Magical Christmas Family Sessions in Historic Cape May

Cape May during the holidays? Yes, please. Cobblestone-style streets, historic Victorian homes, twinkling lights, and that unmistakable charm that makes you feel like you’ve wandered straight into a holiday movie — it’s one of the most magical places in New Jersey to photograph families at Christmas.

Each year, I return to Cape May for a limited number of Christmas in Cape May family sessions, and they are always a favorite. Whether you’re planning holiday cards or simply want updated family portraits with a timeless, classic backdrop, these sessions are designed to feel festive without being overdone — elegant, joyful, and full of connection.

.

Why Cape May for Christmas Photos?

Cape May isn’t just a beach town — it’s the nation’s oldest seaside resort, founded in the 1600s and beautifully preserved. Its Victorian architecture, charming streets, and cozy storefronts make it the perfect setting for holiday portraits that feel nostalgic and cinematic.

While full Christmas décor can never be guaranteed (Mother Nature and the city like to keep us guessing), our session weekend typically aligns with Cape May’s Thanksgiving-to-Christmas kickoff. From wreaths and garland to softly decorated shopfronts, this town never disappoints.

Christmas in Cape May Session Details

Location:
One of Cape May’s most historic and picturesque streets

Timing:
Limited dates just before Christmas
(These sessions sell out every year)

Session Length:
20–30 minutes

Investment:
$300
Includes 4 hand-edited fine art images

• $100 deposit to reserve
• Remaining balance billed approximately one week prior

Turnaround:
• Proofing galleries delivered within 72 hours
• Image selections must be finalized by November 20th to ensure holiday delivery

Wardrobe:
Luxury dresses available for girls (sizes 2–12)
Maternity gowns available upon request

What These Sessions Feel Like

These sessions are relaxed, joyful, and connection-focused. Kids are encouraged to move, laugh, and be themselves. Whether it’s siblings sharing a quiet moment, families strolling down a festive sidewalk, or kids snuggling up with their pup, the goal is always the same — portraits that feel real, timeless, and full of heart.

And yes, Cape May even comes with a few fun facts to share on the walk between photos:

• It’s considered one of the most haunted towns in America 👻 (don’t worry — no ghosts at our sessions)

• The entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark

• Congress Hall, the oldest continually operating inn in the U.S., transforms into a full holiday wonderland each winter

These Sessions Are Perfect For…

• Families of up to five (larger families welcome for a small additional fee)

• Parents who love classic, timeless Christmas portraits

• Moms who don’t want to stress about outfits (I’ve got you covered)

• Families who want professional portraits without a full-length session commitment

If you’ve ever dreamed of Christmas portraits in Cape May — warm, elegant, and full of holiday spirit — this is truly one of the most special offerings of the season.

These sessions are extremely limited due to their timing so close to the holidays. If you’re reading this and already imagining these on your holiday cards… it might be time to grab your spot. 🎄

Ready to book your Cape May Christmas session?
Click below and let’s create something beautiful in one of New Jersey’s most charming towns.

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

Philadelphia, PA Wildflower Portraits

Title: Wildflower Magic in Full Bloom: From Peonies to Zinnias in the Philadelphia Region

🌸 A peek at one of our real wildflower fields in South Jersey — where kids twirl, moms laugh, and unforgettable portraits are made. 🌸

Wildflower season in the Philadelphia region is fleeting, colorful, and full of quiet magic. These sessions aren’t about perfect poses or stiff smiles — they’re about movement, laughter, and letting kids be exactly who they are in the moment.

At Shooting Star Photography, our wildflower portraits are designed as seasonal fine art experiences, using real flower fields in South Jersey and styled details that let the scenery and emotion take center stage.

💐 Because someday, you’ll want to remember her just like this—wild and wonderful in a field of flowers. 💐

A Season That Evolves With Every Bloom

Wildflower season is never just one look — it changes week by week, bloom by bloom. From soft spring florals to bold summer color, each session reflects what nature is offering at that moment.

💐 Proof that fairy tales grow in Jersey. 🌼

Rather than recreating the same setup over and over, we embrace the rhythm of the season. Every field, every sunset, and every session tells its own story — resulting in portraits that feel unique, personal, and rooted in the moment they were created.

Nature’s backdrop. Styled sessions. Pure magic in every bloom.

A Fine Art Approach to Floral Portraits

These sessions are intentionally styled and guided, while still leaving room for spontaneity. Children are encouraged to explore, move, and be themselves, creating imagery that feels natural rather than posed.

Whether it’s a quiet moment in tall blooms or a burst of laughter during golden hour, the focus is always on emotion, connection, and storytelling — the elements that turn a photograph into something lasting.

Just a girl, a golden hour, and a field full of wonder.

Styling With Intention

Styling plays an important role in the final look of each session. Wardrobe pieces and accessories are thoughtfully curated to complement the season, color palette, and setting, allowing the flowers and light to remain the focus.

Little feet. Big blooms. A timeless story told in petals and lace.

Guidance is provided every step of the way so families feel confident, comfortable, and prepared — without stress or guesswork.

🌸 Soft fabrics, gentle movement, and natural light work together to create a cohesive fine art aesthetic.

A Seasonal Experience Families Return To

Wildflower sessions have become a favorite for families who value imagery that feels emotional, artistic, and timeless. These portraits aren’t about trends — they’re about preserving a season of childhood, connection, and beauty exactly as it felt.

Families often return year after year, watching their children grow while the fields change around them.

Serving the Philadelphia Region & Surrounding Areas

Shooting Star Photography welcomes families from the Philadelphia region and nearby areas for seasonal wildflower portrait sessions. Each session is photographed in carefully selected outdoor locations that allow space for creativity, movement, and authentic moments.

