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I’m a contemporary portrait photographer based now in Wayne, New Jersey. Over the years, my work has been featured in various publications, recognized with both local and international awards, and showcased through three photography exhibits.
Beautiful lighting, artistic posing, and timeless retouching define my signature style — but just as important is creating an experience that feels empowering, relaxed, and truly memorable. Many of my clients tell me they “aren’t photogenic,” but I always reassure them that it’s my job to guide and pose them every step of the way so they feel completely at ease. By the end of their session, they’re often amazed by how confident they feel — and together, we create legacy portraits they’ll treasure for years to come.
I now book a limited number of on-location portrait sessions on Sundays, as I’m no longer photographing in-studio. I continue to offer portrait sessions including maternity, and headshots, while bringing a mini studio experience directly to you. The best way to see if we’re a good fit is through a complimentary consultation. If you’d like more information, please reach out through my contact form and I’ll respond within 24 hours. My email will include details, along with a link to schedule your complimentary Zoom consultation. Thank you for visiting — I look forward to hearing from you!
hi and welcome!
in my skills. In May 2018, I traveled to Castle Ceconi in Pielungo, Italy where I participated in The Portrait Masters workshop.
I Continue To Invest
was taken over 50 years ago in Japan. This portrait traveled across the pacific ocean to me and is one of the reasons why I specialize in what I do...
This portrait of my Mother
"I had such a great time at my maternity portrait session! The pictures came out so beautiful that the reveal honestly made me cry. Celestina makes you feel comfortable and at ease even if you have very little experience being in front of the camera like myself. I’ve been getting a ton of compliments on the portraits from friends and family and I just know for a fact I’ll cherish these photos forever. She was also extremely understanding and patient with my 2 year old. Even though he cried most of the time and refused to pose for any pictures, she was still able to get some good shots of all of us which made the session even more special."
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"The pictures came out so beautiful that the reveal honestly made me cry."
"We recently used Celestina for our engagement photos, and it was a great experience from start to finish. Once our date was booked, she FaceTimed with us to get a sense of what we were wanting to accomplish, which was a nice touch... We scouted the neighborhood we wanted ahead of time, but Celestina found great spur-of-the moment locations & backdrops that we loved, and she had an impeccable eye for using natural light in the shots. We were hoping for some great proofs, but everything we got far exceeded our expectations. We ordered more photos than our initial package had allotted, since there were too many photos we could not live without. We’d highly recommend her for any couples looking for engagement photos!"
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"... everything we got far exceeded our expectations ..."
"Shortly after our little baby girl was born we wanted to capture our life as a new family. We weren't interested in the classical newborn poses like the froggy style etc. rather natural moments in our home. The moment Celestina arrived at our place everything was very relaxed. She looked at different rooms and suggested which background would look best and where the light would work well. Celestina made the experience of having pictures taken - while being overtired and very exhausted from sleepiness nights with a newborn - very comfortable... She was very patient and let the baby drive the photo shoot...Even taking the time to get our dog in the picture....It was overall a great time and a lot of fun and we are more than happy with the results."
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"The moment Celestina arrived at our place everything was very relaxed."
"Celestina has taken my pictures and numerous occasions and every time the results are wonderful. My husband and I are not what you consider to be photogenic but Celestina always accomplish the impossible and take wonderful pictures of us. We always keep coming for her to take our pictures for our special occasions and just for fun. She always makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Making the experience enjoyable and fun, as a result making it a wonderful and treasurable memory.!"
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"... She always makes you feel comfortable and at ease ..."
"Celestina is a beautiful person and amazing photographer. I absolutely hate getting my picture taken and was nervous to say the least... I felt like I was with an old friend. She is so knowledgeable and confident in what she does that you can't help but feel confident too. By the end of the photo shoot I not only felt confident but revived! It was such a beautiful and fun experience and I would highly recommend Celestina to anyone wanting not only gorgeous pictures but an amazing experience. She will definitely be my go to photographer from now on."
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"... I not only felt confident but revived! ..."
testimonials
Portrait sessions can take place at a location of your choice — outdoors, in your home, or at your workplace. Each image is thoughtfully and artistically edited to create timeless portraits you’ll be proud to share and treasure for years to come. To view an example of an outdoor family session, click here.
This experience starts at $1,475.. Please contact me for further details.
II) location portraits
FAQ & COMMENTS
"i'm not photogenic"
Photogenic is just COMFORTABILITY in front of the camera which is completely MY responsibility. I will guide you, pose you and take the pressure off of you so that you can just focus on having fun!
"What do you Mean by Location?"
Location portrait sessions offer a personalized experience in the setting that feels most meaningful to you — whether outdoors at a favorite park, in the comfort of your home, or at your workplace for professional or personal branding headshots. I bring a portable mini studio (where necessary) to create beautifully lit portraits anywhere. From love (couples), family, headshots to maternity and boudoir sessions, each experience is thoughtfully tailored to you. A complimentary consultation is encouraged so we can connect, discuss your vision, and see if we’re the right fit.
"What Products Do You Offer"
I offer archival-quality canvases, framed wall art, handcrafted albums, and folio boxes for displaying and preserving matted prints. When you inquire through the contact section of this website, I’ll send additional information along with product videos to explore the collection further.
"What Is Your Turnaround Time?"
Ideally, please allow up to six weeks from initial inquiry to delivery. However, I understand some occasions have tighter timelines.. If you’re on a deadline, please reach out and we’ll see what we can do!
"Who Can I Bring With Me?"
You're welcome to bring anyone with you to get photographed including furry loved ones. Whether you enjoy a portrait session for yourself or maximize and have loved ones join for a portion of your portrait session, you can completely CUSTOMIZE your experience.
"i only need digital files"
I create LEGACY portraits to enjoy and treasure with luxurious, archival portrait products to enjoy for generations to come. However, if you prefer digital files only, I do offer digital packages that start at 5 images.
"What time is ideal?"
I schedule outdoor portrait sessions within two to three hours after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft, directional, and rich in color. These times of day create the most flattering and beautiful natural light for portraits. Midday sun, by contrast, sits directly overhead and tends to produce harsh light and unflattering shadows.
