Portraits in the Snow. Beautiful Light Found in South Jersey.

There is something truly enchanting about capturing portraits in the snow. As delicate flakes gently cascade from the heavens, they create a dreamlike ambiance, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland. The mesmerizing white blanket serves as a magical canvas, enhancing the beauty of every subject. The crisp chill in the air adds a rosy glow to cheeks, making smiles shine even brighter. Against the serene backdrop, the vivid colors of scarves, hats, and mittens pop with vibrancy, creating striking contrasts. Snowflakes delicately kiss eyelashes, evoking a sense of whimsy and enchantment. In the realm of winter portraiture, the photographer becomes an artist, skillfully capturing the ethereal magic that lies within snowy landscapes.

Capturing children's portraits in the snow is an exhilarating and endearing experience that truly encapsulates the joy and wonder of childhood. As the snowflakes gently fall from the sky, creating a pristine white canvas, the children's rosy cheeks and bright smiles light up the wintry landscape. Each photograph becomes a timeless moment frozen in time, a testament to their innocence and boundless energy. Against the backdrop of snow-covered trees and sparkling winter light, the children's playful nature is showcased as they build snow forts, throw snowballs, or embrace the beauty of the season. With every click of the shutter, the magic of childhood and the ethereal beauty of the snow merge, resulting in portraits that are full of warmth, delight, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Addison Street is a beautiful setting for snow photography.

Snowing at Weymouth Furnace.

Wow! We did not expect this, for this year! Boy, have things changed and quickly! It was going to be a great year for Shooting Star Photography. A lot of changes were made. A new studio location was about to be open. Then... in a matter of days.. ALL of our lives changed. Which seemed to happen overnight. We changed our clocks forward, but if only we knew what the week would be ahead, after the change. I don't think anyone could have ever predicted such craziness.

Most small businesses are shut down and not permitted to operate in these crazy times. I feel for anyone going through the struggle right now. The stimulus package will not help most of us small business owners.

Who knows when this will end. Some states have shut down schools for the rest of the year. My neighboring state, of Delaware, has shut down everything until May 15th. These are very scary times that we now live in and a lot of us are stressed, due to the unknown.

A beautiful portrait taken in downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey

All we can do is band together to do what needs to be done. Help each other in these times. Be kind.

I don't know what is to happen with my business in the future. I have been able to operate for the past five years. Who knows what will happen? I am unable to take on any sessions right now. This is our busy time of year and most of us small business owners do not qualify for any stimulus $$$$. Most of us are operating (because we still have overhead/operating costs) on savings at this point. I know wedding photographers that have been left bankrupt from this. Due to weddings being cancelled. I know studio owners that may have to close their doors. It's a sad situation for all us small business owners right now. We just need to truck on by and stand together. This won't last forever.

Stay in there. Use this time wisely. Brush up on skills. Eliminate and go over expenses. We're all in this together. Stay strong!

Excited for 2017 Fall Sessions! Daretown Lake, NJ

Fall Family Portrait Session at Daretown Lake, Salem County, New Jersey

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we capture the beauty of family moments against the picturesque backdrop of Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Our neutral approach ensures that every emotion and expression shines through naturally.

With the golden hues of fall foliage surrounding the serene waters of Daretown Lake, your family portrait session will be a timeless masterpiece that you can cherish for years to come. Our experienced photographers know how to capture the essence of your family bond in a relaxed setting, allowing your personalities to illuminate the frame.

Let Shooting Star Photography LLC preserve your family's joy, laughter, and love during this enchanting fall season at Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Book your session with us today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Family photo at Daretown Lake, in Elmer.

cutie patootie.

Pretty lady in front of the Daretown lake mill.

Daddy with his kiddos.

Now, we got a smile!

Hello red head!

The classic sibling shot. Loved this Daretown Lake Session!

Capture the essence of family togetherness amidst the enchanting backdrop of Daretown Lake in New Jersey during a quick fall photo session. As the vibrant foliage paints the surroundings in warm hues, immerse yourself in a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. Let the crisp breeze of autumn gently tousle your hair as you embrace each other, creating heartfelt memories that will stay with you forever. Within the tranquil ambiance of Daretown Lake, our professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC will skillfully frame your family, freezing the unbreakable bond and connection that defines you.

Through our lens, we will capture the laughter, the shared adventures, and the unconditional love that radiates from within, ensuring that your family fall photo session becomes a cherished heirloom, capturing a fleeting moment in time. Choose Shooting Star Photography LLC for an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of Daretown Lake, NJ.

