Kids' Photoshoot: Tips from a South Jersey Photographer

How to Plan an Effortless Session With Children

Let’s be real for a minute—getting your kids ready for a photo shoot can sometimes feel like you’re preparing for a major event. There’s the fight over clothes, the tantrums (sometimes), and of course, the last-minute snack requests. But don’t worry, fellow parents, I’ve got your back! As a South Jersey photographer who has spent years photographing families, I know how to make a photoshoot fun, stress-free, and memorable.

Another of the dapper brother and sister.

Take, for example, my recent photo session with a brother and sister at Ridley Creek State Park in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. What could’ve been a typical chaotic kids’ session turned into an unforgettable experience full of laughter, beautiful memories, and stunning photos.

Brother and sister for the perfect wall art for mom!

1. The Location: Ridley Creek State Park – Kid’s Playground + Insta Wonderland

You’ve heard it before: location is key to a successful photoshoot. And let me tell you, Ridley Creek State Park is the Swiss Army knife of locations for a photoshoot—wooded areas, beautiful historic mansions, flowing creeks, and vibrant fall foliage that feels like you’re walking through a Pinterest board.

For this shoot, the kids ran wild through the park’s 2,600 acres (but don’t worry, they stayed within sight), while I captured some magical moments. The grand mansion’s stone steps became the perfect dance floor for an impromptu “dance party,” and the autumn leaves showered down like natural confetti every time they jumped into them.

Seriously, if you’re looking for a gorgeous location that offers more photo ops than your Pinterest mood board can handle, this is it.

Love this kid and the fountain at Ridley Creek Park!

2. The Mansion Grounds: A Kid's Playground That’s Fancy Enough to Look Like Royalty

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A mansion? Really? My kid’s got dirt on their shirt and a snack in hand!” But here’s the truth: kids don’t care about fancy backdrops—you care. A photoshoot at Ridley Creek’s mansion grounds is like giving your kids a VIP tour of a castle. And trust me, the contrast between their joyful, messy selves and the mansion’s timeless beauty is magic in itself.

Picture the kids frolicking among stone arches and climbing trellises, acting like the stars of their own fairy tale. The elegance of the mansion enhances their charm—proving that kids, no matter how messy or goofy, will always make the photo that much better.

We started off in the woods near the mansion in a custom made butterfly gown!

3. Fall Foliage & Ruins: More ‘Wild Explorers,’ Less ‘Perfect Poses’

Here’s the thing: perfection is overrated. So when we headed into the park’s beautiful fall foliage and ancient ruins, the kids were free to explore, climb, and play. And guess what? That’s where the magic happens.

No one had to worry about perfect hair or stiff poses. Instead, they were laughing while jumping into piles of leaves and discovering hidden treasures (like sticks). Those spontaneous, unplanned moments are the ones you’ll want to remember—not the perfectly posed smiles.

The grounds at the Ridley Mansion are awesome. Even if not doing a photo shoot, definitely a place to check out.

4. Tips for a Mostly Stress-Free Kids’ Photoshoot (Keyword: Mostly)

Alright, parents, here’s the good stuff—my tips for a photoshoot that’s as stress-free as possible.

• Location is Everything: Make sure you choose a place where the kids can move around and explore. A small, cramped studio? Not ideal. Ridley Creek’s wide open spaces were perfect for giving the kids room to roam.

• Snacks Are Your Secret Weapon: I'm not talking a full-blown picnic, but a quick snack break (granola bars, crackers, etc.) can help avoid meltdowns.

• Outfits, But Make It Comfortable: The last thing you want is an uncomfortable kid who now refuses to smile. Choose clothing that’s cute and practical.

• The Golden Hour (Not the Golden Rule): Kids are at their most energetic in the morning or late afternoon, so aim for those times to get the best natural light and the most vibrant shots.

• Let Them Be Kids: Stop trying to micromanage their every move. Let them jump, twirl, and explore. You’ll get real smiles, real laughs, and the moments you’ll cherish forever.

Now onto couture. This is one of my favorite dresses!

Brother and sister looking dapper!

This little cutie sitting among the leaves!

Keep twirling lady!

5. Leave It to the Pros (Yes, I’m Talking About Me)

I get it—planning the perfect photoshoot and keeping kids happy feels like a never-ending job. But that’s why you hire a professional! A photographer like me knows how to make the session feel more like an adventure than a chore. Plus, I’m a pro at getting your kids to feel comfortable and have fun.

Twirling among the fall colors. I love this shot!

As a seasoned Pennsylvania photographer working with families across the Philadelphia area, South Jersey, and beyond, I’m here to make sure your family’s photoshoot is an experience, not a stressful task.

