Our four local staff photographers share the stories, inspiration and passion behind their work—offering an inside look at the creative minds whose images bring our magazine to life each month.
CHARISSA H. YONG
Personal Branding & Portrait Photographer
Q: Tell us about your photography business and what sets your work apart. What do you specialize in?
Hi! I’m Charissa (pronounced “Karissa”). After 11 years as a software test engineer and a three-hour commute as a new mom, I was burned out. In 2018, I left my job and became a family photographer. About a year in, I discovered personal branding photography. I booked a session for myself, fell in love with the process, and immediately knew I wanted to create that same transformation for business owners—to help them feel seen, supported and confident.
What sets my work apart is the planning and intention behind every session. I walk clients through strategy, storytelling, outfits, props and shot lists. Clear communication and thoughtful prep make all the difference. I specialize in personal branding, professional headshots, event photography and family portraits.
Q: What do you enjoy most about photographing for Pascack Valley City Lifestyle?
I love getting to know the amazing businesses and people who make this community so wonderful. Through conversations and your beautifully written articles, I’m always learning their stories. At your networking events, the support and positivity are truly felt. I’m grateful to be part of this team.
Q: What inspires you creatively or personally outside of work?
Inspiration shows up everywhere—my daughters, local artwork, unique architecture or even a quiet moment in the park. I’m always ready with my phone or camera. I continually refine my skills, but my biggest inspiration comes from fellow business owners. Their dedication and resilience keep me energized.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you hope to grow your business or deepen your local connections?
I hope to continue contributing to the magazine and connecting with more local businesses. I’m excited to collaborate with brick-and-mortar shops to host our monthly Women Business Owners Meetup and my Canva workshops. Bringing people together and elevating visibility as a community lights me up.
Q: Anything else you’d like readers to know?
Let’s connect on Instagram: @charissahyongphotography.
I also co-host a monthly Women Business Owners Meetup with Andrea Pass Public Relations — we’d love to have you join us! Details: charissahyongphotography.com/upcoming-events
Charissa H. Yong Photography, LLC
Website: charissahyongphotography.com
Email: Charissa@CharissaHYongPhotography.com
Phone: 201-663-8585
Instagram: @charissahyongphotography
JEREMY LEBLED
Wedding, Family & Event Photographer
Q: Tell us about your photography business and what sets your work apart. What do you specialize in?
My photography business is rooted in storytelling—capturing genuine emotion, personality and connection in every frame. I specialize in weddings, family portraits, corporate events, birthday parties and special occasions of all kinds. My goal is to create images that feel timeless and deeply personal. What sets my work apart is my commitment to helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera and treating each client like family. I approach every session with patience, authenticity and an eye for the small moments that often hold the most meaning. Whether it’s an intimate family session or a large wedding, I want clients to look back at their images and cherish them for life.
Q: What do you enjoy most about photographing for Pascack Valley City Lifestyle?
Working with Pascack Valley City Lifestyle is rewarding because it allows me to highlight the beauty of everyday life in our community. I love meeting the people who make this area special—local business owners, families, artists and leaders—and telling their stories visually. The Pascack Valley community is warm, supportive and full of character, and it’s an honor to help shine a light on that. Each assignment feels like a chance to celebrate the place we all call home.
Q: What inspires you creatively or personally outside of work?
I draw inspiration from the world around me—movies, art, photography books, nature and even quiet everyday moments. Playing guitar, listening to music, walking in nature, browsing bookstores, sipping coffee while reading, and going to the gym all help me reset mentally and tap into fresh creativity. I’m especially inspired by genuine human connection—conversations, shared experiences and the stories people tell. Those influences help me approach each session with a renewed perspective and bring out the best in my clients through my lens.
Q: How do you hope to grow your business or strengthen community connections?
Looking ahead, I hope to deepen my roots in the Pascack Valley community by collaborating with more local businesses, artists and organizations. I’d love to create community mini-session days and seasonal events that bring families and neighbors together. Building connection through photography is meaningful to me, and I’m excited to expand that work.
Q: Anything else you’d like readers to know?
Photography is more than a career for me—it’s a way to connect with people and document life’s most important moments. I’m grateful for every client who trusts me with their milestones and memories, and I’m committed to delivering work that feels personal, heartfelt and true. I look forward to meeting more members of the Pascack Valley community and creating images that will be cherished for years to come.
Jeremy Lebled Photography
Website: JeremyLebled.com
Email: Jeremy@JeremyLebled.com
Phone: 201-419-0977
Instagram: @JeremyLebledPhotography
CLARA WANG
Brand Photographer & Visual Storyteller
Q: Tell us about your photography business and what sets your work apart. What do you specialize in?
I specialize in brand photography that merges storytelling with strategy—nothing generic. Small businesses often struggle with consistent marketing, and while professional photos help, the ones that truly resonate are those that authentically reflect identity. I love working with brands that know their strengths but need help standing out. My goal is to create aligned, intentional, confidence-boosting images that visually frame your brand story. Clients receive a ready-to-use photo library for websites, social media, ads and more. It’s not just photography—it's a strategic business asset.
Q: What do you enjoy most about photographing for Pascack Valley City Lifestyle?
The magazine brings a vibrant, like-minded community together. It’s more than a publication—it’s a hub where neighbors, friends and local business owners connect. The founders and business owners I’ve photographed have such beautiful, heartfelt stories. They value service, connection and community, which makes capturing their personalities and brands a joy. Bringing those stories to life is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What inspires you creatively or personally outside of work?
I’ve always been a story nerd. I love biographies, the work of well-known photographers, and podcasts about challenge and growth. I’m a sucker for cinematic movies and glossy magazines—fashion, travel, interior design, all of it. Yes, I was the kid who loved picture books over chapter books. All of this fuels my creativity and love for storytelling.
Q: How do you hope to grow your business or deepen local connections?
Every business evolves, and I want to be part of that evolution. Long-term, I’d love to be a consistent creative partner—an unofficial teammate who always has a camera. That means intentionally curated shoots built into clients’ marketing calendars. Every brand should invest in a Brand Photo Library that grows with them. Sharing your story isn’t just marketing; it builds connection, loyalty and trust.
Q: Anything else readers should know?
I offer in-person photography and a “ship & shoot” service for product-based businesses. As a mom, I’m passionate about supporting parents and caregivers building businesses while managing family life. My mission is simple: take the stress out of content creation. When you have a library of quality photos, you can focus on what you do best and reclaim precious time for both business and family. It truly takes a village.
Clara Wang Photography
Website: ClaraWangPhotography.com
Email: cw@clarawangphotography.com
Instagram: @clarawangphotography
ANDREW FEIN
Lifestyle, Family & Branding Photographer
Q: Tell us about your photography business and what sets your work apart. What do you specialize in?
Andrew Fein Photography focuses on clean, natural, human images. In today’s AI-heavy, picture-perfect era, I like to keep real life in my photos—shadows, movement and the small imperfect details that make each session feel human. My style is calm, minimal and honest. I specialize in families, branding, lifestyle and real estate. My goal is simple: capture people as they are, not as a filter wants them to be.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with Pascack Valley City Lifestyle?
I love showing real people in our community. Sessions are simple and fun, and I try to highlight the heart behind each one. Working with the magazine has introduced me to so many families and business owners who care deeply about this area. Creating bright, clean images that support local stories feels good.
Q: What inspires you creatively or personally?
I serve as a volunteer firefighter in my hometown, and that experience gives me a lot of gratitude for the little things. You see how quickly moments come and go, and it makes you pay closer attention. That perspective shapes my work—I look for the simple, honest moments and let them guide each session.
Q: How do you hope to grow your business or strengthen community connections?
I’ve been fortunate to grow steadily despite obstacles, and there’s still room to expand. I want to work with more local families and small businesses who value clean, honest imagery. I’m putting deeper roots down in Bergen County and hope to build long-term partnerships. I’m excited to grow my family sessions and expand branding projects, especially ones that align with my values. Supporting local events and small businesses through strong visual storytelling remains important to me.
Q: Anything else readers should know?
My business is built on trust and calm energy. I keep the process simple so clients can enjoy the experience without stress. Community matters to me, and I’m grateful anytime I’m invited into someone’s story. My goal is always the same: clean work, real moments and a comfortable experience from start to finish.
Andrew Fein Photography
Website: AndrewFein.com
Email: AGF@AndrewFein.com
Phone: 201-759-5167
Instagram: @AndrewFeinPhotography
“Photography is storytelling — capturing genuine emotion and connection.” - Jeremy Lebled
“My goal is simple: create images my clients will cherish for life.” - Jeremy Lebled