Noa Green Photography - New Jersey Photographer

Recovering

Noa — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 19:12:51 +0000

So I survived hurricane Sandy. And almost a week with no power or heat. And the month of October (also known as the worst month of my life). I was never in my life so excited to greet November!

Most of all, I feel like I got my bearings again. I am no longer sidetracked, I let go of the negativity. I dug deep inside and found strength. In fact, I find that despite the dropping temperatures and shorter daylight hours, I’ve been feeling really happy. Content. I’ve been going to the gym regularly, spending time with my friends, making daily green juice and enjoying nightly snuggles on the sofa with the cats and the fireplace roaring in front of me. My favorite shows are back on TV (HELLO Dexter and Homeland!), my best friend from the Army is coming to visit me in a couple of days and I have a trip home to Israel to look forward to next month.

To everyone that reached out to me in response to my last post, thank you. This is definitely not a blog where I try to depict my life as perfect, because its not. I find that by being honest I have been able to connect with a lot of people out there, which has led to amazing friendships. Thank you for the ongoing support and love! All of the emails, comments and messages I received really helped me through a tough time.

And because every post is always more fun with images, here are some from the past couple of weeks…..

Hurricane Sandy left us with almost a week of no power or heat. The upside was that I got to spend a LOT of time reading and catching up on my reading list in a romantic candle-lit setting…..

Halloween came and went quickly, Aviv was really excited to be Buzz Lightyear

And lastly, a recent image of the Vivinator. She is such JOY to have in my life

Happy Friday to everyone, and Shabat Shalom!!

XOXO

Noa

Grateful

Noa — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:34:33 +0000

(photo credit Michelle Edgerton)

I’ll be honest with you guys….. Its been a REALLY shitty month. Just one of those months where nothing goes your way and your universe kinda crashes around you. I’ve been in a major funk but am slowly pulling myself out of it and reminding myself that you know what? Sometimes shit happens. And that’s ok. Eventually I will explain here what’s been going on, but for now I’ll just admit that I’ve been feeling devastated and disappointed. But that, too, shall eventually diminish and pass. Time heals all wounds?

In the meantime, there is so much I am also grateful for. So what better way to brighten the day (with Hurricane Sandy looming outside) than to list some of those things….

I’m grateful for my family, and the unconditional love they give me. My parents have been such role models in my life and I am eternally grateful for their open minds, and that they always put my happiness above all else. No matter wether they agree or disagree, they support my decisions and do everything they can to help me self-actualize my life.

I’m grateful for Aviv, who has been my beacon of light, who is my constant in an ever changing world.

I’m grateful for my capacity to love, because even though it means I risk opening myself to a world of pain, the beauty and richness it adds to life is beyond compare. To aptly quote the ever wise Dumbeldore ….

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love”

I’m grateful for my friends, who have rallied around me when things fell apart and my seams unraveled. Their love, jokes, hugs, banter, constant support and shoulders to cry on made everything bearable.

I’m grateful for perspective, that is helping me let go of small things that don’t really matter. Finding out I have to find a new home in the next couple of months? It caused me so much anxiety at first, but at least we can afford a decent roof over our heads. Having my brand new iPhone 5 stolen right under my nose while out on a Halloween party with friends? Its just a thing. A replaceable thing. Right? What’s the use of anger, when I can let it go and focus on manifesting positivity. There may be a lot of crap happening in my life right now, but I have my health and Aviv and my family and my friends and a beautiful, fun future to look forward to.

The winds are howling around me as hurricane Sandy quickly approaches, so I will post this before we lose power. We’re hoping the power won’t be out for too long and that it doesn’t flood. Wishing everyone safety the next couple of days. I know I will be snuggled at home, with a stocked kitchen and lots of candles and firewood and books to try to make it cozy. Take lemons and make lemonade, right?

XOXO

Noa

Italy…. Amalfi coast style!!

Noa — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:36:26 +0000

I know its been pretty much radio silence here on the blog…. I recently came back from an AMAZING two relaxing weeks in Italy that was literally food for my soul. I feel like its been forever since I had last been on vacation (going to Israel does not count!) and I soaked in each and every single glorious moment. My parents treated me, Aviv, brother, sisters, brother in law and nephew to a 2 week stay at a gorgeous 4 bedroom villa on the Amalfi coast in Italy. Every day we suffered these mediocre views *wink* from the villa’s many balconies (rainbow after a morning shower):

Misty grey-blue mornings….

