPC, 2015 | Verona, NJ Photographer honored by peers and judges

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:49:31 GMT

Verona's own award-winning portrait photographer Pamira Bezmen earns three new merits at PPA's International Photographic Competition, 2015

2015-06-13.Pamira.1

Pamira Bezmen of Pamira Bezmen Photography is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography, one more time.

(Verona, NJ)(August 7, 2015)—Three photographs created by Pamira Bezmen of Pamira Bezmen Photography in Verona, New Jersey have recently been accepted into the General Collection of Professional Photographers of America's 2015 International Photographic Competition.

"Tutus, Dandelions, and Barefeet", "Listening to Her Angel", and "Pure", Bezmen's photographs, will be on display at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia Jan. 10-12, 2016, in the International Photographic Exhibition, alongside other top photographic works from the competition as well as traveling and special invitational displays.

These images constitute one of the world's largest annual exhibits of professional photography gathered simultaneously under one roof.

The International Photographic Exhibition will be held in conjunction with Imaging USA, an annual convention and expo for professional photographers and several photographic associations.

A panel of 43 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from nearly 5,500 total submitted entries at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. Judged against a standard of excellence, worthy images were selected for the General Collection and Loan Collection.

Pamira Bezmen Photography offers its clients a very personal, highly customized photography experience which focuses on bringing out and capturing the genuine love and connection in each family in an artistic way. Each session, colors, fabrics, mood and feel is styled to the clients' personality, home decor and lifestyle preferences. Bezmen blends her motherly instincts to provide a warm, loving, fun, and safe experience for her clients while using her technical expertise and artistic vision to make high quality heirloom print products that will be cherished for generations. Bezmen specializes in maternity, newborn, child, and family portraits as well as headshots and professional portraits for adult clients who are looking for an artistic and professional edge. Bezmen has studios in Verona, New Jersey, and Istanbul, Turkey.

You can see more of Bezmen's work and what her satisfied clients are saying at www.pamirabezmenphotography.com.

"Tutus, Dandelions, and Barefeet"

Merit Image, IPC 2015

"Listening to Her Angel"

Merit Image, IPC 2015

"Pure"

Merit Image, IPC 2015

Last year, another image of Bezmen's, titled ENTANGLED, was honored with a merit at the 2014 IPC.

Entangled

Contact: Pamira Bezmen Photography

www.pamirabezmenphotography.com
862-812-2313 (U.S.A.)
[email protected]

About PPA:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists more than 27,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com.

1st Twin Birthday: Charlie & Mason | NJ family photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:09:01 GMT

1st Twin Birthday: Charlie & Mason | by NJ family photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Oh how special the 1st birthdays are! Take that, and multiply by two. One girl, one boy - double the excitement, double the fun, double the photos :)

I had such a lovely time photographing this sweet family. I can't tell if I fell for Charlie or Mason more, all I know is that I could just eat them up. The expressions, the big lovely eyes, the dimples, the chubby arms and legs. Happy birthday, cuties! May all your life be full of celebrations so special, happy, and full of love.

Love,

- Pamira

Max is One | 1st Birthday Professional Portraits by Award-winning New Jersey Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 16:29:42 GMT

Max is One | 1st Birthday Professional Portraits by Award-winning New Jersey Photographer, Pamira Bezmen Photography

Wow, wow, wow, has it really been a year since I met you, little precious love? Were you really only all of a few pounds big and 4 days old? Did you really fit in a salad bowl, sparing plenty of room for stuffing a blankie for comfort and support?

Well, apparently yes. Maximus Constantinos Antonakos. Happy 1st Birthday! You are deeply loved and always will be. I am honored to be your photographer, and dare I say an adoring friend of your family.

Happy birthday, little man! We all love you!

- Pamira

Baby Liam | New Jersey newborn photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 21:38:44 GMT

Baby Liam | New Jersey newborn photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Our first "hello" was when he was still in his mom's belly for her "Gorgeous Mama & Belly Angel" session. (one of my images from that session got the seal of approval at the Professional Photographers of America Northeast District Photographic Competition in the spring of 2015. click here to see the merited image). And then he came to visit me in the flesh, precious as can be. Welcome dear Liam! What a joy to meet you and be able to photograph you in the loving arms of your mommy and daddy!

Welcome Jason | New Jersey newborn photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 21:16:34 GMT

Welcome Jason | New Jersey newborn photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

For the past 2 years I've been participating as a donor in the F.N. Brown Elementary School Tricky Tray. My dear friend, ex-colleague, and client Jen is on the committee, and I am so glad I can take part. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to help a school in my local community, and also put smiles on the faces of sweet families who win my complimentary photo sessions.

This year, the winners were Rachel and Mike, who showed up with a handsome little bundle of joy to collect their gift. And boy did I fall for them! You'll see why when you scroll down to see the photos I took of them and their lovely Jason.

Our True Colors - Red, White, and Blue, and Violet, Green, Yellow, too | NJ family photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 17:33:19 GMT

Our True Colors - Red, White, and Blue, and Violet, Green, Yellow, too

by New Jersey's award-winning portrait and family photographer, Pamira Bezmen, of Pamira Bezmen Photography

As we gear up for a weekend of family, friends, and celebrations, decorated with flags of Red, White and Blue, I am once more proud to be an American.

Just like in all communities, we have imperfections and issues that need fixing. And we raise our voices until the cows come home or until those issues get fixed. But this week, I am very happy that on this weekend of flags Red, White, and Blue, we also get to celebrate some other colors. Beautiful colors. Colors of love, equality, humanity, caring, tolerance, and freedom. We get to celebrate the Yellows, the Oranges, the Violets, the Greens... The colors of the rainbow!

We get to celebrate the men and women of this great nation who previously felt left out, suffered, and had to carry broken hearts in their chests, never feeling like they truly belonged. In the land of the free, they were not free.

Finally in our grand union where we say "all men are equal", we are a bit more equal. Equal to love and marry as our hearts desire. Finally we are recognizing that love is universal and that it is the ultimate freedom to choose who we love.

As I always say, if marriage is a legal contract that is a choice and a privilege - or a prison and a curse, depending on how you look at it - all citizens should have equal access to it. And now they do.

In the end, love won. This, to me, sounds like a real good Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July weekend, everyone! Be safe. Love to your heart's content. And keep your loved ones close.

Love,

- Pamira

One Man, One Rock, One Love for Life: Dad | New Jersey family photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:26:18 GMT

One Man, One Rock, One Love for Life: Happy Fathers' Day!!!

by New Jersey family photographer Pamira Bezmen

Hold on, hug tight, love big, and say it to your dad this weekend! Happy Fathers' Day to all the amazing dads out there. Thank you. We love you!

A special thank you to my own magical father... I wish he were here to celebrate his day together, but I know he can feel my love from where he is. I love you daddy! You are my one never ending love!

And many thanks to my dear fiancee, Shawn, for being a great dad to our daughter Shaya. I hope that she will get to experience all the joys of being an independent, confident, and strong woman, with the unshakable love of her adoring father. Thanks, babe, for all that you do for us and especially our little girl.

- Love,

Pamira

Welcome Aiden: Newborn Portraits, NJ family photographer, Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:00:12 GMT

Welcome Aiden: Newborn Portraits, NJ family photographer, Pamira Bezmen Photography

It was perfect timing that Aiden came into the loving arms of his sweet mom and dad, just as I returned from my overseas trip, perfectly in time for our newborn portrait session :) Starting a journey with maternity images with dear Sarah and Renato (click here to see Sarah's Belly Angels session on the blog), I had been involved in the sweet anticipation since January. And here we are, finally meeting the handsome boy we've been expecting for months. A precious, handsome, peaceful little love, with all the beauty of his mom and dad...

Here are some images from our Newborn Angel Portrait Session in my studio in Verona, New Jersey. Aiden was 14 days old when we made these images.

Welcome, dear Aiden! We love you!

- Pamira

only Mama's kiss can make one smile that way :)

handsome dad, handsome son

Professional Head Shots, Kaan KIRAN, by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 29 May 2015 23:28:22 GMT

Professional Head Shots, Kaan KIRAN, by Pamira Bezmen Photography

If you have already fallen in love with his velvety, deep voice (you may have heard him on Turkish TV, speaking characters like Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey JR, Michael Duncan, and Jason Statham), here is your chance to meet the face behind the voice.

Kaan KIRAN is an up and coming young actor, who had a life-long passion for the art, starting from his childhood. Following his career as a football player and working in the hospitality industry, he eventually became a voice actor, in addition to hosting sports programs on the radio. Since 2010, he has done voice overs for reputable production companies and blockbuster productions. Now he is determined to further his career by entering the world of acting.

Born in 1988, Kaan is a cool and even keeled optimist, who believes in doing his best to optimize any given situation. He is not apologetic about his passion for success. He says: "Under normal conditions, I will be successful in my career. Under unfavorable conditions, I will again be successful in my career."

He intends to use his talents, looks and voice to become a great actor, if not the best.

He says: "If I succeed in that, that means I'm a special person. And that sounds pretty good to my ear :) "

He adds:

"Visual appeal is very important in the world of acting, where I want to be at the forefront. It is my pleasure to be able to live and share this experience with Pamira's energy."

I hope you enjoy the images I made of Kaan at my Bebek, Istanbul studio. I am confident that he will have a bright career ahead of him, and I am excited that my portraits will get to represent him along the way on his journey.

Good luck, Kaan, it was a pleasure meeting you and working with you!

- Pamira

Here are some images from behind the scenes, from our photo shoot in Istanbul

May, 2015

(many thanks to Deniz Viranyali Bedtke for the backstage photos)

Below is the Turkish summary of the story for my Turkish readers.

Hikayenin Turkce Ozeti:

Istanbul'daki studyomda sevgili Kaan KIRAN ile cok keyifli bir cekim yaptik. Cocuklugundan beri oyuculuğa ve seslendirmeye çok ilgisi oldugunu soyleyen Kaan, 7-8 yıl futbol oynadıktan ve 1-2 yıl kadar süren otelcilik tecrübesinden sonra sürekli kalbinde olan kamera ve mikrofona yonlenmeye karar vermis.

