Philadelphia Family Photographer

for Timeless Fine Art Portraits

Family portrait walking in front of Philadelphia City Hall photographed by a Philadelphia family photographer
A timeless family portrait photographed in the heart of Philadelphia.

Shooting Star Photography is a Philadelphia family photographer specializing in timeless fine art portraits for families who value beauty, connection, and meaningful artwork for their homes. These portraits are designed to feel both artistic and natural, photographed in beautiful locations across the city.

Based in South Jersey and just minutes from Philadelphia, Dee Giumetti serves families throughout the greater Philadelphia region as both a Philadelphia family photographer and NJ family photographer. Sessions include family, children, and maternity portraits photographed in iconic locations such as Center City, Rittenhouse Square, and Fairmount Park.

Family portrait on the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia by a fine art family photographer
Family portrait on Addison Street in Philadelphia with mother holding daughter and two boys standing beside her, photographed by a Philadelphia family photographer.

Family portraits with a calm, child-led approach — created in and around Philadelphia.

Philly’s Finest Portrait Experience

Parents and children photographed together in Center City Philadelphia during a family portrait session.
Young girl in a pink dress photographed under the El in Philadelphia during a family photography session.
Child on a skateboard photographed during a family photography session in Philadelphia.
Family of five posing near Philadelphia City Hall during a Center City portrait session.

Philadelphia Family Photography Sessions Across the City

Philadelphia offers a beautiful mix of historic streets, open parks, and waterfront spaces that create a timeless backdrop for family portraits. I photograph families throughout the city, including Center City, Fairmount, Old City, Society Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods. Sessions are relaxed and unhurried, allowing children to explore naturally while I guide gently when needed. Many families travel in from nearby suburbs specifically for the character and variety Philadelphia provides, making each session feel both personal and uniquely tied to the city.

dad twirling his two girls for a philadelphia portrait session

Some of the most meaningful photographs happen in the simplest moments — a child being lifted into the air, laughter echoing between parents and kids, the closeness families feel without even realizing it. In Philadelphia, the city backdrop adds elegance while the moments themselves remain real and full of life, creating portraits families treasure for years.

Young girl in a silver dress on Addison Street near Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia during a child portrait session.
Young girl twirling in a red dress in Center City Philadelphia during a child portrait photography session.

Philadelphia Session Locations

  • Classic city greenery with soft light and timeless charm. Ideal for families who want an elegant Philadelphia feel without anything feeling busy or overwhelming.

  • Open space, natural movement, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for younger children, siblings, and families who want their session to feel easy and unstructured.

  • Iconic architecture with a refined, editorial feel. Best for families who love classic city details, clean lines, and portraits that feel polished yet natural.

  • Textured streets, character-filled corners, and a lived-in city feel. Great for families who want something authentic, warm, and a little less polished — without losing artistry.

  • A modern rooftop park with skyline views and clean lines. Best for families who love a contemporary, editorial look with a strong sense of place.

  • Have a neighborhood, street, or meaningful place in mind? I’m happy to recommend or scout locations throughout Philadelphia based on light, season, and your family’s style.

Young girls standing under cherry blossom trees in Fairmount Park Philadelphia during a spring portrait session.
A joyful birthday portrait of a young girl barefoot and holding balloons during a Philadelphia child photography session, photographed in a natural and playful fine art style to celebrate a milestone moment.
Portrait sessions throughout Philadelphia often take place in iconic locations across the city, from the historic streets of South Philadelphia to landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 
Child portrait at Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia by Philadelphia family photographer

A Calm, Child-Led Experience

From wardrobe guidance to subtle posing and light, every detail is thoughtfully designed to create timeless, fine-art portraits — without ever feeling stiff or over-styled.

Each session includes styling support and access to our curated luxury client closet, so you can simply arrive and enjoy the moment.

Pregnant mother in a silver dress during a maternity photography session in Philadelphia.

Many families first connect with me during maternity sessions before returning again as their children grow. If you’re expecting and considering portraits in the city, you can learn more about Philadelphia maternity photography here.

Child portrait in Philadelphia at sunset, photographed with soft city lights and a fine art, dreamy feel

Sunsets and City Nights

Philadelphia Portrait Gallery

A selection of family, child, and maternity portraits photographed in and around Philadelphia.

