City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Featured Image

Featured Article

Photographers in Bridgewater, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville and Somerset Hills

A local guide to family portraits, weddings, branding, commercial photography and special events

Article by Jake Slowinski

Photography by Jillian Spencer Studios, Tom Solymosi Photography, Michael J. Lago Creative Co., Nev Photography, My Havana Photography, Raquel Brennan Photography

Finding the right photographer is not just about hiring someone with a great camera.

A wedding photographer needs to capture emotion while managing a fast-moving timeline. A branding photographer must understand how images will work across websites, advertising and social media. A family photographer somehow has to get the toddler, teenager and reluctant dad cooperating at the same time.

Different assignment. Different skill set.

Whether you need updated family portraits, professional brand photography, wedding coverage or content for your business, the Bridgewater and Somerset Hills area is home to photographers with a wide range of experience and creative styles.

Here are six photographers serving Bridgewater, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster, Far Hills and surrounding New Jersey communities.

Jillian Spencer Studios

Best suited for: Families, newborns, children and timeless portraits

Jillian Spencer specializes in relaxed family, newborn and children’s photography. Sessions can take place in her studio, outdoors or in a client’s home.

Her style emphasizes natural connection rather than stiff posing. Jillian helps families prepare through wardrobe guidance, session planning and gentle direction in front of the camera. She also offers printed artwork, albums and wall-design assistance for families who want their photographs to live somewhere beyond a phone screen.

Jillian also works with small businesses on headshots and on-location photography. Family storytelling, however, remains at the heart of her work.

Contact
973-479-3316
jillianspencerstudios@gmail.com

Website
https://www.jillianspencerstudios.com

Tom Solymosi Photography

Best suited for: Events, local businesses, portraits, products and photo-video projects

Tom Solymosi offers photography, videography and editing services for both personal and commercial projects.

His photography work includes portraits, family sessions, engagement proposals, weddings, products, celebrations and grand-opening events. For businesses, Tamas creates short-form videos, promotional content, interviews and social media assets.

His portfolio includes restaurants, fitness studios, interior designers, wellness businesses and community events. This makes him a flexible option for businesses that need both still photography and video content from the same creative partner.

Contact
973-461-3320
info@tomsolymosi.com

Website
https://tomsolymosi.com

Michael J. Lago Creative Co.

Best suited for: Commercial campaigns, sports, food, real estate and cinematic brand storytelling

Michael J. Lago Creative Co. combines photography, videography, social media content and creative direction to help businesses tell stronger visual stories.

Michael’s experience includes projects involving sports organizations, restaurants, real estate companies and lifestyle brands. His work ranges from photography and social media campaigns to promotional videos, drone footage and larger brand-building projects.

The company also produces cinematic family legacy documentaries. These projects combine interviews, family photographs, archival video and professional production to preserve personal stories for future generations.

Contact
908-308-4716
michaellago@michaellago.com

Website
https://www.mlcreative.co

Nev Photography

Best suited for: Personal branding, businesses, professional teams and product photography

Nev Trinajstic specializes in brand and commercial photography for entrepreneurs, companies, creatives and professional teams.

Her process begins with understanding how the photographs will be used. That might include a website refresh, advertising campaign, product launch, press feature, email marketing or a consistent library of social media content.

Nev’s work includes personal branding sessions, corporate portraits, team photography and product images. She provides planning and creative guidance before the session, helping clients build a clear visual direction and feel more comfortable once the camera comes out.

Contact
hello@nevphotography.com

Website
https://www.nevphotography.com

My Havana Photography

Best suited for: Weddings, engagements, couples and romantic lifestyle photography

Liz Polo of My Havana Photography specializes in New Jersey weddings and engagement sessions.

Her work combines candid photojournalism, natural light and guided portraits. The goal is to document the major moments without losing the emotional reactions and quieter interactions happening throughout the day.

Liz photographs weddings ranging from classic celebrations to rustic and less traditional events. Her portfolio also includes proposals, maternity sessions, newborn lifestyle photography and family portraits. She is a strong fit for couples who want romantic, polished photographs that still feel genuine rather than overly staged.

Contact
908-764-2104
liz@myhavanaphotography.com

Website
https://www.myhavanaphotography.com

Raquel Brennan Photography

Best suited for: Lifestyle sessions, families, couples and editorial photography

Raquel Brennan focuses on lifestyle, family and couples photography. Her work has a natural, people-centered feel that captures personalities and interactions rather than relying entirely on formal posing.

Raquel has also photographed editorial assignments for Bridgewater and Somerset Hills City Lifestyle. Her experience documenting local businesses, professionals and community stories makes her a good option for both personal sessions and editorial-style business photography.

Contact
raquelbrennanphoto@gmail.com

Website
https://raquelbrennanphoto.mypixieset.com

How to Choose the Right Photographer?

Start by looking for someone whose existing work resembles the result you want.

Before booking, ask:

• What types of photography make up most of your work?
• Will you help plan locations, clothing and the overall visual style?
• How many edited images are included?
• What is the expected turnaround time?
• Do business packages include commercial usage rights?
• Will you receive digital files, printed products or both?
• Is a second photographer or videographer available when needed?

Photography styles can vary dramatically. Some photographers favor candid, documentary images. Others provide more posing and creative direction. Some specialize in natural light, while others work extensively with studio lighting and larger productions.

There is no single correct approach. The right choice is the photographer whose experience, process and finished work match what you want the images to accomplish.

Serving Bridgewater and the Somerset Hills Area

These photographers serve clients throughout Bridgewater, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster, Far Hills and surrounding Somerset County communities. Many also travel throughout New Jersey, New York City and nearby markets depending on the project.

Whether the assignment is a family milestone, wedding celebration or full commercial campaign, reviewing complete galleries and discussing the intended use of the images will help ensure the right fit before the first photograph is taken.

Businesses featured in this article