2010 senesinden beri seslendirme sanatcisi olan Kaan, radyoda spor programlari sunmanin yanisira, 5 yıldır Türkiye'nin önemli stüdyolarında seslendirme yapıyor. Pekcok filmde hayallerinizi susleyen aktorlerin o akillarda kalan sesi kimin mi? Kaan'in :)

Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey JR, Michael Duncan, Jason Statham... Hepsi Kaan!

Bu guzel sesin arkasindaki guzel yuzle de artik tanisma vaktimiz geldi. Kaan KIRAN bundan boyle sadece dublaj sanatcisi degil, ayni zamanda da aktor olarak karsimiza cikmaya hazirlaniyor.

Kendini soğukkanlı, gözlemci ve temkinli biri olarak tanimlayan Kaan, profesyonel hayatla ilgili tutkusunda ciddi.

"Ben daima pozitif bir insanım. Yaptığım iş ne olursa olsun elimden gelenin en iyisini yapmaya, durumu olumlu yönde geliştirmeye çalışırım. Einstein’ın dediği gibi iyi ya da kötü vardır buna inanırım, iş hayatında da başarıya ulaşanlar ve ulaşamayanlar olarak nitelendiririrm. Normal şartlarda çok iyi bir kariyere sahip olacağım, anormal şartlarda da yine bu kariyere sahip olacağım."

Hedefi Türkiye’nin en iyi aktörlerinden biri -- belki de en iyisi -- olmak.

"En iyisi olduğumda ‘özel biri’ olurum. Bu da kulağa çok hoş geliyor." diyor.

"Son olarak; profesyonel olarak ön planda yer almak istediğim bu Oyunculuk Dünya'sında görsellik çok önemli. Bu tecrübeyi Pamira'nın enerjisiyle yaşamak ve paylaşmak beni çok mutlu etti. :) "

Benim icin de Kaan'la tanismak ve beraber calisma firsati bulmak cok buyuk keyif oldu. Sevgili Kaan'a kariyerindeki bu yeni yolculukta benim cektigim fotograflarin eslik edecek olmasi, bu portrelerin onu temsil edecek olmasi beni de bir o kadar heyecanlandiriyor.

Yolun acik olsun, Kaan'cim, hayalindeki gibi isil isil bir yol olsun umarim...

- Pamira

Karel Franco Valansi, professional headshots by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 20 May 2015 18:27:31 GMT

Karel Franco Valansi, professional headshots by Pamira Bezmen Photography

A professional portrait is your best foot and best face forward. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to photograph this impressive woman. Karel Franco Valansi is a columnist at Shalom Newspaper, who writes on The Middle East and Turkish Foreign Policy. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Growing up, Karel believed her ultimate goal was to continue her father’s fragrance business or revive her grandfather’s detergent factory. She chose to major in business administration without questioning herself. But, once she started with her studies, she began having doubts. She took various courses from finance to tax systems in order to understand what she would like to become. From there, things took a different turn for her.

Here is how she tells her story:

"Every summer I would work in a different sector. Each time I would come to the conclusion that this was not what I wanted. I had an excellent list of the jobs that I was not passionate about and I did not know what I really wanted. I loved writing essays in school but writing was just a hobby for me. I did not have any intentions of becoming an author, writing all day, alone, and without any guarantee of success. After graduation I worked as an auditor for a year at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Within a year, it became clear to me that this was not what I wanted, either."

Then one day, a series of coincidences led her to taking on an assignment as a translator for Shalom Newspaper. She found the subject matter very interesting and began following the developments in the Middle East, mostly in Israel. A few months later she wrote a 1300 word piece on the new security fence of Israel.

As time passed, she became very passionate with the developments in international politics, especially with Iran’s nuclear ambition and the mystery of Lebanon’s Hariri assassination.

At the time the newspaper did not have thorough coverage of non-Middle Eastern news. She introduced a new feature which filled the gap in international news. She prepared this feature for four years. In 2011, she started to write her own column, ‘Objektif’. In 2007, she was in charge of selecting the news for the world news section and become editor of all three world news pages.

Karel says:

"Today when writing the ‘Objektif’ column, I am putting more emphasis on interviews, along with special coverage of the news, and non-political pieces.

Since 2012, I have been writing for Shalom Magazine (Şalom Dergi) as well. In order to develop my writing skills I began taking creative writing classes from Mr. Mario Levi, the author of ‘Istanbul was a fairytale’ for over a year now."

"I love my job. Sometimes it can be really challenging to try to contact an Israeli minister in the parliament, but at the same time I find it fascinating to talk to people with vast knowledge in their fields and find out about their ideas on the current subject matters."

"My ultimate goal is to write for a leading newspaper in Turkey. Once I achieve that, I want to enter the international arena and become an internationally accredited journalist."

With that goal in mind, Karel is pursuing her graduate degree at Kadir Has University International Relations Graduate Program. The faculty offers her what she's seeking: a specialization on history and theory of international relations, the Middle East, terrorism, religion and identity.

Karel brings her multilingual and multicultural background into her work, perspective and studies. She lived in Mexico as a child and went to primary school there. She later graduated the French high school Notre Dame de Sion in Istanbul, and took Italian at Koç University. She has the ability to read and communicate in Spanish, French, and Italian, as well as Turkish which is her mother tongue, and of course English. She describes herself as a hard working, ambitious, strong-willed, and passionate individual. Knowing her in person, I have nothing to add but praise and admiration.

I wish Karel the best of luck in all her endevors, as I know she will do well in whatever she aspires to. I trust that her kind heart and able mind will bring to the Middle Eastern political and news community what it's grossly lacking: an honest and balanced perspective that will invite nations and ethnicities to a place of peace and mutual tolerance, and may I dare say, love and kindness.

- Pamira

You can find Karel at the following links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karelvalansi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/karel-valansi

....

Lal, Baby Angel, 2.5 Years Old | Growing up portraits by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 18 May 2015 16:11:04 GMT

Lal, Baby Angel, 2.5 Years Old | Growing up portraits by Pamira Bezmen Photography

I met her as a sweet little baby angel, only a few days old. We put teeny bitty little flowers and bonnets on her... And now she is a little dream girl. Smart, sweet, beautiful, and determined. Full-fledged personality pouring out :) Our little ballerina, who managed to look so delicate and dainty while eating dried mulberries for almost the full session :) LOL, tell me about it, I did have to snap so many times, but it was well worth it!

Love you, little girl. Can't wait to see you soon again <3

- Pamira

Here is a quick glance down memory lane... :)

Lal, as a newborn, 2.5 years ago in my Verona studio

And here is our sweet ballerina now... Can she be growing up any lovelier??? :)

Lal, at 2.5 years old, in my Bebek, Istanbul studio

Hello May | Meet Me at the Park | Celebrate Mom | Verona Fine Art Show | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:11:03 GMT

Hello May | Celebrate Mommy | Meet Me at the Park | Verona Fine Arts & Crafts Show | Pamira Bezmen Photography

Hellooooo May!

Gorgeous weather, blooms, greens, birds and bees... Mother Earth has awakened and so have we.

Let's run to the parks, woods, rivers and ponds.

Let's teach our kids to smell the flowers without picking them. Let's allow the dandelions to grow so that our bees can feed on them.

Let's live, cherish, and capture these days.

Happy Mothers' Day to all gorgeous mamas out there. I salute you from the bottom of my heart. It's the hardest job of all, with the highest return on investment. It's the only thing that can keep you going without sleep on an empty stomach, day after day. But we do it. And would not change it for the world!

Verona Fine Arts and Crafts Fair is coming up next weekend. Join me at Verona Park (New Jersey) on May 16 & 17, Saturday & Sunday.

The Show is free to all and there will be many talented artists exhibiting. It should be a fun day for the whole family.

(show times are 10am to 5pm both days)

Bring your friends to Pamira Bezmen Photography Tent P805 for a chance to win a complimentary portrait session.

Much love,

- Pamira

Ada Sweet Girl Angel, by family photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography, Istanbul/New Jersey/New York

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 May 2015 12:40:43 GMT

Ada Sweet Girl Angel, by family photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography, Istanbul / New Jersey / New York

She's an artist, she's a free-spirit, she's curious, determined, and smart... and she has the loveliest smile. Sweet Ada, you are as good as it gets! I am loving all your images. I am so excited that this will be the first of many photo sessions to witness and capture you grow, with your loving mommy and daddy. How lucky I am to have met you, to have been reconnected with your mom, and to have the privilege of creating the portraits that will adorn your walls for years to come...

Thank you for it all!

Love,

-Pamira

Awaiting Baby Aiden | Belly Angels Session NJ's award winning maternity photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:22:33 GMT

Awaiting Baby Aiden | "Gorgeous Mama & Belly Angels" Portrait Session by NJ's award winning maternity photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Every pregnancy is magical. Full of boundless love and hope... Every Expecting Mother is a miniature embodiment of Mother Nature and its perfection. Sarah is lovely as can be with her precious baby bump, and I'm so excited for her and her sweet hubby... Can't wait to met baby Aiden very soon <3

Love,

- Pamira

Baby Pamela | 1 month old baby & family session with NJ photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:13:44 GMT

Baby Pamela | 1 month old baby portraits and family session with NJ photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

So sweet, so stubborn, and so awake :) Sweet little Lupita is her mama's little sunshine.

Mama said: "Now my family is complete"...

What an honor it was photographing this completeness...

- Pamira

Awaiting Baby Liam - Maternity Portraits by New Jersey Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 20:38:27 GMT

Awaiting Baby Liam - Maternity Portraits by New Jersey's Award-Winning Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen, of Pamira Bezmen Photography

This month, I was fortunate enough to meet several expecting mommies. One of them is beautiful G. My muse for my newest PPA merit image: "Listening to Her Angel".

