Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.

This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.

Behind the Scenes Shooting Star Photography Behind the Scenes Shooting Star Photography

5 Magical Photography Experiences at Shooting Star Photography ✨

Explore five magical photography experiences designed for families who value connection, imagination, and fine art portraits.

At Shooting Star Photography, sessions are more than a quick photo appointment. Each experience is thoughtfully designed for families who value connection, beauty, and meaningful moments — not rushed poses or generic images.

From timeless family portraits to once-in-a-lifetime childhood milestones, every session is created to feel elevated, stress-free, and full of heart. Below are five of our most loved photography experiences, curated for families throughout South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas.

Magical family photo session on the beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey at sunset

1. Fine Art Family Photography

Elegant. Emotional. Timeless.

Fine art family sessions are centered on connection rather than perfection. With gentle guidance, natural movement, and carefully chosen outdoor locations, these sessions allow families to simply be together.

Whether photographed in a wildflower field, along the Jersey Shore, or in a quiet forest setting, the result is artwork that feels honest, relaxed, and enduring — never stiff or overly posed.

Perfect for families who want wall-worthy portraits that still feel real.

Family in the forest during a golden hour photo session in South Jersey with their young son

2. Princess Portrait Sessions 👑

Because childhood magic deserves to be celebrated.

Princess sessions invite children to step fully into their imagination. With couture gowns, thoughtful styling, and a fine-art approach, these portraits feel dreamy without being overdone.

Often booked for birthdays or milestones, these sessions are about confidence, joy, and honoring this fleeting season of childhood.

Many families return year after year to document each new chapter.

Girl in a flowing blue dress at sunset near the Ben Franklin Bridge captured by a South Jersey photographer
Little girl dressed as a princess twirling in a sunlit field in New Jersey

.

3. The Mermaid Experience 🧜‍♀️

A childhood dream brought to life.

Magical mermaid photo session in New Jersey with a girl wearing a purple and pink mermaid tail

The Mermaid Experience is designed for beach-loving kids with big imaginations. From shimmering mermaid tails to custom headpieces and glowing coastal light, each session feels playful, story-driven, and unforgettable.

Sessions are held at carefully selected beach and bay locations that allow for movement, wonder, and that soft golden glow families love.

Little girl in a pink and blue mermaid tail during a magical photo session on the beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey

4. First Holy Communion Portraits ✝️

Sacred. Joyful. Deeply meaningful.

First Holy Communion is a milestone filled with meaning. These sessions are designed to feel reverent yet warm, capturing both the spiritual significance of the day and the sweetness of childhood.

Sessions may take place at your church or in beautiful outdoor settings, always guided gently and thoughtfully — never stiff or rushed.

Boy praying during his First Holy Communion session in a Philadelphia church, fine art portrait style

5. Unicorn Portrait Sessions 🦄

The kind of magic they never forget.

Yes — these sessions feature a real-life unicorn, paired with a calm, storybook-inspired experience. Whether photographed in a forest or near the sea, unicorn sessions are filled with wonder, imagination, and joy.

Perfect for birthdays, dreamers, and that fleeting age when magic still feels very real.

Little girl in a white dress during a dreamy unicorn photo session in New Jersey
Little girl twirling in a purple dress while posing with a unicorn during a magical photo session in New Jersey

Ready to Create Your Own Magical Experience?

Each experience offered at Shooting Star Photography has its own dedicated page with full details, galleries, and availability.

If you’re unsure which session best fits your family, I’m always happy to guide you toward the experience that feels just right for this season of life.


Two sisters hugging during a fine art beach photo shoot near the rollercoaster in Wildwood, New Jersey

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Read More

NJ Photography Workshops: Teaching Heartfelt and Magical Storytelling

New Jersey Portrait Photography Workshop

Join us for an immersive journey into the world of creativity and skill enhancement at our upcoming workshop in Haddon Township, New Jersey. Scheduled for February 3rd, 2024, this workshop promises to be a melting pot of learning and inspiration.

The Beauty and Challenges of the Photography Journey

The photography world is a breathtakingly beautiful, exhilarating space—but let’s be real, it’s not always easy. This industry often feels like a maze of self-doubt, endless comparisons, and hard-learned lessons. I’ve walked that road myself, which is why my photography workshops are about so much more than just nailing your settings or perfecting poses.

These workshops are about building community, finding your unique voice, and discovering how to turn fleeting moments into heartfelt memories.

photography workshops, photography classes, south jersey photographers, new jersey photographers, fine art photography workshops, philadelphia photography workshops, broad street philadelphia,

What Makes My Workshops Different?

More Than Technical Skills

When I host a workshop, my goal isn’t just to teach you how to take better photos (though you’ll absolutely learn that!). My mission is to share everything I’ve learned during my decade behind the lens—the wins, the losses, and the in-between moments that shaped my love for storytelling.

Whether you’re capturing the giggle of a toddler, the quiet love of a couple, or the soft glow of a golden hour sunset, this workshop is designed to help you fall in love with the art of storytelling through your camera.

A Focus on Connection and Support

These workshops are built around connection—because I truly care about the people I teach. I’m not here to just be your instructor for the day. I want to be your friend, your cheerleader, and your support system.

You’ll have a safe space to:

  • Ask the tough questions

  • Share your doubts

  • Laugh at the wild, unpredictable moments of this photography journey

And yes, I’ll be here when you have those “I have no idea what I’m doing” moments—because trust me, I’ve been there too.

Why Storytelling Matters in Photography

This industry is tough, but it’s also packed with magic. Every click of the shutter has the power to freeze time, tell a story, and stir deep emotions.

Through these workshops, we’ll explore how to bring that magic into your work. You’ll learn how to create images that feel alive, soulful, and uniquely yours—photos that speak straight to the heart.

Let’s Dive Into the Magic Together

These workshops aren’t just about photography—they’re about embracing the chaos, finding the light, and growing together. We’ll laugh through the moments that don’t go as planned, celebrate the ones that do, and rediscover the joy of capturing life’s beauty, one frame at a time.

So, are you ready to find your voice, share your stories, and connect with a community of photographers who get it? Let’s get started.

photography workshop in philadelphia, south jersey photography classes, south jersey workshop, new jersey photography classes, philadelphia photography classes, mainline philadelphia photography classes, marlton new jersey photographer, broad street.

Come out and join us in 2024!

Check out our page for more info.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Read More

Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.