Even though I brought my camera and several lenses, I was reallllly lazy when it came to actually using it. About 50% of the photos in this blog post are from my (brand new!) iPhone 5.

One of the few images I’m actually part of…. Self portrait of Aviv and I

Positano at night

I pretty much ate my weight in Buffalo Mozzarella. I honestly haven’t been able to look at mozzarella since coming back to NY

We spent some time by the beach, much to Aviv’s delight. She couldn’t get enough of the waves!

Aviv did some quick swimming with Asaf (my brother in law), who is training for a triathlon

The beautiful island of Capri…..

Capri store owners seem to be pretty lax about their window displays….. Where’s waldo?

We spent many, many, many afternoons lazing around the villa and cooking delicious lunches. Aviv would go to the garden, pick lemons from the garden’s lemon trees, and Shira and I would make varieties of pastas using the lemons and local cheeses and vegetables.

Wine, pasta, lunch, view, relaxation? Why yes, please

This was Ravello, with absolutely magnificent views. I was taking pictures with my (beloved!!) iPhone and texting them to someone back home. Check out my one handed texting skills

We visited Paestum, a 7th century Greek city less than 2 hours from Amalfi that has stunning Doric style temple ruins

During our Italy vacation, I discovered Aviv’s LOVE of mussels. Say wha to the whaaaaat? She would tackle – and finish – HUGE bowls of them…. And then continue to eat pizza or pasta!

One of my favorite excursions was, without a doubt, Pompeii. We hired Fabrizio, a fabulous Italian tour guide with immaculate English, and spent hours viewing this haunting historical site.

Did you know they had RUNNING WATER in 79 AD? I was shocked.

The tall rocks connecting the two sidewalks are actually crosswalks…. Since they didn’t have sewers, the streets would get flooded with waters (amongst other less appealing substances, such as animal poop). These crosswalks were all over the city.

Here is a local Pompeii equivalent of a fast food joint — bowls of food would rest in the counter holes, and the food was sold strictly as take away. Dying over those gorgeous frescos on the wall!

More breathtaking views of the coast from the villa….

This was surprising to me – the Italians sell condoms/pregnancy tests in machines outside of pharmacies. Efficient, no?

Mmmmmm. Gelato…..

Me, concentrating very hard on a Gelato (hidden behind Aviv’s head). I believe this is the day I fell down the stairs? I was carrying that super heavy backpack (with my laptop, camera etc) and carrying grocery bags.

Last sunrise at the villa……

The trip was truly amazing and recharging. There were a couple of snafus – there are 134 steps leading down to the villa (and then 134 stairs leading up to the road where you park the cars) and early on in the vacation I tripped on a broken stair, fell and sprained my left ankle. And then when Aviv and I tried to check into our direct 9 1/2 hour flight from Rome to JFK, we found out we were bumped off the flight. Instead we were “accommodated” on a flight to London, 4 hour layover, and then another flight to JFK. Arrived in NY to find customs backed up, waited an hour, went to pick up our luggage to find that they lost the luggage AND Aviv’s car seat AND broke her stroller. Spent another hour and a half at baggage claim center as they processed our missing luggage and found us a loaner car seat. By the time Aviv and I got home, it was 19 hours since we left our hotel in Rome. Ugh. And she only slept 4 hours out of that. Each and every single one of my nerves was fried by the time I got home and crawled into my own bed (heaven!!!!!).

My sister Leore found an old book about Amalfi in the villa’s library, and found the following quote within it:

“The Amalfi coast has a loveliness which took me like strong drink. I wrote to a friend something like this: ‘I was going to say it hasn’t made me unfaithful to Tuscany. But that’s just what it has done. However, I think it’s only an affair”

Indeed, Amalfi was amazing. But a brief affair not overshadowing my eternal love for Tuscany. I can’t wait to go back to the Italian countryside

Nothing is sexier than confidence….. Bergen County New Jersey Boudoir Photographer

Noa — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:59:31 +0000

Nothing exudes sexiness more than confidence. In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman who feels beautiful in her own skin. While I am sure there are some lucky ladies out there who walk around feeling super confident and sexy 24/7, most of us are too busy working / juggling overloaded to-do lists / taking care of children and just in general trying to keep our heads above water. We don’t often take the time to invest in ourselves, to let some of that sexiness and femininity shine through.

Meet Kate. She’s absolutely stunning….

Kate owns a dog walking business in the upper east side that keeps her extremely busy, and she admitted that she usually spends most of her time in sweats and her hair up in a bun. So we had a blast glamming her up, dancing around to fun music, and capturing some beautiful sexy portraits when she came to New Jersey for her boudoir / contemporary portrait photo shoot.

Of course I have to include the before shot, because I want everyone to know we can ALL get magazine-cover worthy! We so often judge ourselves in comparison with what media puts out there, and its easy to forget that those women on Vogue and Maxim magazine also get wardrobe stylists, make up artists and hair professionals who fuss around to get to that perfection.

BEFORE

AFTER

Thank you Kate for such a fun session!!! I’m already looking forward to the next one we’re cooking up

Where does the time fly?

Noa — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:38:27 +0000

Yesterday I got a little nudge from someone special asking me why I haven’t been updating my blog. I can honestly say time just seems to get away from me. This summer has been absolutely amazing and I feel like I have been In The Present in a way that makes me so happy. Instead of constantly focusing on what’s next, or stressing out over my ridiculous to-do list, I’m really enjoying the NOW. I also made a lot of new friends this summer, who may be new friends but feel like old soul mates, and who have made my life so much richer.

So it came a little bit of a surprise when September rolled around and summer officially ended. Aviv has been home all summer (I opted for no summer camp this year) which also explains why things have been so busy. I swear that little munchkin sometimes can’t stop talking! So it was both sadness and a sigh of relief (silence, I’ve missed you!) that I felt when I took her for her first day of pre-k.

And for old times sake, here is Aviv on the first day of school 2011

And first day of school 2010 (2 years old!)

I have tons of sessions I want to share, not to mention studio news (and a new blog design coming soon) so I promise not to wait this long until the next update.

Wishing you all a fabulous week!!!

xoxo

Noa

I’m in a funk….

Noa — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 01:14:11 +0000

My parents just left back to Israel after an amazing three week visit with us and I feel a pit in my stomach. Its so hard, going from having a house full of people to this sudden quiet. It sucks, REALLY sucks, to be so far away from my family.

I’m sitting here in my living room feeling shell shocked from the sudden change. Of course I’m grateful my parents have the opportunity to visit us in the USA frequently — but the first couple of days after they leave are one big funk for me.

When I put Aviv to bed, about 1/2 an hour after they left, I got into bed with her and just cuddled. Both of us so sad. Then she turned to look at me and said “Saba and Savta aren’t here to sleep in my room any more. When I will wake up in the middle of the night they won’t be here and I will be SO SAD”. Then her face crumpled up and she sobbed into my hair and my heart shattered into a million pieces and leaked through my eyes.

I will be pretty much stewing in my own misery the next couple of days, and that’s ok. I always go through this funk. The heaviness weighing on my heart will loosen it’s grip and allow me to breath easier.

And to lighten the mood of this post, here is a picture I took a couple of months ago. I photographed a gorgeous wedding at the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas, and I also set up time for pure “me time”. It consisted of books, relaxation right there on the beach a couple feet from the ocean waves, and waiters bringing me lunch and rum cocktails. Ahhhhhh…..

Why I took the plunge and invested in a studio

Noa — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:46:57 +0000

When I started photographing women’s portraits I was an on-location photographer in New Jersey and New York. That meant I traveled to clients’ homes, met up at parks or urban locations around NJ and manhattan. This works just fine during great weather and for family portraits, but not so much when you’re trying to capture women contemporary photography. Its similar to boudoir photography, but with a more sophisticated twist, and can be as conservative or as sexy as you want to make it. This means we can do an entire session just with your favorite jeans, shirts and dresses, or we can add some sexy lingerie. Its really up to you!

When I started shooting Women Portraits I looked to rent a natural light studio in New Jersey, but couldn’t find anything close to what I needed. So instead I rented rooms at the fabulous Bungalow boutique hotel. The more I shot these kind of images, the more I fell in love with this “kind of boudoir, but not”, only more awesome, genre. So I took the plunge and invested in my own natural light studio. A place that women can come to, feel relaxed and confident and safe and sexy.

Michelle helped me forge this new path, and I will forever be grateful for that. She’s also my bride and getting married in 8 days, so I thought I might as well unearth these images I took of her in March

After the session….. So happy that now Michelle is not only my bride, but also a friend. Love you M!!!!!