She was over 2 months away from her due date at the time of our session, but as with all my sessions, we relied more on our own intuition, her condition and personal preference to set the date, and it all turned out perfectly. Her belly was magical and lovely, and she had great energy. What else could we ask for? An eager partner to accompany her in the images? Yep, we got that too :)

I love all the images we got from this session, and I am so thankful that so does she. Now we are holding our breaths to meet her precious little boy...

Thank you, dearest G, for trusting me with this very special time.

Love,

- Pamira

Mila's Vintage Vanity Birthday Session | by NJ family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 19:49:04 GMT

Mila's Vintage Vanity Birthday Session | by New Jersey's award-winning family Photographer Pamira Bezmen of Pamira Bezmen Photography

Oh sweet laces and ruffles and feathers... Oh sweet pearls and sparkles and tiaras... Oh sweet girly girls, in pinky pinks and creamy creams with pink cheeks and blue eyes...

It was such joy to photograph sweet Mila for her 1st birthday (11 months old at the time of our session), accompanied by her lovely 4 month old cousin, Charlotte.

I can tell these two will be like sisters for life, and those bright blue eyes will have many admirers...

Happy birthday, sweet Mila! I can't wait to see you again soon :)

Love,

-Pamira

Twice More: New Awards for Pamira Bezmen Photography in Maternity and Child Portraiture

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 19:54:37 GMT

Twice More: New Awards for Pamira Bezmen Photography in Maternity and Child Portraiture

Two new merits added to Pamira Bezmen's portfolio, in maternity portraiture and child portraiture. Who's capturing your memories? ;-)

Yeeyyyyyyy and happy happy, joy joy!!!!

I am forever humbled and overjoyed to share with my friends and clients the great news that two more of my images have been merited at the Professional Photographers of America's 2015 Northeast Photographic Competition.

Those of you following me will know that I am headed in a very romantic, clean, classic, and dreamy direction with my maternity portraits. I light, dress, and pose my expecting moms and dads in loving, tasteful and sensual ways to bring out all the emotions of this time. I find this to be a most magical period to be celebrated, documented and treasured. I want to leave a legacy of your pregnancy in a unique way that no selfie or mall portrait can do.

It is deeply tickling me with joy to know that my peers, teachers, and respected masters of the industry agree with the quality of my maternity portraiture. This merit gives me renewed passion to try even harder to learn and grow. You deserve it! Your memories deserve it!

(click here to see more of Pamira's Gorgeous Mama & Belly Angels maternity portraits)

Below: Listening to Her Angel

Pamira Bezmen's merit image at PPA's Northeast District Competition, 2015

And, as always, child portraiture is my thing. Newborns, babies, toddlers, teenagers... At all stages, they are our loves, angels, teachers, and students. Our reason to be, our reason to be better. Every day.

Below: PURE

Pamira's second image merited at the PPA Northeast District Competition, 2015

This one is a semi-documentary portrait of my daughter, upon waking up from a hot summer afternoon's nap. I find babies and toddlers to be so pure, natural and beautiful upon waking up, that without any concerns or particular expressions, you can see their full beauty in the simplicity of their state - big eyes, messy hair, pink cheeks and all... I wanted to capture this moment to remember forever.

As much as we all love happy smiles in photos, there is so much to be said about a pure expression. I'm so glad the judges agreed.

(click here to see more of Pamira's Kid Angels children's portraits, or here for Baby Angels)

Thank you ALL for your continued love, support, and patronage. Every artist needs an audience. If I did not have you to see, critique, love, enjoy, and sponsor my work, I would not have had the courage and reassurance to do this every day of my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Love,

- Pamira

The Path to My (and all Mothers') Heart(s) (and more) | by NJ Award-winning Family Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 19:58:06 GMT

The Path to My (and all Mothers') Heart(s) (and more) | by New Jersey's Award-winning Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

of Pamira Bezmen Photography

We all know that the path to a man's heart is through his stomach. That is of course, step 1 to his heart. Then to seal the deal, you have to keep him warm and cozy (usually under the sheets). Until the next meal :)

The path to a woman's heart, however, is known to be quite different.

If you're trying to impress and gain the affection of a single woman (one without a child), you need to take many paths, that involve many complicated, time-consuming, and confusing (for most men) activities.

Here are some of them:

look deeply into her eyes
listen to her
try to understand her
express your interest in what she's talking about
be a good listener
pretend to be a good listener
recite things she's said
remember special days
remember her favorite things
take her to dinner
try to be romantic
be a good dancer
be available to cook and set the table when she's tired or just whenever
hold her
snuggle with her
caress her gently
always act like she is valuable and important for you
stroke her hair gently without pulling
refrain from clumsy acts that end up pinching her, stepping on her foot, squishing her, etc.
read a lot, be smart & knowledgeable but not a know-it-all
be funny and entertaining but not be a clown
be supportive and protective but not overbearing
be sophisticated, respectable, a good provider, but not boring
be trustworthy and reliable, but not predictable
be sexy and take care of yourself, look nice for her, but not be a player
be accessible but not a stalker
be always, always there for her
offer a shoulder to cry on, but don't sit there like a sack of potatoes, know when to put a warm arm around her
be a good lover, make her feel wanted, but not be an animal
be her best friend, brother, and father, but never forget she is also your woman
be her teacher and student
be generous with your love, empathy and kindness
be forgiving and fair
don't ever, ever fall asleep when she's telling you about her intimate feelings
actually, don't ever fall asleep when she's talking about anything at all. ever.
don't snore

Once you've mastered these, then you can go on to learning about second level paths that are deeper, more advanced, more complex and more time-confusing, but ultimately more rewarding.

The truth is that for us women, these are basic investments you just make in someone you care for. Not in exchange for a reward. You just do them. WE just do them. That's why we expect them.

Because this is how we show our love, when we see these bits of affection (or behaviors) displayed towards us, our brains immediately know how to translate them to mean love and care.

Unfortunately, many men do not need or want the same things as women, and their brains cannot calculate these naturally. That's why it feels like so much work for many men to find the path to a woman's heart.

But, don't despair. For both men and women, there is hope to connect at a much simpler, shorter list. I cannot promise you that the differences of how our brains function, process information, and respond to events will ever go away. Our hormones will always regulate and dictate completely different responses even to the same exact situations, and we will frequently be staring at one another blankly, both thinking: "SERIOUSLY????"

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I decided I'd extend a helping hand. I am about to reveal the one step program to my heart. (And to the heart of every mother).

I mentioned that the list above applies to a single woman - meaning a woman without a baby. For men who want to impress a woman without a baby, I'm sorry, you will still have to do everything (or most of the things) on the above list. (scroll back up and start studying!)

But, if the woman of your dreams is a mother, I have good news for you. Here is the secret path to the heart of a Mother:

The Path to My Heart is Through My Baby.

Once a woman has a child, all of her brain wiring changes. Some brain parts get larger and stay larger for life. Her hormones, priorities, perceptions, joys and fears ALL REVOLVE AROUND HER CHILD.

You may say: "Yes, of course, we all know this."

Yes, of course you all know this. But are you building on this? Are you using it to everyone's advantage? To improve your relationship and family life, and how much intimacy you can create with your Lady?

I presume that most men don't.

Her priority is to love, nurture and protect her offspring. This will be done at the expense of herself, her man, and anything else that gets in the way. The woman you love is busy doing what nature intended for her to do, so if you want to get cozy under the sheets, you will need to reach out to her by speaking to her in her language.

Here is the one step program to my heart: LOVE MY CHILD HONESTLY AND SINCERELY AND SHOW IT OFTEN.

In many cases "my child" is also "your child", and you may say "Of course I love my child, I don't need anyone to tell me that!"

Yes, of course you love your child, but you need to show it in a way your woman can see it and feel it in her brain cells and her hormones!

You know what happens when a mother watches her partner giving the baby tonight's bath or reading her the bed time stories?

The same hormones that used to flow through our bodies after a long sweaty night of wine and dancing start rushing to our brain cells, soaking our hearts and bodies with warm fuzzies. Seeing our child giggle in the arms of the one we love will make us fall in love with our partner much more deeply than a sparkly necklace from a store. Watching how he listens and responds, how he cares for, and how he invests in our child will secure his place in our hearts. Knowing that our child is cared for and nurtured in safety will make our hearts pound faster than you than a big red box of anything.

Now, we may need a gentle foot-rub here and there, or a warm hug, and loving eyes to stare at us. But don't underestimate the power of the MOTHER that lives inside your WOMAN. If you do your part right, and reach out to the Mother, she can awaken the Woman that you think we forgot about ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day, with your loved ones!

- Love,

Pamira

P.S.: Although this story is originally based on a man-woman relationship, the same principles apply to a single-sex relationship with two mothers. A woman wanting to win the heart of a woman can take the same concept into consideration. That said, a two-women partnership has obviously the built-in advantage of both partners sharing a mutual understanding of the female state.

Birthday Boy Asil | Award-winning New Jersey Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 18:36:17 GMT

Birthday Boy Asil | by Award-winning New Jersey Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

I met him in his mom's belly, then on the day he was born. I went back the second day to the hospital for more images.

A couple of weeks later, they were in my studio, and we took so many lovely images that we built the largest professional photo album you can imagine :) For baby Asil to see, when he grew up, how precious he was to his mommy and daddy, and what he meant to them, even as a newborn.

Now it's my honor and privilege to see him turn into a delicious 1-year old. He can walk on his own and throw the cutest smiles. And his feet... have not changed a bit since day 1 - they've just grown into a slightly larger version of the same cuteness they were a whole year ago.

(check out that Blue Steel! pose ;-) you crack me up, babe!)

Looking at him, holding him and photographing him fill my heart with love. Happy birthday, sweetheart!!!! Thank you for being in my life!

And below is a little trip down the memory lane...

Always, with love...

- Pamira

The First Turkish Woman at Yale University's Women in Leadership Conference

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:19:22 GMT

The First Turkish Woman at Yale University's Women in Leadership Conference | Pamira Bezmen accompanies Pinar Kaftancioglu, the owner of Ipek Hanim'in Ciftligi at Yale University

(February, 2015)

(a rare occurance - I did not photograph the images in this blogpost. all photographs of Ipek Hanim Ciftligi are courtesy of Pinar Kaftancioglu. Conference photos are courtesy of H. Nur Eken)

We spent our last weekend at Yale University's Women in Leadership Initiative Conferences. I am honored to have accompanied Ms. Pinar Kaftancioglu, the owner of Ipek Hanim'in Ciftligi (the name translates as "Miss Ipek's Farm", the farm being named after the owner's little daughter) in Turkey, which is - for the lack of a better, faster summary - what I will call a revolutionary little eco-system of fair farming that is respectful of the people it feeds and employs, the land, the animals, the soil and traditional native seeds.

Having been put in touch with Pinar (the owner of the farm, who individually reads and responds to each incoming e-mail) via my lovely cousin, I have been a consumer of the farm, and a passionate supporter of their cause. I am very pleased that their accomplishments are being recognized at a global level. What she dreamed and had the courage to create should be a torch and guiding light to all farming industries - on a global level - that it IS possible to make a living without exploiting and harming everything and everyone along your way.

This was the first time a Turkish woman was invited to speak at the Women In Leadership Conference. This is not only an honor for Turkey and Turkish women, but hope for all of us, who believe that a better, honest and respectful way is possible.

I accompanied Pinar at Yale's conference as her translator, and I am so very glad that I could lend a helping hand. The little room filled with listeners, who all listened intently, taking notes, eyes wide open, with a bit of amusement and surprise about this unlikely success story.

In a world where corporations and agribusiness get away with lying, cheating, stealing, and "making up stories" along the way, where a story told many, many times becomes "truth", and millions of Dollars can buy your trust, brain, heart and wallet, with complete disregards for your health and the real truth. We live in a nation of 300 million people, where there is a prevelant belief that "milk does a body good", whereas there is absolutely no scientific reason or logical explanation why the milk made by a bovine should be good for a human baby.

Putting aside all other reasons and logic, if you just look at the fact that bovine milk is made to feed a newborn calf, that is on average 60 pounds, compared to a human baby, that weighs an average of 7 pounds, you will kind of get the gist of the story.

(A mature cow can weigh anywhere from 600 to over 3,000 pounds, depending on the breed, and a mature human is well, not supposed to be anywhere close to that. On the other hand, it is not so hard to understand our increasing weight problems when so many types of inappropriate "stuff" and toxins are being shoved down our throats under the guise of "food".)

When sufficient cleevage and bouncy hair is thrown at us from glossy pages, we begin to drool, and forget about the real boobs we should be sourcing our milk from.

As tempted as I am, I will try to refrain from what else is wrong with the food related marketing we receive, because I want to come back to what Pinar is doing.

She started a little eco-system of neighbors in her village. The lady who baked the best baked. The one who had the best chickens took care of egg-production. The one who had the best tomatoes raised the tomatoes...

From 2006 to 2015, she kept on adding new products to the mix and increasing the work force.

The work force are basically her neighbors. Families participate in numbers. The young, the middle aged and the elderly.

They deliberately do not automate jobs at the farm in order to ensure more people remain employed and in the system.

She pays fair wages and social security to her farmers, in a county where virtually no one employs farmers full time, nor do they pay social security. Whole villages are forced to shut down and able-bodied men are forced to work in the coal mines at huge risk of disease and death, just to qualify for social security, even tough the pay is minimum wage and is about 2/3rds below the national poverty line, (and about 1/3rd below the hunger line) according to the 2014 statistics.

Pinar does not have a sophisticated accounting system. She relies on the honor system, where she receives an order, ships it to the consumer, and she's done. She does not follow up. People make a payment whenever, however much they like.

Now one might think that people would cheat and skip payments. But they don't. They pay.

Why?

Pinar explains:

"Our consumers want us to stay in business. They like us. They don't want us to go out of business. They want to be able to continue eating the good products we produce for them."

The audience in the room has HUGE eyes when they hear this!

It sounds unthinkable - but it works!

And I am witness. I have bought from Pinar's farm every time I visited Turkey in the past year, and received multiple shipments from them. Sometimes my payment was late for a couple of weeks, due to a glitch with my online banking. She was so kind and trusting that she never mentioned it. This, in return, ensured that I paid for my next payment asap. I wanted her to be paid. I wanted those villagers to receive their salaries. I wanted to receive these gorgeous apples and carrots for my daughter again next time.

Pinar is honest about the mistakes they've made. And she is grateful: "We have 50,000 teachers. They tell us what we did wrong. How we can do it better. What we should be selling. We listen. Not only myself. I walk around the farm with my iPad, and read the commentary and feedback to the farmers and workers. I share the success stories with them. How their herbs helped with someone's child's stomach ache. How the soaps of one helped with someone's hair loss... The workers appreciate this. They feel and know that they are a part of this. They are connected to their end product and the effect it has on people's lives. They know how it's received and how it can be made better."

She also talks about Marketing. And proudly confesses that they have no existence on social media. No Facebook or Tweeter account. No paid advertising on Google or anywhere else. Only word of mouth. They don't tell marketing stories. They just tell the real story, of what goes on in the farm. If they're out of something, they just scratch that item from the list and don't ship it. They don't try to force the soil or the crops or the work force to produce more than they can naturally produce. They don't use harmful techniques to increase output. They don't use pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, hormones or any of the like. Sometimes the spinach comes with holes in the leaves, and sometimes there is a slug in the romaine lettuce. Her customers prefer the slugs to toxins and pesticides. The carrots from a bag are half red, half orange, and their shapes are all unique. Her customers appreciate this natural variation.

Her customers are OK paying slightly higher prices for their food than buying at the corner super-market. They value the effort that goes into it, and they want the farmers to be paid well. The receive their boxes at their doorstep, carefully hand-packed one egg at a time by the 75-year old grandpa who is in charge of wrapping eggs. He is deliberately employed - although he is not the fastest worker, but he has so much experience he shares with the youngsters. And he can take home a salary. Everyone benefits.

The farm acts as a trend-setter now amongst consumers. Big city folk who used to look down upon traditional foods and ingredients began taking pride in cooking with native grains. They are now starting to post selfies on social media, making their own yogurt at home.

They now know real bread gets moldy and hard. They teach their friends. They take pride in going back to the roots. Back to the older, natural ways.

Pinar is confident about the power of consumers. She says: "I do not believe in consumers being victims of the food industry. Noone has to buy a product that is not right. You are not limited to what they sell you. Your strength is in your purchase. If you don't like a company, their practices, their products or ingredients, you have the power. DO NOT BUY their products. They have no choice but to respond. In order to stay in business, they much listen to consumers. You have the power to shape the industry, to determine the quality of the products and how they are made. Make your choices be known."

To me this whole system is genius. It is based on love. It is simple. It is organic. It is sustainable. It makes for happy workers and happy consumers.

I cannot tell you how amazing it feels eating tomatoes that taste like they did when I was a child. I cannot tell you how I get teary eyed when I feed my daughter vegetables from the farm, and I know it is pure goodness from the bosom of Mother Earth into my baby's stomach. Unadulterated. Pure good food.

Ipek Hanim's Farm has reached its full capacity. Pinar says that they do not want to grow beyond this point in order to preserve quality and stay true to their principals and standards. But, the game is not over yet. Her mission is now to duplicate the example and give a hand to new leaders who want to start other farms like this one. She says "We have learned a lot. Through experience, time and our mistakes. We have a lot to teach the new leaders, so that we can multiply these farms."

My fiancee being a Yale alumnus, it was a lovely home-coming for us, and I earned my very own personal Yale mug, graciously gifted to me by the lovely H. Nur Eken, the young Turkish Yale student who hosted us.

(Deserving her own success story to be posted some day, this young girl from a public school in the heart of Anatolia, showed the gift to be accepted into Yale. Typically very few graduates from only private schools of Turkey can qualify for Yale, and surely Nur's accomplishment is testament to her personal ability and potential. Having met her in person, I am impressed with her humble, kind, and wise stance, beyond her years. I am sure we will hear of her accomplishments in the future.)

I hope that the ideas and inspiration spread by Pinar at this conference outlast my mug, which is one day bound to shatter into pieces, but the philosophy of Good and Honest Food must prevail. We absolutely, desperately need it to be successful, popular, and desirable because this is the only way we can save this planet. By producing, consuming, and protecting honest food.

Thank you Pinar. Thank you everyone at Pinar Hanim'in Ciftligi (Farm), and thank you Yale University for spreading the word.

- Love,

Pamira

Turkish summary / Turkce kisa ozet:

Haftasonumuzu Ipek Hanim'in Ciftligi'nin sahibi Pinar Hanim, can kizi ve yakin dostlari ile Yale Universitesi'nde gecirdik. Pinar Hanim'i duyardim kac senedir ve sevgili kuzenim Sebnem sayesinde de kendisinin musterisi olmustum. Bu sayede Istanbul ziyaretlerimizde "Kizima ne yedirecegim?", "Yine mi hastalanacagiz", dertlerinden kurtuldum. Insanin cocuguna temiz topraktan cikmis, gercek tohumlardan, ilacsiz, kimseye boyun egmeden, durust emekle uretilmis, ve de ciftcisine hakkini vererek fiyatlandirilmis dogal gidalari yedirebilmesi kadar buyuk bir nimet olamaz. Bu minnet hissi ile hemen atladim tabii ki Pinar Hanim'in bir tercumana ihtiyaci oldugunu duydugumda. Dunyanin en hatiri sayilir universitelerinden (hasbelkader nisanlimin da mezunu oldugu) Yale Universitesi'nin "Women in Leadership" konferansina ilk defa bir Turk kadin davet edilmis. O da Pinar Hanim. Turkiye icin, bizim icin, yararlananlari icin, dunyada durustlukle dogru isleri yapmaya gonul vermis, insana, dogaya, topraga, hayvana, tohuma saygi duyarak "uc kurus az kazanalim ama dogru is yapalim" diyen herkes icin bir temiz nefes bu davet. Bir gurur. Bir umit kaynagi. Pinar Hanim'in yaninda olabilmis olmak, bu onura bir ucundan bulasabilmis olmak benim icin ne kadar muhim bilemezsiniz.