Chasing sunsets and picking dreams, one flower at a time 🌸✨

If you’ve ever dreamed of portraits that feel like they belong in a storybook — this season may be for you.

Ready to Create Something Timeless?

Wildflower season is brief, but the memories last far beyond the blooms.

To explore current seasonal offerings and availability, visit our Seasonal Portraits page for details.

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

Lost in a sea of lavender dreams and quiet moments 💜🌿

A Guide to Mini Sessions | Medford NJ Portrait Photography

Capturing Spring's Magic

Spring, with its blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and renewed energy, is a photographer's dream. As the world awakens from its winter slumber, it's the perfect time to capture the beauty and vitality of the season. As a photographer, I've always been drawn to the magic of spring, and I'm thrilled to offer a variety of spring mini sessions this year. These sessions are designed to help families capture the fleeting moments of springtime joy without the stress of a full-length photo shoot. Join me as we explore the wonders of spring and learn how to make the most of these mini sessions.

Dogwoods are the first sign of spring in the Philadelphia region!

Understanding Spring Mini Sessions

Spring mini sessions are like a breath of fresh air in the world of photography. They offer a quick and convenient way for families to capture the magic of spring without committing to a lengthy photo shoot. Each session lasts around 15 minutes, making them perfect for families with young children or busy schedules. Despite their short duration, spring mini sessions are incredibly powerful, providing families with beautiful, professional photos that capture the essence of the season. From cherry blossoms to tulips to peonies, these sessions offer a glimpse into the beauty of spring that can be cherished for years to come.

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the perfect location for spring mini sessions is essential to capturing the beauty of the season. I spend weeks scouting out the best spots, looking for places that are bursting with color and life. From parks to gardens to scenic overlooks, each location is chosen for its ability to showcase the beauty of spring in all its glory. Accessibility is also a key consideration, ensuring that families of all ages and abilities can easily access the location. By choosing the right location, we can create a stunning backdrop for your family photos that truly captures the magic of spring.

Preparing for Your Mini Session

Preparing for a spring mini session is like preparing for a day of adventure. It's essential to choose the right clothing and props to complement the season's vibrant colors and textures. Soft pastels, floral prints, and lightweight fabrics are perfect for springtime photo shoots, while props like blankets, flower crowns, and baskets of fresh flowers can add an extra touch of magic to your photos. It's also important to make sure everyone is well-rested and fed before the session to ensure that they're ready to smile and have fun. By taking the time to prepare, we can ensure that your spring mini session is a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.

Maximizing Your Session Time

With only 15 minutes to work with, it's essential to make the most of your spring mini session. Arriving on time is crucial, as it allows us to chat and get to know each other before the session begins. During the session, we'll move quickly from one location to the next, capturing a variety of shots in a short amount of time. I'll provide gentle guidance and direction to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but I'll also encourage you to relax and have fun. By keeping the energy high and the mood light, we can create beautiful, natural-looking photos that truly capture the essence of spring.

Understanding Lighting and Timing

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, especially when it comes to capturing the beauty of spring. I prefer to schedule spring mini sessions during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and warm. This magical lighting enhances the natural beauty of the season, casting a soft glow over everything it touches. By scheduling our sessions during these optimal times, we can ensure that your photos have a warm, inviting feel that perfectly captures the magic of spring.

Encouraging Natural Interaction

First signs of spring are usually these yellow beauties! I cannot wait. Should be here soon!

One of the keys to capturing beautiful, natural-looking photos is to encourage natural interaction between family members. Instead of posing stiffly for the camera, I encourage families to interact with each other in a natural and spontaneous way. This might mean playing games, telling jokes, or simply enjoying each other's company. By encouraging natural interaction, we can capture genuine smiles, laughter, and expressions that truly reflect the unique personality of your family.

Capturing the Details

While it's essential to capture the big moments during a spring mini session, it's also important to pay attention to the little details that make spring so special. From the delicate petals of a flower to the sparkle of dew on the grass, these small details can add depth and texture to your photos, making them truly magical. I love to zoom in on these details, capturing the beauty of spring in all its glory. By paying attention to the details, we can create photos that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, capturing the essence of spring in all its glory.

Post-Session:

What to Expect After your spring mini session, the fun doesn't stop. I'll carefully edit each photo to ensure that it looks its best, enhancing colors, adjusting lighting, and removing any distractions. Within a few weeks, you'll receive a personalized gallery of your photos, where you can choose your favorites to print and share with family and friends. I'll be there to guide you through the selection process, offering my professional advice to help you choose the perfect photos to cherish for years to come.

Girl in a red dress among the yellow flowers. Love the ‘POP’ it gives!

Creating Lasting Memories

At the end of the day, spring mini sessions are about more than just taking photos. They're about creating lasting memories that you can cherish for years to come. Whether it's the laughter of your children, the beauty of the flowers, or the warmth of the sun on your face, these sessions capture the magic of spring in all its glory. As a photographer, it's my privilege to be able to capture these moments for you, freezing them in time so that you can revisit them whenever you like. These photos are more than just images; they're a testament to the beauty and joy of spring, and the love that binds your family together.

Booking Your Spring Mini Session

If you're ready to capture the magic of spring with your loved ones, now is the time to book your spring mini session. Slots fill up quickly, so don't wait! Reach out to me today to schedule your session and let's create some beautiful memories together. Whether it's the first blooms of cherry blossoms, the vibrant colors of tulips, or the softness of peonies, I'm here to capture it all. Let's make this spring one to remember, one photo at a time.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Our Spring mini sessions can be found here.