Four children posing together on a Rittenhouse Square sidewalk during a Philadelphia family portrait session.
Moments like this are why Rittenhouse Square is one of my favorite places for family photography in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Portrait Sessions

Philadelphia portrait sessions are designed to feel relaxed, guided, and unrushed. Whether you’re planning a family session, child portrait, or maternity experience, every detail is thoughtfully considered so you can simply arrive and enjoy the moment.

Sessions are child-led and gently directed, allowing natural movement, curiosity, and connection to unfold without pressure. Location guidance and styling support are provided to ensure your session feels cohesive, elevated, and true to your family.

Most Philadelphia sessions take place on weekday evenings for the softest light and a calmer city experience.

A family of five walking together on a Philadelphia city street at dusk, dressed in coordinated blue and neutral outfits during a natural fine art family portrait session.

Investment

Philadelphia portrait sessions begin at $155.

Additional images and artwork are available for purchase, allowing you to create a collection that feels right for your family.

Full pricing details are shared upon inquiry so your session can be thoughtfully tailored to your needs.

Couple embracing beneath the Ben Franklin Bridge during a Philadelphia portrait session

Race Street Pier Engagment

Kind Words

“From the moment we arrived, everything felt calm and easy. My kids were never rushed or forced, and the experience felt genuinely enjoyable. The images are something we’ll treasure forever.”

— Stacy P,
Family portrait on a bridge at sunset in Philadelphia with parents and teenage son smiling together during a professional photography session.
Young boy in a white suit during a First Holy Communion photography session in Philadelphia.

“This wasn’t just a photoshoot — it felt like a memory in the making. Every detail was thoughtful, and the experience was relaxed and joyful for our whole family.”

— Jen V. 
Fine art child portrait in Philadelphia at might, girl in flowing blue dress on a city bridge with glowing lights
FAQ

Philadelphia session questions, answered

The simple, practical details families usually wonder about before booking a city session — so everything feels easy.

Where do Philadelphia portrait sessions take place?

We’ll choose a Philadelphia spot that fits your family and the look you love — classic architecture, soft greenery, or a clean editorial city feel. I’ll guide you toward locations that photograph beautifully without feeling overwhelming.

Are city sessions good for kids (or will it feel chaotic)?

They’re surprisingly calm. City sessions are built around movement — walking, pausing, laughing, and letting moments unfold naturally. Kids don’t need to “perform.” We keep the flow light and relaxed so the images feel real.

What time of day is best for Philadelphia portraits?

Most sessions are scheduled near golden hour, when the light turns warm and the city starts to glow. Early evening is especially beautiful — it gives you soft, flattering light plus a little sparkle from the skyline and street energy.

What about parking, permits, and all the “city logistics”?

I keep this simple. Before your session, I’ll send clear guidance for where to meet and the easiest nearby parking options. If a location requires anything special (like a permit), I’ll recommend the smoothest alternative or walk you through it.

What should we wear for a Philadelphia city session?

City sessions photograph best with clean, intentional styling — jewel tones, deep neutrals, soft textures, and movement. Coordinating tones usually looks more elevated than exact matching, and I’m happy to help you choose pieces that fit the location.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

If conditions aren’t going to photograph well, we’ll reschedule. Philadelphia is gorgeous — but I only want you out there when it feels comfortable and looks beautiful. I’ll guide timing options so the experience stays stress-free.

How do we keep the session feeling natural and not “posed”?

I’ll give gentle direction, then let you be together. We’ll use simple prompts and natural movement so the images feel like your family — not a performance. The city becomes part of the story, but you stay the focus.

family in blue enjoying a beautiful moment together for their photo session in downtown Philadelphia

Ready to Plan Your Philadelphia Session?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, thoughtful portrait experience in Philadelphia — one that allows your family to be themselves while creating artwork you’ll truly love — I’d be honored to work with you.

Sessions are intentionally limited and planned with care to ensure each family receives a personalized experience.

Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Northern Delaware, and all of New Jersey.

Mother standing with her two children on a bridge at sunset during a fine art family portrait session in Philadelphia