Tesekkur ederim sevgili Sebnem'cim, bizi bulusturdugun icin. Ve tabii ki sevgili Pinar Hanim : hepimiz icin yaptiginiz hersey icin ve boyle muhim bir yolculukta tercumaniniz olmak icin bana guvendiginiz icin. Daha nice nice davetler alin insallah. Her sekilde yaninizda yer almaktan onur duyarim.

- Pamira

Samdan Plus Interview with Pamira Bezmen | Medya'da Odullu Fotografci Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 22:51:16 GMT

Samdan Plus Interview with Pamira Bezmen | New Jersey's award winning family photographer Pamira Bezmen in popular media | Interview with Pamira Bezmen, January 2015

(Turkish) Medya'da Odullu Fotografci Pamira Bezmen | Pamira Bezmen ile Samdan Plus'ta Elif Aktug Roportaji (Ocak, 2015)

Pamira Bezmen photography is in the popular Turkish magazine Samdan Plus.

Photographs of Pamira & her daugher by Koray Isik.

(Turkish) Sevgili Elif Aktug'un kaleminden... Bu haftanin Samdan Plus dergisinde roportajimi bulabilirsiniz. Sevgili Elif, bu sicacik roportaj icin cok tesekkur ederim! Shaya da ben de cok keyif aldik.

Pamira ve kizinin fotograflari: Koray Isik.

Leaving Home Behind to Come Home | by NJ Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 18:21:41 GMT

Leaving Home Behind to Come Home | by NJ Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

That place that is warm and safe. That place we run to for protection and love. The one that comes to mind when we close our eyes and imagine happy memories: HOME.

Having grown up in Istanbul, cradled in the secure arms of my loving parents, I only had abundant confidence and passion to fly solo, be free, explore the world, and stand on my own two feet. After college I came to the United States for my master's degree, and refused all helping hands and gentle suggestions from my parents to reach out to their influential friends in case I needed help with anything. I was pretty sure I would not have a situation that I could not solve on my own. Time proved me right.

18 years later, I am still in the United States, now as a proud American citizen and a mother, who has ridden a corporate career only to exchange it for the immeasurable satisfaction of family photography. When the plane lands at J.F.K. International Airport, I get butterflies in my stomach. I love that roast coffee smell and the buzz and the immigration officers with the crew cut hair and serious faces. I love coming home to my Verona, New Jersey studio, my breast-feeding crunchy mama friends and the convenience of finding organic food with ease. I love filing my taxes properly and the honor system we have here where other than a handful of corporations, organizations, and politicians, for the most part the general public is made up of good citizens who try to do the right thing. Yes, it's home all right.

But a part of my heart keeps tugging at me. Early in the morning, with the first rays of the sun, I feel a nervous excitement that twists my stomach. My heart has a little hole in it. Distant memories of unconditional love and cheer buzz through my mind's corridors. The people I love. Those I have a soulful connection with. My family... They are far, far away and I am missing out on precious time I could be sharing with them.

I miss my HOME.

... My other home...

The image on the left is my beloved brother and I, in our backyard (1980)

The image on the right is my daughter and my niece, in our backyard (2014)

Our backyard in Istanbul is a nostalgic place for me. Our dad used to take us there to water my late grandmother's rose garden. He cared for those roses as if he could bring back his beloved mom one petal at a time. He would take us along. We would help him water the garden, pick mulberries, and learn that you should never touch a magnolia flower - otherwise it would turn dark where you touched it. We would smell them ever so gently, without touching the tips of our noses on the delicate white petals.

We would pick up figs in the summer and our dad would always bring a rose back for our mom.

35 years later, we bring our own daughters to the back-yard. It's a way for us to travel back in time, to the smells, sounds, loves, and feelings of our own childhood, and also making fresh memories for our children.

Going back alone or with anyone is not the same. Only going to the back-yard with my brother feels this way.

He was my partner who shared those memories and has the same sad-happy sparkle in his eye.

We don't have to speak a word when we go there.

We just BE.

Here and now. Here and in the past. Both at the same time.

...

Regardless of how American I become and how much I love this land, I will always miss my first home. Regardless of how deep and meaningful new relationships I build, I will always ache for the closeness of my family and first friends in life. And regardless of how much I love being home with them back in Istanbul, I will then miss my life in America!

I am officially, incurably and desperately trapped in the 2-home syndrome.

It's a richness. It's a blessing. It's a privilege. To have two places on earth that I can call HOME. To feel equally loved, loving, and comfy in two places. But it comes at a cost: a part of my heart is always longing for what I left behind in the other home.

(beach bonfire. my sister in-law, my daughter and niece, enjoying the fire after a family dinner on the beach.)

Whether it's a good thing or not, I sucked my daughter into this dilemma as well. I wanted her to grow up feeling at home at each of her homes. So, she has a home in New Jersey, where we live with her father and our cat, another home in Istanbul, where her grandma, uncles, aunts, and cousins live, and she has a third land where her father's family lives, in Puerto Rico.

At 3.5 years old, she is highly aware of the value of her loved ones, and the limitations of space and time. We spent the month of January at our home in Istanbul. At a time she missed her Papi (daddy) she told her grandma that she missed her Papi (daddy) in the US, her grandma tried to calm her down, saying:

"You will soon return to the US and be re-united with your Papi."

Shaya responded:

"No, grandma, I don't want to go back yet because if I do, I will miss you and my cousin."

Then later at night, as she got very sleepy and craved her night time routine, she'd get sad and nostalgic for her Papi again.

I feel her pain. This poor little baby girl has to split her heart into pieces and always sacrifice the time she could be having with her other loved ones, in order to be able to be with any given relative. If she is with her grandma in Istanbul, she can't be with her cousins in Puerto Rico, and when she is with her Papi and cat Troy in New Jersey, she cannot be with her uncle in Istanbul.

(the girls sharing watercolors in my daylight studio in Istanbul)

(you can see my brother's guitar in the background - it's surely a home full of the arts of all sorts)

My sweet daughter, I apologize to you that this will forever be your reality. We have made choices that make for a tough reality and a scattered family. It may be that you may never ever have all your loved ones at the same birthday party in a given place on earth. For that, I am truly sorry, and I feel your pain.

On the other hand, you will have at least 3 countries on earth that you can call home. You will be guaranteed to be loved and cared for deeply and unconditionally in any one of these places. You will have family who receive you with open arms, and they will share what is theirs with you, and give you a shoulder to lean on. Whether you are physically with them or not, they will always love you from across boundries, mountains and oceans. You will have their memories and hearts with you for life. For that, I am happy and excited for you.

After a month of deep love, special dishes made for us at her grandma's, sleep-overs with her cousin, hanging out with her uncle and aunt while I held photo sessions in my Istanbul studio, Shaya had to pack up and say goodbye to her loved ones.

After a 10 hour flight, she was excited and thrilled to be re-united with her Papi.

We had once again left home, to come home.

Until next time, everyone. We miss you already, and we know you miss us. And soon, we will leave home again and come back home to your arms.

- Love,

Pamira

Growing up Photos to Capture Baby's 1st Year | NJ family photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 15:36:07 GMT

Melissa Melek's 1st Precious Year ... Sealed with a Birthday & Cake Smash Photo Session | by New Jersey's award-winning family photographer, Pamira Bezmen Photography

You know how you see them for the first time and you just fall in love? That's how it was.

Long lashes, chubby cheeks, little lips pouty enough to get the hottest top models running for a lip-boost! At 6 days old, sweet Melissa Melek showed up for her first professional photo session with her adorable mommy, daddy and grandma.

(below: 6 days old, Sweet Mermaid. Her grandmother hand-made this costume for her. Isn't she so precious?)

Our session was so much fun, and I loved working with a family who trusted me with everything, but also felt comfortable enough to give me their ideas for each of the set-ups. We changed the precious little sweetheart from a mermaid to a ladybug to a flower girl, seamlessly, and we ended up with so many lovely images.

(below: 6 days old in frilly lilac)

When she was old enough to sit up on her own, the cutie pie came back, totally lovable and chubby. And we had smiles and giggles galore :)

(below: 7 months old and look who is sitting up all on her own!)

Aaaaaand, we had to follow the purple theme for her 1st Birthday and Cake Smash. I've never met a baby so ready to experiment with her cake for the first time! She jumped right in, and if we hadn't taken it away from her to give her a bath, she was probably going to finish it! :)

(look at that face!!! pleeease!!!!)

(below: 14 months old, having a scrumptious cake smash in my studio in Verona, NJ)

Happy 1st Birthday, my little angel! You are a delight, and even more delicious than that cake you liked so much. I am honored to be your photographer and a witness to your growing up.

Together, we've covered each season, and probably every color on the color wheel :) You are just as delightful in yellow as you are in pink or purple, and you are every bit as precious now as you were at 6 days old. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey!

(below, mixed images from her sitting up session and 1st birthday session)

- Love you, girl!!!! :)

Pamira

Birthday Girl 1st Birthday and Cake Smash | by New Jersey Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 19:37:41 GMT

Birthday Girl | by award winning New Jersey Family Photographer, Pamira Bezmen Photography

1st Birthday and Cake Smash Professional Portraits

I met her when she was 7 months old, and my, what a sweet personality and a cute smile she had! We made lovely images for her mommy and daddy to always remember how precious she was. And of course, for Her, too, to enjoy as she grew older.

The passing 5 months only made her sweeter, cuter and lovelier.

It is a great joy to photograph a baby - at any age - and great honor, even once.

But when I get to meet my little babies over and over again and witness them growing up, it is even more special. We get to know one another. We get to reminisce about the last photo shoot. And notice how much they've grown. I feel like I am family to them and I feel like they are family to me.

Happy Birthday, sweetie! Hope to see you many, many more times in front of my camera :)

Love,

- Pamira

Baby Anthony 1month old | Newborn portraits by Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:03:16 GMT

Baby Anthony 1month old | Newborn portraits by New Jersey's Award Winning Family Photographer, Pamira Bezmen Photography

Our session with Anthony was probably one of my recent favorites. His sweet parents brought him to me at 4 weeks old, and oh my, was he adorable and handsome beyond words...

As always, I want to tell you not to worry too much about that 7-day window for newborn images, because in the hands of an experienced and loving photographer, you are guaranteed gorgeous images, even with a 4-week old.

One of my absolute favorites from this session is this image of Anthony in his mommy's arms... The love, the connection, the romantic feel and softness of this image just moves me ... What do you think?

I deliberately posed them in this form, accessorized with pureness and simplicity, lit kindly, to emphasize and bring forward what matters the most: the unconditional love and strong bond between Mommy & Baby.

And of course, no newborn session is complete without the tiny bitty details...

And a gorgeous family portrait...

It was lovely meeting this very sweet family and being able to capture their gorgeous son at this age. He will only get bigger and lovelier as time passes. And I am honored to be the one who got to freeze this precious time forever for him and his family.

- Pamira

Baby Russ 4 months old | by NJ Baby Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:08:55 GMT

Baby Russ 4 months old | by award-winning NJ Baby Photographer, Pamira Bezmen

Oh yes, I know, we want them tiny and teeny in the newborn photos. But what happens if you could not get yourself out of the home within that first week post-partum? What if you were not ready to make the financial investment right at that moment? Or what if you did not want to hire just any old photographer and wanted to take some more time to research until you felt confident in your choice?

What happens is this: Your baby gets bigger, older and more independent, starting to show more personality.

Isn't that pure delight?

I think so!

Just make sure to do your research.

Review the portfolio of your photographer prospects to make sure that they have CONSISTENTLY GORGEOUS IMAGES of DIFFERENT BABIES in the AGE RANGE of YOUR OWN BABY.

Better yet, pick a photographer who belongs to a highly respected professional organization such as PPA (Professional Photographers or America) or NAPCP (National Association of Professional Child Photographers).

This is the best advice I can give you.

We all have different tastes and preferences, so pick a photographer whose style you ADORE. And make sure they can do it over and over and over again for your baby as well.

You don't want to pick someone who accidentally took several cute pics of their own baby or nephew and put them up on their web site.

Make a list and call up your top photographers. Ask them questions about:

their experience, style, comfort level in working with your baby's age category
Ask them about safety and hygiene!

Don't worry so much about "How much is an 8x10" print?" In the grand scheme of things, that should really not be the reason you trusted someone with your baby's safety and your life's memories.

The difference between $50 and $100 is negligible over the next 10 years, but the value of quality images is what will matter most over time. Specifically if that photographer delivered those gorgeous images while ensuring the safety and well-being of your precious baby.

I absolutely loved meeting this very sweet family. They knew from the get-go that they were not going to invest a million dollars in this project. But they also knew that they wanted a gorgeous, large family portrait for their big wall. Something they could look at every day to remind them of what matters in life. For their precious son to see every day and remember how much he is loved. How he will always have his mom and dad to hold him, love him, and protect him.

I am honored that I could deliver it to them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me and choosing me!

- Pamira

Baby Deniz in my Istanbul Studio | The Gift of Photography to Last a Lifetime

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:07:18 GMT

Baby Deniz in my Istanbul Studio | The Gift of Photography to Last a Lifetime

by award winning family photographer Pamira Bezmen, of Pamira Bezmen Photography

I am grateful for my friends and fans who track my schedule to figure out whether I am in New Jersey or in Istanbul to book sessions with me. It is such a humbling experience when friends from long, long years ago reach out and ask me if they can book a session with me.

This time it was a dear old friend of mine, who booked a session, not for herself but for her beloved cousin, who recently had a precious baby boy.

What a generous and thoughtful gift. Of course, it could only come from someone with such a big heart, such as my dear friend Ozge :)

We scheduled the session for a sunny day to make full use of my daylight studio in Istanbul, and Mama Nature did not disappoint us. We had plenty of joyful daylight seeping in from the 180-degree full height windows wrapping around my studio.

The mood inside my studio was just as joyful as the sunny day outside. It was a lovely re-union with my dear college class-mate, and I could not be happier to have met her sweetheart of a cousin, hubby, and gorgeous little Buddha baby boy :)

At 2 months old, of course he did not want to sleep, and gave us a run for our money, but we captured the love, care, happiness, and joy in his family just the same.

It was so wonderful meeting them all, and I can't wait to deliver their albums and canvas gallery wraps to hang on their walls. It tickles me to imagine how they will smile every time they will look at one of these images on their walls or in their heirloom album :) (insert heart heart heart here)

God bless you and your family, sweet Deniz! <3

- Pamira

A Success Story in America | Milliyet | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:25:51 GMT

A Success Story in America | Milliyet | Pamira Bezmen Photography

Pamira Bezmen Photography is in the media today (January 11, 2014), in popular Turkish Newspaper Milliyet. Article by Atilay Kandemir.

Many thanks to my dear clients Birce Gurbaskan & Armagan Akyuz for sharing the behind the scenes images from their Newborn Angel Portrait session a year ago.

...

Milliyet Gazetesi Cadde ekinde bugun sevgili Atilay Kandemir'in kaleminden... Cok tesekkur ederim beni konu ettigin icin, Atilay'cigim...
http://cadde.milliyet.com.tr/2015/01/11/HaberDetay/1996839/amerika-da-bir-basari-hikayesi

Sevgili dostlarim Birce Gurbaskan ve Armagan Akyuz'e bir sene onceki Newborn Angels Portre Seanslarindan bir perde arkasi resimleri paylastiklari icin cok tesekkur ederim.

...

click below to read original article:

http://cadde.milliyet.com.tr/2015/01/11/HaberDetay/1996839/amerika-da-bir-basari-hikayesi

...

AMERiKA’DA BiR BAŞARI HiKAYESi

Merhum işadamı Pamir Bezmen’in Amerika’da yaşayan kızı Pamira Bezmen, fotoğrafçılıktaki başarısıyla son dönemin dikkat çeken isimlerinden oldu

2009 yılında geçirdiği beyin kanaması sonucu hayatını kaybeden işadamı Pamir Bezmen’in yazar eşi Nermin Bezmen’den olan kızı Pamira Bezmen, fotoğrafçılıktaki başarısıyla adından söz ettiriyor.
Uzun yıllardır yurtdışında yaşayan Pamira Bezmen, master eğitiminin ardından iş hayatına Amerika’da başladı. Çocukluğundan beri, fotoğrafa olan sevgisiyle bilinen Bezmen, bu süreçte ilgisinden hiç kopmadı. Yoğun idarecilik kariyeri sırasında ‘New York International Center Of Photography’de de dersler aldı ve kısa zamanda profesyonel portre çalışmalarına başladı.

Her şey kızıyla değişti
Pamira Bezmen’in, aktör ve modellerle başlayan portre çalışmaları, kızı Shaya Nermin’in dünyaya gelmesiyle bebek ve aile fotoğrafçılığına yönlendi. Kısa sürede Amerika’da önemli bir portre sanatçısı olarak ün kazandı.
Başarısının sırrını; “Devamlı öğrenmek ve kendimi geliştirmek gibi derin bir tutkum var. Her çektiğim fotoğraf, sanki o kişinin en son fotoğrafıymış gibi saygı duyarak çekiyorum” diye anlatan Bezmen’in portföyü işadamları, yazarlar, modeller, belediye başkan- larıyla dolu.

ATILAY KANDEMİR - CEMİYET HAYATI

...

The Myth of the Perfectly Happy Family | NJ Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:38:40 GMT

"The Myth of the Perfectly Happy Family" by New Jersey's award-winning family photographer Pamira Bezmen

Those photos that make you smile on Facebook. The ones that give you an envious twirl in your stomach. The curiosity, the questions that kill...

"Is she always that gorgeous?"

"Look at the way he's holding her hand, with such tenderness... I wish my husband held my hand like that."

"See that perfectly poised little girl. Wish mine would sit still for a minute, and not have crusty crumbs around his nose all the time."

"Ugh, seriously, how can she have all that time to go out that much to all those places?"

Oh how pretty the smiles, warm the hugs, sweet the love, tight the bond...

Of THOSE people. Those impossible people who have come up with the secret to a perfectly happy family. And here are the photos to prove it.

But how???

Maybe if I had a nanny, or a husband who would just hold my hand a little bit every day. If we went out more often to spark things up. If we had sex more often. If our kid went to sleep at 7pm every night and picked up her toys, never flooded the kitchen with water at 11pm playing dinosaurs and mermaids. Or maybe if our families lived closer, or if we had more friends, better friends...

Maybe we made all the wrong choices. Wrong partner, wrong city, wrong life...

Sigh...

As loving and non-jealous a person as I am, I still hear voices like these in my head sometimes. I don't invite them, but they come.

Then I pay attention to our own family portraits, what WE post on Facebook, and what our friends say about them.

I realize, WE ARE those impossible people who have the perfect happy family - at least to the outside world.

They generously write loving and kind comments under our photos like:

"Gorgeous family"

"May your happiness last forever"

"What a happy perfect family, looking at you makes me smile"

"You are a ball of warm fuzzy love. Super!"

...Embroidered with countless little smileys and red hearts...

Reading these comments warms my heart. It also reminds me that this is part of what I do.

I am in the business of "Creating the Myth of the Perfectly Happy Family" for each of my clients.

Because we all need to know that we belong in a web of perfect, unshakable love - one where we all look gorgeous to one another, and our love is strong. Nothing in the world can harm us as long as we are in one another's embrace. All crazy things aside, we are one face and one body when we stand together. We are a family.

I am in the business of creating the Myth of the Perfectly Happy Family.

For ourselves and for our children.

They need to grow up KNOWING for darn sure how their parents adore them, and how when we laugh together, the whole world stops turning. That we are all gorgeous when we are loved and happy.