All smiles here! Natural.. beautiful smiles.

So, what are you waiting for?

Forget the perfect Pinterest board and let’s focus on making beautiful memories. Trust me, your kids won’t stay little forever, and these are the moments you’ll want to remember.

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

Check Out Our Portfolio For More Awesome Work!

Here are some more Ridley Creek Park Sessions in Delaware County!

Pennsylvania Photographer Capturing the Glow of Pregnancy at Ridley Creek State Park

A Fun and Fabulous Maternity Photoshoot Guide for Expecting Moms

Pregnancy is a truly miraculous journey, a time of anticipation, change, and unparalleled beauty. One of the best ways to commemorate this precious period is through a maternity photoshoot. This guide is designed to help expecting moms in South Jersey capture the magic of their journey to motherhood, from choosing the perfect location to selecting the ideal attire.

Embracing the Beauty of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is like the ultimate plot twist in your life's story—there’s excitement, mystery, and a whole lot of love. Your body is creating life, and that’s seriously magical. A maternity photoshoot isn’t just about showing off your growing belly; it’s about celebrating the strength, love, and pure awesomeness of this time.

In every shot, we’ll capture that glow—yes, even if it’s from all the pregnancy hormones and that extra slice of pizza. These photos will be a visual love letter to this stage of life, which, let’s face it, should totally be documented with some style! Trust me, you’re going to look back at these and be like, “Wow, I was glowing—and not just because of my maternity highlighter.”

The Importance of Choosing the Right Location

Location, location, location! It's not just for real estate—it's also key in maternity photoshoots. You need a backdrop that matches the vibe of this exciting chapter. Ridley Creek Park in Media, PA, is like the secret sauce to a dreamy maternity shoot. Picture this: lush greenery, serene waters, and that sweet, golden autumn sunlight filtering through the trees. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect place to celebrate your pregnancy journey?

Whether you want a woodsy vibe or to show off your bump by the water, Ridley Creek has it all. And hey, it's not just about the visuals—it’s about how the location makes you feel. So, pick somewhere that makes your heart skip a beat (or at least stop for a second to take it all in).

What to Wear to Your Maternity Photoshoot

Okay, let’s talk wardrobe. No, you don’t need to buy the world’s most expensive gown for this, but you do want something that’s going to make you feel like the glowing goddess you are. Comfort is key, but don’t shy away from showing off that bump in something stretchy and flattering. Lace, chiffon, and flowy dresses? Yes, please. These textures add layers of magic to your photos (both literally and figuratively).

For colors, earthy tones like beige, ivory, and olive are gorgeous and blend perfectly with Ridley Creek’s natural vibe. But if you’re feeling bold, go for some pop! A vibrant red or royal blue might just scream, “Look at me, I’m ready to meet my baby!”

But most importantly, wear something that screams YOU. Whether you're a casual mama or a formal mama, this is your time to shine—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Posing and Photography Ideas

Now that you’ve picked the location and outfit, it’s time to get in front of the camera! You’re going to love this part, trust me. For poses, think intimacy: a gentle hand on your belly, a sweet moment with your partner as you both share that look of “we’re doing this!” Or maybe you want to twirl around like the beautiful pregnant ballerina you are—go for it!

And if you’re feeling creative (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t), we can play with silhouettes during golden hour. The sun setting behind you as you gently cradle your belly is pure photography magic. Want a close-up of your baby bump adorned with flowers? We got that, too.

Making the Most of Your Maternity Photoshoot

A golden rule for maternity photoshoots: aim for the golden hour. That magical time just after sunrise or before sunset when everything looks soft and dreamy. Sure, we’ll get great photos at any time, but nothing beats that golden light.

And remember—don’t stress. Seriously. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect shot to make these memories priceless. The focus is on you and your glowing happiness, not on posing like you’re in a magazine. So relax, have fun, and enjoy every second. We’re here to make this experience as stress-free (and as fun) as possible!

Preserving the Magic of Your Maternity Session

After the shoot, don’t just let those beautiful photos sit on your phone’s camera roll. Print them! Display them! Make a maternity album that’ll have you reminiscing about this time for years to come. Or frame your faves and hang them in your baby’s nursery—just don’t be surprised if the nursery becomes a mini-gallery of your pregnancy glow.

Plus, sharing these photos with family and friends is like the world’s most beautiful pregnancy announcement. Let them be part of this magical journey, too.

Happy Shooting, my friends!
Let’s capture the magic of pregnancy together. These memories are worth making—and worth remembering for years to come.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey