Houdy, I'm Darlene
Family Ties & Boxer Vibes 🐾
Dream come true? Check! I’m a proud mom of three amazing kids (one daughter and two sons) and now a grandma to three precious littles. They all live nearby in NJ, which fills my heart with joy. I'm also married to a wonderful, faith-filled man who shares my love for Jesus—and for our four-legged diva, Selah the Boxer. She’s Boxer #3 and, no offense to the others, absolutely the best yet. In photoshoots, she pretends to be thrilled. Keyword: pretends. 😂
Selah: My Holy Pause with a Wiggle Butt 🐶💤🎶
Meet Selah—my lovable, wiggly shadow with soulful eyes and a heart full of loyalty. Her name means “rest” or “pause” in the Bible, often found in Psalms, and that’s exactly what she’s been for me—a pause in the chaos, a breath of calm in my day. She’s not just a dog; she’s a committed companion, a four-legged goofball, and the queen of comic relief. Whether she’s snoring next to me or photobombing my branding sessions with zero shame, she’s my daily reminder to slow down, smile, and soak in the moment.
Life by the Shore & the Curious Case of the Twin Neighbors 🌊👯♂️
We’ve been living our dream life down the Jersey Shore for over a decade. My husband and I moved to Tuckerton, NJ, to a quiet street by the inlet with the friendliest neighbors—including not one, not two, but three sets of twins living on all sides of us. (No, I didn’t drink the water—bottled only, thank you very much! 😆) After 24 years together, I still call my husband “the love of my life,” and yes, I’m fully aware of how mushy that sounds—and I totally mean it.
Sunshine, Saltwater & Southern Adventures ☀️🐎🚴♀️
My family and I are sunshine seekers through and through. We head down to South Carolina often to visit my dad, and every trip feels like a mini vacation for the soul. Whether we’re kayaking through peaceful waters, horseback riding under wide open skies, fishing off the dock, hitting the beach, or cruising around on bikes—we’re all about that outdoor life. It’s our happy place, where tan lines fade but the memories don’t. Every moment is a chance to slow down, soak it in, and just be together.
From Bugs to Brushes to “I Can Do That!” 🎨
My creative journey started with photographing bugs, birds, and flowers—anything close-up and full of detail. Around the same time, I tried my hand at painting after seeing a giant, colorful piece in a gallery and thinking, “I can do that!” (Spoiler: I did do that—and then couldn’t stop!) I took art classes, studied design, and dreamed of being a famous artist—or at least hanging out in a museum. My family motto? “I can make that.” Whether it’s art or furniture or just some good sourdough bread, we’re a DIY bunch through and through!
More Than a Photographer—A Memory Keeper 💛 📷
One day, I stumbled upon a newborn photographer and fell in love with her style. You guessed it—I said, “I can do that!” And here I am, still capturing life through my lens. But it’s not just photography that I love—it’s the people. The stories. The generations. I believe photos are our time machines—each one a frozen moment, ready to bring back laughter, tears, and memories long after we’re gone. I’m not just a photographer. I’m a storyteller, a memory keeper, a legacy builder. For you. For me. For forever.
My Beautiful Granddaughter Grace