EEEEEK! This weather is getting cooler and cooler and it has been extremely gorgeous outside! I am so excited for upcoming fall photos in the South Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware Areas. "They" aka forecasters for fall foliage predictions are expecting things to change a little earlier this year! Last year, fall extended in the first week of November! I recall the leaves not changing until the end of October! This year, they are expecting things to change and peak around mid October in our area.I guess we will see how things go! However, I am already starting to see some leaves changing colors around where I live in Woodstown, NJ (I travel all over) and am seeing among my travels to sessions all across the Delaware Valley, some foliage already starting to show! It's kind of strange.. It's still technically summer!

A little secret..  I MAY open up a few more sessions. I am trying to get caught up with the final galleries from the summer first and then will determine if I am able to open up a few more spots. Right now, we are booked full for the year (since I want to have photos completed for folks this year, in a timely fashion.) Here's a few images from a fall family mini session from last year!! I believe first family to choose images with our new policy! We upload the good, the bad, the ugly from our session...

EVERY image taken and then post them online for you to pick your selection and which images you would like edited. Can't wait to see what this year brings!!! I've already started working with families and hopefully, will post soon! :) I'm adding a few more great locations to the mix in the whole Delaware Valley/Philly area for folks who travel long distances to see me! I'm excited! We got to work at a great location in Pennsylvania the other day and it has so much to offer!     Fyi, new dresses and gowns are coming in daily and am very excited what 2018 is going to bring our way! Stay tuned.. You may see a fall session or two pop up and grab it while you can!!!  

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

NJ portrait photographer

Spring Easter Mini's at Shooting Star in South Jersey!

Capture the essence of Easter in South Jersey with Shooting Star Photography! Our Easter photography sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories in the beautiful backdrop of South Jersey. Whether you envision candid shots amidst blooming cherry blossoms or playful portraits with adorable bunnies, our skilled photographers are here to bring your creative visions to life. With our expertise in capturing the joy and warmth of this special holiday, we ensure that every precious moment with your loved ones is preserved in stunning, high-quality photographs. Book your Easter photography session with Shooting Star Photography today and let us transform your cherished moments into timeless treasures.

Shooting Star Photography is offering spring mini sessions, here in South Jersey, for March 22nd. A few folks have already booked... so make sure you book soon, if you are looking  to reserve a specific time!  Our garden is already showing signs of spring, there are so many bulbs popping up, it is going to be beautiful here. I always encourage my clients to peruse around our garden while they are waiting or if they just want to go for a little stroll around while they're here. It's always fun!

Happy little easter baby.

I think anyone would buy a bunny from this dapper young man. What do you think?

Another photograph of my little girl! She also took her first step today! Oh boy!

The kid is showing off his "merchandise" of bunnies!

_DSC0030-Edit-Edit

Our mini special is $49, this special includes a 25-30 minute session, 3 hi-resolution digitals to download from an online gallery and 1 8x10. You may order more items and all of our pricing is located on our price tab from the main page. I don't do these very often and am excited to announce that we will be doing spring mini's.  My mini's are very rare as they sometimes take a full preparative concept and then the entire planning of the set and even putting up and taking down can be a lot.Mini's are more than technically one session in an entire day, it could be 8-10 families or children that come to see you within that day, so one must have the energy to do them!  The equipment and my backup camera, batteries fully charged and memory sticks locked and loaded. In offering mini's, I like to welcome people to my home.

The setup is generally easier (I can walk right outside the door) and it's a matter of convenience.  Also, my garden acts as a beautiful backdrop and I love how private it is.  Privacy is what a lot of folks hold dear and folks feel relaxed and at ease here.I am not one for theme's.  I like more natural settings, but from time to time, they can be fun.  However, I do find the mini's beneficial to parents. 

Most kids, don't have the attention span to sit still for too long... after all they are kids, so instead of paying for a full-hour session in which parents know their kids and know some kids can't make it through an hour, that mini's are the most ideal.  They are quick and painless... plus, can be a ton of fun!

Yesterday, I took my kids out in the yard to take photographs of the potential setup we will be using.  I love my kids and they make the best models sometimes.  I also get their holiday sessions in... so it's a win-win on both sides. However, using my kids to model, it gives me a general feel in how I want the set to be designed. I also get to test out lighting in a particular location, or even test the overall design plan with general wear and tear. 

I will be fine-tuning this setup. I love some things, like the little stand and eggs scattered throughout, but there are a few other things I will be changing up to make this absolutely perfect for my clients.If the weather is going to be too cold, or it ends up raining that day, we will be doing studio shots indoors with a backdrop and this general setup, so either way, you will have a pleasant day!  BUT it is SPRING!  Outdoor photos would be most ideal to celebrate the season, don't you think? I guess we will see what Mother Nature has in store for us!  