Is there a perfect family? Don't we all have issues, arguments, character flaws, and weaknesses? Don't we all at some point wonder off to alternate dimensions in our imagination where we are in someone else's perfect, happy family photo? Don't we each wish things were a little like this and a little like that? At least sometimes in life?

I believe we do. And I think it's a part of being human. We all seek happiness and protection. We are not jealous, but we look up to images of stories that look "complete" with whatever we think we may be missing. For some of us they may be few, for some others they may be many.

Yes, of course, in the end, happiness comes from within, and no one ends up in anyone else's portrait. Because if we can't make happiness in our own portrait, we sure can't make it happen in someone else's. Also there is no such thing as switching places, but that's an obvious limitation of the three-dimensional human existence, at least for the time being.

The truth is that we all have the perfect family. Perfect happiness is in each kitchen, playroom, bath time, and bed-time story. It runs in the woods, plays in muddy puddles, and eats chestnuts snuggling on the couch.

It refuses to brush teeth and cries over the color of socks. It throws a tantrum for being late to work and then demands tacos for dinner. It spends too much money on something no one else cares for. It wants to be thinner, taller, blonder, tanner. It drinks wine and cries over The Sound of Music and it complains that everything is out of control. It fantasizes over superheroes and ex-lovers then falls in love with a hand-made heart made of play dough.

The perfect family is a messy one. It comes with under-eye circles from lack of sleep, arguments, crayon drawings on the walls, and tears.

We are human, and it is all in one.

However, what we seek to confirm, remind, and remember forever is the perfection - and the perfection lies in the HAPPINESS - of the family.

I know you all have plenty of photos on your iPhones of your messy walls, chocolate covered mouths, and breakfasts in sweat pants. The lovely mess that we can't be without.

I am in the business of creating and helping perpetuate the myth of the perfectly happy family.

I am so glad I am able to do it for my own little imperfect, messy family. Because there is so much love in here that it has to be documented, glorified, polished, framed, and hung on our Facebook walls and at home.

This myth will give my daughter the self confidence to go out to the world, knowing that she has everything she needs to do whatever her big heart desires. I got this torch of unconditional love from my own parents, with a rock solid belief that I grew up in the most perfect, happy family. I intend to pass it on to my own little one, so she can enjoy the treasure I enjoyed.

I am in the business of helping you write and tell your own myth. To your children and grandchildren.

The myth of the perfectly happy family.

Only it's not a myth. It is merely what we all have. Just not 100% of the time.

Love,

- Pamira

Holiday Blessings & Love from Pamira Bezmen Photography & Family

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:48:50 GMT

Holiday Blessings & Love from Pamira Bezmen Photography & Family

Simple Merry Holiday Card 1, front 2

May all your celebrations be merry & your loved ones always near.

May your hearts fill with peace & joy

and your new year bring blessings & love.

- Pamira, Shawn, Shaya & Troy

...

Studio Schedule for December and January:

(English)

I will be in Istanbul, Turkey for the month of January, and the Verona studio will be closed until Jan/25.

My clients who wish to contact me for orders, or for scheduling appointments can contact me via e-mail. My phone and voicemail may not work when overseas, but I will respond to my e-mails when I have reliable internet service.

VERONA, NJ:
Closed December 24-26
Open December 27-28
Closed December 29 - January 25
Open January 25

ISTANBUL, Turkey:
Open for sessions from January 3 to January 20 in Bebek, Istanbul.
All ordering sessions will be done at the time of session date, and print products will be shipped directly to your homes by courier.

----------

(Turkce)

* Sevgili Istanbullu Dostlarim,

3 Ocak - 20 Ocak tarihleri arasi Bebek'teki home studio'mda kisitli bir miktar fotograf seansi yapiyor olacagim.

Tum ilgilenen dostlarimin onceden tarihlerini ve paketlerini konfirme etmelerini rica ediyorum.

Ilgilendiginiz baski urunlerini ve Kolleksiyonlarinizi da seansi yaptigimiz gun kararlastirarak profesyonel baski urunlerinizi kurye ile evlerinize postalatacagim.
Guzel resimlerinizin bir an evvel kahve sehpalarinizi ve duvarlarinizi suslemelerini istiyorum.

Yakinda gorusmek uzere, hepinizi sevgiyle kucakliyorum...

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The Cold Never Bothered Her Anyway | on Honesty with "My little Elsa" ... by NJ family photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 03:00:15 GMT

The Cold Never Bothered Her Anyway | on Honesty with "My little Elsa"

by award-winning NJ family photographer Pamira Bezmen, of Pamira Bezmen Photography

DSC_9289 base cool

2014 has been the year of "Elsa"s.

Little girls everywhere embraced this northern queen with her faults, and they found warmth in her magical snow storms. They all sang "Let it Go" at the top of their lungs and off key (because I don't think it's possible for the general public to sing this song any other way), and they all slammed bathroom and kitchen doors behind their backs concluding "The cold never bothered me anyway!"

Setting aside the magic and love interests, in the end what I find magical about this well done Disney animation movie is that it is one of the few movies where the heroin does not need a man of power to save her, free her, or revive her. In the end, true love between two sisters is what saves them both and the world around them. What saves Anna from her own freezing death is her own "act of true love" and selfless sacrifice. What saves Elsa from her fear is seeing how much her sister loves her despite it all.

I think there is even a bigger moral in the story, however. When you go back to the beginning of the movie, you notice when Elsa's magic turns into a curse: When her overprotective parents try to conceal the truth in a fruitless effort to protect their daughters.

The magic and the excitement is replaced with lies and fear. Fear takes over Elsa's life. She shuts everything and everyone out. She shuts love out of her own heart out of fear.

The parents' ignorant lie causes one daughter to live in fear and confinement for years while the other one finds herself abandoned by her sister and best-friend, never understanding why, living her childhood and teenage years in lonely sadness.

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Isn't that the cold truth about every unkind person you've met? Every mean person is a scared and broken spirit inside.

This is a great lesson for all of us parents, I believe.
Let's not lie to our children - about anything at all. Giving them the freedom of truth is the first step in enabling them to deal with their strengths as well as their short-comings.

Love beats hate every day. Honesty beats fear every day.

Even in the face of sad news or difficult topics, I believe that children are perfectly equipped to deal with all sorts of concepts and facts, when they are delivered in honesty and accompanied by loving support.

They become smarter in every way when they know they can unconditionally trust that we will give them the honest truth on every topic. They ask more questions, they think more critically, they also hold us and themselves accountable for honesty as a general principle.

I think it would be ridiculous for me to tell my daughter lies - even white ones - and then get mad at her when she lies about how many pieces of chocolate she ate under the table or whether she brushed her teeth. To me, they are all the same thing: Storks bringing babies, "Santa"s climbing through chimneys, how many chocolates one ate under the table, and whether a friend offered her drugs after school.

If the concept is permissible to one, then it's permissible to all. The principle is the same. Lying is either allowed or it's not. And if it's not, I should not be showcasing it as her role model.

I am determined to not tell a single lie to my daughter. I cannot think of a single lie to tell that would be worth shaking her confidence in me. I do not ever want to see the disappointment in her eyes that I once told her otherwise.

Out of respect and love for her and with the hope that showcasing full honesty will lead to a self-monitoring person with an honest conscience, who also trusts me enough to come to me about any and every topic she needs help with, without fear, at any age. And it starts right here, in childhood.

Here's to all our "Elsa"s, "Anna"s, "Cristoff"s and "Hans"s... and here's to us - being as honest and loving in our parenting as we possibly can be, so that our children can build ice castles and not snow storms.

The cold never bothered them anyway!

Love,

-Pamira

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Hanukkah Message from Pamira Bezmen Photography | NJ family photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:48:16 GMT

Hanukkah Message from Pamira Bezmen Photography | NJ family photographer

May your Hanukkah be Happy & Bright and your New Year full of Blessings & Love...

- Pamira, Shawn & Shaya

Pamira Bezmen Photography

2014

Dance on This! Canvas Gallery Wrap Product Review | Award-Winning NJ Family Photographer

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:29:30 GMT

Dance on This! Canvas Gallery Wrap Product Review | Award-Winning NJ Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Verona, New Jersey

What are the most popular professional print products, once you have had your gallery presented to you?

Is the investment worth it?

Let me try to shed some light on some of the most common questions.

In my studio, lay-flat heirloom albums and canvas gallery wraps are the 2 most popular items that almost ALL my clients ask for.

(I will study the heirloom album in a separate blog post, but focus on the canvas gallery wrap for today.)

In this blog post, I will cover why the canvas gallery wrap is so popular AND, what to look for in your canvas gallery wrap (even if I'm not your photographer).

WHY IS THE CANVAS GALLERY WRAP A GREAT INVESTMENT CHOICE? Canvas Wrap 1

- It is sturdy

- It has beautiful texture that creates depth and adds a 3-dimensional feel to your images

- It can be wiped clean

- It is versatile for hanging, leaning against a wall, or for displaying on an easel

- It will last a long time

- It is resistant to the elements (unlike paper)

- It can be framed for a more classic look or hung as is for a more modern feel

- It does not have any glass, which means it's not fragile (and hence safer around kids)

ARE ALL CANVAS GALLERY WRAPS CREATED EQUAL?

Nope.

Due to the popularity of the canvas gallery wrap, you will find many providers, most of which offer low quality products at what initially looks like an inexpensive (and hence attractive) option for many consumers - UNTIL your canvas sags, frame warps, corners give, and your baby's face starts looking wrinkled and your chest drops to your stomach.

Not to mention the fact that color calibration and cropping is usually off, and sharpness is optional.

Not the wall art you want to show off at your holiday party year after year - or gift to your child in 12 years, proudly saying:

"Here, son, this is our family heirloom. Now it's all yours. Here is what we all looked like when you were born... Hmmm, only a bit warped, and saggy.. and soggy... And your face was not that blurry and your mom's eyes did not look so glazed. She had pretty eyes, actually..."

You get my point. Don't let this be your story.

Canvas wraps 2

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROFESSIONAL QUALITY CANVAS GALLERY WRAP?

- The frame should be of highest quality wood that will not warp or tilt

- If possible, the canvas should be stretched over a solid block of wood for added durability and stability, as well as providing a solid foundation for your canvas

- The corners should be tight - and I mean TIGHT - no bulging or visible pockets in the corners

- The back should be closed up and finished professionally

- It should be finished with a hanging device that is professionally applied, which is even and centered

- The canvas should be covered with a protective layer (matte, semi-glossy or glossy laminate), per your taste

- The colors should be spot on

- Skin colors should not be off, yellowish, greenish, reddish, muddy, or blotchy

- The image should be as sharp as your photographer presented to you on the screen - no blur or pixellation should be introduced during the printing process

- Lastly, it should come with a warranty - if the quality is not to your satisfaction (for legitimate reasons), you should be able to have it replaced at no additional cost to you.

All of that is why high quality professional canvas gallery wraps are not $75. They cannot be. Unless we're going for indentured servitude.

Just like for every other product, responsibly sourced high quality materials put together by qualified, fairly compensated professionals cannot be cheap.

Here is a series of photos of one my canvas gallery wraps - yes, it is my daughter DANCING ON IT! Imagine river dance. Toddler version. Music. Stomping. Joy.

Am I worried? Heck no!

Am I going to tell her to stop? Nope.

This is the quality product you get when you order a canvas gallery wrap from Pamira Bezmen Photography.

Canvas Dance stitch

I search high and low, near and far to bring the highest quality print products to my clients.

Your photographic investment is too valuable to waste on cheap prints.

And this is one of the reasons I will not give you high resolution files until after you've already gotten a good number of gorgeous print products from me.

I don't want you to spend your print allowance on a dozen 4x6" prints and then go to the nearest discount store to get a $75 canvas ~~warp~~ wrap that will disappoint you, for sure. Even if you think your eye is not trained to see the difference between the good one and the bad one, I'm pretty sure that if you saw them side by side, you could tell the difference. If I let you walk away with crappy products, then I have not served you right. Then you might have as well gotten your photos taken at Picture People.

You know, you can't buy a Corvette and fill'er up with coal. Nope, I will not let you do it. You should not let yourself do it, either.

Demand your photographer to give you the highest quality print products. Expect more. Get the best.

Don't keep asking your photographer for high resolution files so you can get yourself sub-par prints from the drugstore. Instead, ask your photographer to give you such gorgeous print products that you will never ever want to touch a digital file ever again.

Then you can let your baby dance on your canvas gallery wraps.

The only question that remains for you is:

What song?

Shaya hugging canvas, DSC_0768 edit

Love,

- Pamira

Holiday Photos of sweet Maximus | New Jersey Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 19:07:38 GMT

Holiday Photos of sweet Maximus (4 months old) by New Jersey Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Family Holiday Photos by New Jersey's Award Winning Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

www.pamirabezmenphotography.com

Oh my, oh my... I met this little man before he was born, in his sweet mama's belly. And he was already as lovely as he could be - in the shape of a perfect little bump!

And then, that little perfect bump was a perfect little newborn angel. He was only 4 days old when I photographed him at his home. It took me only a second to fall in love with him.

Here we are, taking holiday photos, and Maximus is 4 months old already. It is lovely seeing him growing up so adorably, and more importantly, having the chance and honor to document the love in his family home. (Thank you, dear Ashli and Michael for continuing to trust me time and again with your memories!)

I do most of my sessions at my studio in Verona (NJ) or in nature, but when we hold a session at a client's home, it is very special. Maximus's Mommy is surely an avid photography consumer, who not only appreciates the value of professional photography, but also wants to use photography to document precious times and leave Maximus the legacy of his beautiful childhood in the highest quality possible. His Daddy is a sweetheart, who takes time out of his busy schedule every time we schedule a session. I can tell he is not loving the camera that much, but he is always so generous making himself available to document these memories for his son.

I can't share all the amazing photos from the session because I don't want to ruin the surprise all together, but here are a few images from Maximus's first holiday gallery, at his family home, with his lovely mom and dad.

Now my only regret is that his Grandma and Great-Grandma were also there when I arrived, but I could not convince them to be in any of the photos (insert triple sad face here).

- Next time, Ladies, I will not let you get away! :)

Merry Christmas, Maximus! I am loving you as a bump, as an elephant, and as an elf. But most of all, I am loving you as yourself! <3

Love,

-Pamira

You Give Me a Reason | Happy Thanksgiving from Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:16:26 GMT

You Give Me a Reason | Happy Thanksgiving from Pamira Bezmen Photography

DSC_5934

You Give me a Reason...

- to wash my hair more often and change into nicer looking clothes

- to roll all over the ground, climb onto logs and ladders, and to crawl into bushes to capture that one sweet expression

- to step into mud, water and slush to get that perfect pose by the duck pond

- to wake up with a passion at 3am to work on your gallery

- to keep pushing myself and my vendors to bring to you the best images and heirloom print products possible

- to keep learning and growing and falling in love...

THANK YOU ALL!

I am deeply and sincerely thankful for your friendship, patronage and trust.

I could not think of a bigger and more important responsibility than the creation of your family heirlooms, capturing of your precious moments, and the documentation of the love and connection in your family.

Thank you for trusting me.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.
Thank you for referring me to your loved ones.
Thank you for continuing to come back to me, year after year.

Have a very happy, healthy, and joyful Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

Love,

-Pamira & Shawn & Shaya

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No Black Friday or Cyber Monday here!

You will not be receiving any marketing, sales, coupons, or specials from Pamira Bezmen Photography this week.

I want you to enjoy your family in peace without any commercial interruptions.
As always, when you are ready to book your next session or to order lovely wall art and great quality prints and heirloom albums, you know where to find me ;-)

Baby Olivo 6 Days Old | NJ Newborn Photographer | Pamira Bezmen Photography

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 01:07:57 GMT

Vincent Michael Olivo

born November 10, 2014. 11:15am. 6lbs. 13oz. 19 3/4in.

Newborn Angel, 6 days old

November 16, 2014

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He kept us waiting and waiting, but even as just his photographer, I can say it was worth every second.

I am always humbled with the responsibility of capturing this precious time, and doing it justice,

as well as overjoyed with the opportunity to make art of a once in a lifetime occasion.

I can think of no better art to hang on my walls, no prettier face to stare at each morning than one of my own baby,

and I believe it is the same for each family.

Nothing can sooner make me realize the importance of why, what and who I am,

and nothing can better ground me than motherhood.

Nothing can bring forgiveness and joy faster into my heart,

and nothing can improve me more drastically as a human being than the necessity brought by parenthood.

Vincent, sweet little baby love,

Your every little finger,

every tiny cracked nail,

every breath, and every look

is precious beyond all things combined.

Within that little body, you embody all love, kindness, peace and greatness

that can become of a human.

You bring with you light,

and we look to you to make the world a better place,

along with all other babies,

some day...

Be everything that you can be, and show us the way.

Much love,

- Pamira

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...

Happy Halloween | Be a Hero to Children in Need | Coat Drive for Children

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 20:01:02 GMT

Happy Halloween | Be a Hero to Children in Need | Coat Drive for Children | NJ Family and Child Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Be safe and enjoy this day with your precious little ones!

I am thankful that we are able to enjoy this fun holiday with our children, in peace and warmth. Unfortunately, many children around the world are not as fortunate as we are.

A child's suffering has no nationality, religion, race, or language. Just the feeling of pain, hunger, and cold. All children belong to all of us.

This week, I donated to two organizations that help children. I will share the information of one of them with you so that you may consider doing the same, if you have some resources to spare...

Love,

- Pamira

Be a Hero this holiday and make a donation to the many children who are without homes, coats or clothes in Gaza.

The Palestine Children's Relief Fund is organized by Humanity for Palestine. All the money will go towards helping innocent children in need.

Please click here for details and how you can help.

Humanity for Palestine is a community of diverse individuals, consisting of all religious, national and ethnic backgrounds. It is not for profit. It was recently founded by a remarkable man, an inspirational, kind and loving person, my friend Peter Cohen. He is dedicating his personal time and resources to educating people on all sides of the Middle Eastern conflict, inviting people to rise above government and corporate propaganda and put love and compassion above all else. His goal is to help create a community of human beings, living in love and peace.

You can follow them on facebook at Humanity for Palestine page.

Complimentary Family Session | A Competition

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:44:35 GMT

Complimentary Portrait Session Time to Have some fun! - A COMPETITION from NJ Family Photographer Pamira Bezmen Photography

Dear Friends & Fans,

To celebrate my recent PPA award, I would love to give a Complimentary Session to one winner at my Verona, NJ studio.
(maternity, newborn or family session, your choice)

In order to participate, I ask you to do 3 things:

1. Sign up for my newsletter at this link

2. Like my facebook page @ Pamira Bezmen Photography

3. Share this page on your facebook page and tag me @ Pamira Bezmen Photography

you can copy and paste this link from here:

http://pamirabezmenphotography.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bf69fe8e6803d9a5356d37a41&id=39022640ae

Feel free to share with friends and family. Share the fun!

Good Luck! Thanks for playing!

- Pamira

- Winner will be announced by November 15th, 2014

- Gift includes session only, and is not applicable to professional print products or digital files

- Winner will be eligible to have access to all services and product selections as regular clients

to see my work, you can click on the Gallery link above and browse the different galleries. Enjoy!

Cumhuriyet Bayramimiz Kutlu Olsun

(Pamira Bezmen Photography) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 22:14:14 GMT

Cumhuriyet Bayrami'miz Kutlu Olsun! Daha nice, nice seneler bunu soylemek nasip olsun.

2013-06, DSC_7955 retouch

Temiz, isikli, dogru, durust yollardan yurumeye devam edebilecegimiz,
Cocuklarimizi baris, medeniyet, insaniyet icinde buyutebilecegimiz "yarin"lara insallah...

Isiklar icinde yat, canim Ata'm.
Hersey icin sag ol!!! Seni hic unutmadik, hic unutmayacagiz. Cok derinden seviyoruz.

- Pamira