THE BLOG

real moments become unforgettable memories

Based in New Milford, NJ (Bergen County) and serving couples across New Jersey, New York City, and the Hudson Valley, Alex Kaplan is known for creating a calm, guided, and joy-filled photography experience. Browse our latest posts for real wedding inspiration, expert tips, and behind-the-scenes moments that make your day unforgettable.

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From camera-shy to confident — real emotion, genuine connection, and moments that matter. Stories, tips, and inspiration from NJ & NYC weddings

Studio actor headshot of a young man with natural expression and neutral background, demonstrating a bookable look for casting in NJ and NYC

7 Secrets Behind Actor Headshots That Actually Get You Cast in NJ & NYC

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You’ve done everything right. You’re in class. You’ve built a reel. You finally invest in a headshot session, walk out feeling genuinely good about the shots, and then nothing happens. Submissions go unanswered. Auditions don’t come. Here’s what I’ve watched happen over 30 years of photographing actors across actor headshots in NYC and Northern NJ: […]

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before professional headshot example NJ executive office background

Before and After Professional Headshots: A Real NJ Transformation

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Most people don’t need a better photo. They need a photo that actually works. Because “fine” doesn’t get clicked. And it definitely doesn’t build trust. If you’ve ever looked at your current headshot and thought, “It’s fine… I guess,” you’re not alone. The difference between “fine” and effective is exactly what you’re about to see […]

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alex kaplan photo video photobooth www.alexkaplanweddings.com

7 Professional Headshot Examples That Actually Work (NJ and NYC Clients)

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Most people do not need a better photo. They need a photo that actually works. There is a difference. Most people searching for professional headshot examples have seen plenty of headshots. Stiff, over-lit photos on company websites. Casual LinkedIn selfies that do not quite land. What they are looking for is something in the middle: […]

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Young child actor smiling naturally during a professional headshot session in NJ with soft studio lighting

How to Get Natural Actor Headshots for Kids in NJ (Real Session)

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There’s a moment in every child actor headshot session where something shifts. The smile softens. The shoulders drop. The eyes stop performing and start just being. I can usually tell within the first few frames whether we’ll get there quickly… or whether we need to slow things down and earn it. That moment is where […]

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Corporate headshot of a professional man with long hair wearing a navy suit Northern New Jersey studio

Can You Have Long Hair and Still Look Professional in a Corporate Headshot? (Northern NJ Guide)

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Can You Have Long Hair in a Corporate Headshot? Yes. Long hair is completely acceptable in corporate headshots in Northern NJ and across the NYC metro. What determines whether a headshot reads as professional is expression, posture, clothing, and lighting, not hairstyle. Many professionals throughout Northern New Jersey use headshots with long hair confidently on […]

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LinkedIn headshot retouching NJ — authentic, natural portrait for business professionals

Headshot Retouching: How Much Is Too Much? 5 Mistakes That Make You Look Fake

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Most people booking a headshot have the same fear: they don’t want to look fake. What if I come out looking like a wax version of myself, skin like plastic, features digitally rearranged until I’m technically flawless but somehow unrecognizable? It’s a real fear. And honestly? The industry caused this. Years of over-Photoshopped magazine covers […]

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