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee

What Do I Bring With Me To A Photo Shoot?

Happy at Daretown Lake, in Salem County. NJ.

Two cuties at Daretown.

One of our first studio sessions in 2015.

Brother and sister photo shoot in Gloucester County, NJ.

Wisteria sessions will be in full swing soon!

When preparing for a photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to bring your best self and a positive attitude. This will reflect in the final photographs and create a pleasant atmosphere during the shoot. Additionally, don't forget to bring a selection of outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Consider bringing options that suit the desired theme or style, allowing for variety in the shots. It's also important to bring any specific props or accessories that you'd like to incorporate into the photos. Props can add a personal touch and enhance the overall visual narrative.

Lastly, don't forget to bring any necessary touch-up items, such as makeup, hair products, or a small mirror. These will come in handy for quick touch-ups and ensuring you always look your best. By being well-prepared with these items, you'll set the stage for a memorable and successful photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey.

I take being a photographer rather seriously. I know the folks of South Jersey pay good money to have their photographs taken of their family and that these will be treasured forever. I am ALWAYS prepared ALWAYS. For every location that I have scouted in South Jersey, I know where the sun sets and the best places at these scouted locations that will accentuate and highlight my client's best features. I implement an architecture and nature plan.

I want to use a building as a backdrop as an element and I also like to include nature... that way there's a nice mix and variety of different styles and poses in the same shoot. I also like water, trees, grasses, flowers... I like to include it all.When it comes to you, the client, just bring yourself! Seriously. I have everything covered!Sometimes my sessions look like two or three different sessions all rolled into one. Which makes it rather nice! Best of all, my clients are ecstatic when they see the variety they get upon receiving their images.

Most of my clients have ordered canvases for their homes and I take great pride in seeing that they value me as a professional.So... what do I bring with me to my shoot? Practically everything. I am always PREPARED, preparation is key. My camera batteries are charged, I make sure my SD cards are ready to go and empty (meaning deleted), I bring with me the lenses I want to use... and I ALWAYS have a backup camera on hand. ALWAYS.Prior to my sessions, I have things planned out to what I want to do. I also collaborate with my clients in any ideas they would like to incorporate or do within their session.

I provide a nice detailed questionnaire that enables myself to get to know you... Your style, what poses or pictures you want, and any specifics. I am always early for my sessions. I come from a business background. I worked for a Fortune 500 company and my job was working with VP's and CEO's of other Fortune 500 companies. I am a professional, first and foremost. Early is on time and that is always my motto.

However, I also like to get there early to setup my settings and how the light is shining that particular day, that way I am fully prepared for your when you arrive.I also always have a clean blanket on hand, in case you do not wish to sit on the ground, or it has happened to rain the night before, you don't want to get all wet!In the event that kids are involved, I have a method to keep them engaged while I'm taking their photographs.

Working with children takes patience, but it also needs to be fun for them to gain their interest and I do my best to do that! At the end of every shoot, I usually have a little something for them for their "good behavior."I also like to take 5 minutes to warm up to children, show them what I'll be doing. Physically show them. I sometimes will let them take a photo just so they can see for themselves what will be happening. Again, it's preparation...

In this case, preparing the kids for what is in store for them the next 45min to an hour. I don't like going over an hour. Most kids are done within the first 30 minutes so I try to make it as quick and painless for them.As I said, I am a professional first and foremost and I come from a business background.

However, I also have a very energetic personality and this personality MADE me successful when I worked directly with these CEO's and VP's. These are companies we all have heard of and make billions of dollars a profit a year.I sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of product to these corporations. I always delivered and had my ducks in a row before any rollout. I established long-lasting relationships with these clients even after the sale.

I remember having to work with a client to develop trust, for over a year, before they even purchased anything. However, it was that dedication and perseverance that they admired and I made a client for life after that. They were my client until I left that company. I also believe that client ended up not working with the company I left, because I was no longer there and they wanted to work with me and only me.

Honesty and hard work pays off, respecting your customers and clients and providing a valuable service will make you successful in any career. This is what I apply to life in general and I am a woman of my word. ALWAYS.In working with myself, you will know I am always prepared, on time and I will make your experience fun and memorable. I will put you at ease and make you laugh.

The more relaxed you are, the better quality of the photos you will have. There is nothing like seeing photos where folks are uncomfortable. After every session I have ever had, folks say it was the most fun they ever had when working with a photographer. I have a way of directing folks in a way that isn't too bossy and I always have a plan to get to the direction that you (the client) and I want it to go.Hope this information helps for you to get to know me better and how we do things here!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee