What to Wear Tips

Some excellent key points in here and a must read!

I figured I needed to write a better post on what to wear.  As you may not be aware, the camera picks up on everything!That little zit on your forehead well, on camera it will look like a volcano erupting on your face, that double chin is going to look much much worse... Those love handles... Well... Sorry to say this, but they will look 100 times worse.I am going hardcore with this post, but my job as a photographer is to make you and bring out the best in YOU... Beautiful you.  Here are some tips for getting the best out of your session. 

This is great! My clients know how to dress!!! 

1. Do not wear tight fitting clothing, it will make you look larger than you are. Any bulge you have will make you look like a sausage stuffed in a sausage casing.  Wear loose fitting and flattering clothing.  Something you can move around and breath in and not worry about adjusting for every scene you will be in.

2. Clothing can make or break your photographs.  The best thing to wear is white or neutrals. This will emphasize more of the subject you and lighter clothing brings a softness/reflector effect to the skin. These colors work for practically any landscape environment... Well, everything but snow.

3. Other colors that work well are jewel tones.  Jewel tones are flattering on any skin type... Whether you are pale or have brown skin.  They also look great in practically any landscape.4

. When I say jewel tones, I'm talking  about your sapphire, emeralds, Quartz and teals. They look stunning on ANY person and all skin types.  They especially pop in the fall environment.

5. Texture- there is a reason you see girls in tutus or lace in a lot of photographs.  Textures give depth and they film well. Weather it's something beaded or something furry.  They look great on camera.

The Big NO NO's!

My typical no no's are: 

1. Black or very dark colored clothing.  They do not look flattering and only work well  if doing a more moody effect.

2. Dark makeup. It may look pretty in person, but can have you looking freaky on camera.  Light makeup and a more natural look always looks best.

3. Bright colors and heavy prints. Lighter prints are okay.  Anything too crazy is going to be too distracting and it honestly looks awful in most situations.  Bright colors often times give color casts on skin which is why I usually don't recommend them.

 As I've progressed further along in my photography career, I've become pretty picky.  I'm very detailed oriented.  I will even tell you if a hair is out of place if I am taking your photograph and help fix it. Or makeup on the teeth.... I honestly am only wanting my clients to look their best and show them in their best light.  People pay good money in getting their portraits taken and you don't want that money going to waste on a poor wardrobe choice.If you can stick to some of the key points above, you'll be golden for your photo session or ANY session nonetheless!!! 

Happy Shooting my friends! 

-Dee

Let’s Welcome Shooting Star Photography’s New Assistant!

Having An Assistant Has Been A BLESSING!

As my newer clients, within the last few weeks, have probably noticed or may have personally met.. There is a new face among the Shooting Star South Jersey Photographer... and this person would be good ol' mom!!!! She has been my wisdom, my strength, my helper and sidekick this past month and without her, I honestly could not have gotten through all the chaos! I still have a ton of albums to edit, but it's been rather difficult to knock out a lot of it since I have been going practically straight through these past 60 days!When I tell folks that I'm busy, I really am busy! I have the calendar filled up for the remaining of the year with a small break for a workshop and then I am planning ahead for 2016.

Some of the little cuties we have photographed this fall! This one at Boundary Creek in Moorestown!

Another cutie in Gloucester County, NJ.

 I can't wait to have some time off and that should be this Monday. I have no sessions Monday and will be digging in deep to my customer's albums that need to be completed.Without mom, I probably would have collapsed.  I am exhausted and this fall season took a lot out of me, but I've also grown and learned from this experience. As I move forward to 2016, I am bringing mom along for the ride. You will see her face around and out with me to sessions.

Having an Assistant is the BEST!

I've realized having an assistant is really a blessing to have. Especially, with working with smaller children and it's great to have those extra set of hands near and dear. It's also a big lifesaver because I'm not having to carry a ton of equipment and props with me around. She's also a personal "security guard" in a sense so that no one tries to steal my gear and I feel much safer going out to some of these crazy locations that I have customers meet me at. Haha!If you can afford someone as an assistant to have at your side... DO IT. You won't be sorry.

Stay Tuned for 2016!

I can't express how great it has been to spend time with her, to also have someone that I trust 100% completely and always has my back.On another note, we've upgraded our computer system to help things run smoothly along and should have faster turnaround times because of it.I guess that's about it! I'm exhausted. I had a session earlier today and have spent my time editing tonight! I have two more sessions tomorrow and then looking forward to a day off!And mom... if you are reading this... I LOVE YOU!

Thank you so much for your help in this crazy season. I'm just glad it is almost over!!!

Until we meet again South Jersey...and Happy Shooting!  Is it Christmas yet? Haha! Trust me, I may joke, but I actually LOVE what I do!!!

Hope to speak with you soon!

Dee-Dee

You Want That Fall Look?

Fall Photography Editing Secrets

As the vibrant colors of fall foliage create a stunning backdrop, capturing the essence of autumn through photography is a treat for both photographers and viewers. The key to showcasing the beauty of this season lies not only in capturing exceptional photos but also in the art of post-processing. Here are some editing tips and secrets to elevate your fall photography:

Enhance Colors

• Hue/Saturation Adjustments: Use selective adjustments to enhance the warmth of red, orange, and yellow tones, making the foliage pop against the cooler fall backdrop.

• White Balance: Fine-tune the white balance to accentuate the golden and earthy tones, imbuing your images with a cozy autumn feel.

Embrace Contrast

• Clarity and Texture: Increasing clarity and texture can bring out the intricate details of leaves, tree bark, and other fall elements, adding depth and dimension to your photos.

• Curves and Levels: Experiment with curves and levels to create a balanced contrast, accentuating the rich hues of fall while maintaining natural tones.

Moody Atmosphere

• Split Toning: Infuse your images with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere by applying subtle split toning, enhancing the yellows and reds in the highlights and shadows.

• Vignetting: Soft vignetting can draw attention to the main subject, evoking a sense of focus and intimacy within the autumn landscape.

Fine-Tune Composition

• Cropping: Refine your composition through strategic cropping, emphasizing the captivating elements of the fall scenery and removing distractions.

• Perspective Correction: Ensure vertical lines remain straight, especially when photographing architectural elements amidst fall colors, to maintain a sense of balance and harmony.

Preservation of Details

• Sharpening and Noise Reduction: Carefully apply sharpening to accentuate intricate details, and utilize noise reduction to maintain the crispness and clarity of your fall photographs.

• Masking: Use masking techniques to selectively apply sharpening and noise reduction, preserving the authentic texture of the fall foliage while refining overall image sharpness.

By incorporating these editing secrets into your post-processing workflow, you can amplify the visual impact of your fall photography, encapsulating the splendor of this enchanting season in every image.

Or… you can just use my action to make that fall look that you want!

After the fall action.

Before.. see how it changes greens, but need to mask off areas you don’t want.

A little excecssive, but I think you see the point!

Want That Fall Look?

It's that time of year! Autumn in South Jersey! They say... (the experts in fall foliage) that the colors will be changing later on this year than previous years!  As photographers, we are being hired to take those beautiful family fall pictures, but we have ONE PROBLEM.. the leaves haven't really started changing yet!!And that's what we've been hired to capture, right?We've been having magnificent weather these last few days and I am hoping everyone is getting out to enjoy!Here is my after and before!  Last is SOOC no adjustments were made. After, is with the fall edit I created!Well, I have been dabbling around in Photoshop trying to figure out a way to bring out those beautiful fall vibrant foliage colors. The only changes I see going on, in South Jersey, at the moment are the soybean fields.

They are gorgeous vibrant gold colors, even those lovely sandy browns.  However, there is not much going on in terms of foliage.I am starting to see only a SLIGHT change with the greenery on the leaves. Honestly, I'm seeing more acorns dropping, more than anything!So... I have developed this fall set for you guys! Yep, I did not stutter... This is the first time I have ever exported so I accidentally uploaded 

This will give you that lovely fall foliage that you are dying to have right now! It's also a great way to showcase those gorgeous tones, if you live elsewhere in the country (for example, Florida) where you don't get much of that fall foliage!Here is a before and after of the fall colors !   I like using this as a bit of a toned down feature, but gives my photographs a little extra warmth. Fellow togs enjoy and don't be afraid to experiment with these beautiful colors and create something magical!

 Happy Shooting, my friends!!!

Dee Giumetti

What An Image Means to a Photographer: Top 3 Reasons

What being a photographer means to me.

An image should speak to YOU the audience. It should delight, or make you sad... perhaps, even make you laugh.  An image should reflect an emotion for the viewer. This is what makes a photographer... showing emotion.. love, sadness, joy and in the moment... It's why we do the things we do.Every image I put out there is with my love, my passion, my heart. Every image is hand edited to give you the best in what I can offer and I don't like using any presets or actions. I've been trained in various editing techniques and it would be a sin to waste all this training by running an action. I spend hours among hours weekly learning my camera and bettering myself.My colors are vibrant, soft, dreamy and my posing is very relaxed and casual. I want to capture the true self at heart. I do tone it down a bit for family photos, but still add my flavor to them.  Everything else, in terms of the edit... depends on the light, the articles of clothing, props, time of year.

What An Image Means to a Photographer: Top 3 Reasons

As a photographer, an image holds immense significance and serves as a powerful medium of artistic expression and communication. Here are the top three reasons why an image means so much to those behind the lens:

1. Visual Storytelling: An image is a photographer's narrative captured in a frame. It represents their unique perspective, emotions, and experiences at a specific moment in time. Through composition, lighting, and subject matter, photographers weave compelling stories that resonate with viewers on a deep, emotional level. Each image is a visual testament to the photographer's ability to convey a message or evoke a specific mood, making it a profoundly personal and meaningful creation.

2. Artistic Fulfillment: For a photographer, an image is a tangible manifestation of their artistic vision and creative prowess. It is the culmination of their technical skills, aesthetic sensibilities, and conceptual ideas. Every aspect of image-making, from the initial concept to the final post-processing, reflects the photographer's devotion to their craft. The satisfaction derived from producing a visually stunning and thought-provoking image fuels their passion and drives them to continually refine their skills, seeking new ways to convey their artistic voice through photography.

3. Memorable Moments and Connections: Photographers cherish images as enduring reminders of significant moments, both personal and collective. Whether capturing a breathtaking landscape, a candid portrait, or a historical event, each image symbolizes a unique connection between the photographer and the subject. These photographic mementos serve as a testament to the fleeting nature of time, preserving otherwise ephemeral moments for posterity. Moreover, photographers often form deep bonds with their subjects, and the images taken become a testament to those relationships, fostering a sense of nostalgia and connection with the past.

In conclusion, an image holds profound significance for a photographer, representing their ability to tell stories, fulfill their artistic aspirations, and immortalize meaningful moments. It is a medium through which they share their perspective, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting imprint on the world.

absolutely stunning! A nude maternity shoot at the shore. Obviously, cannot show you the goodies, but it was a beautiful shoot!

A maternity silhouette… beautiful skies and clouds around.

Each image, has their own special sauce as you see and isn't like what you see out there.In moving forward with this photography business, I am cutting back a bit and have decided to go down to part time. I was going it at full time for a bit and it completely wiped me out. I will now reducing my sessions down to about 4-6 sessions a month to give myself a life and to also give 100% to my customers. Btw, I gave 100% to my last spree and it put me in the hospital! My body is telling me to slow down and I will now be listening to it!

As a photographer, I am realizing you can't always be the best... There are others who are better out there, who make more money and charge more, who have more experience... and then there are others just getting into the business and starting from scratch... maybe they're learning the insides and outs to their camera and starting manual.What I am getting at is, I am not the best.. I will never be the best and realizing I can only be the best I can be. As photographers, we see others' works out there and feel we can't live up, that we'll never be good enough and we feel like giving up. This whole field is about learning and growing! Don't give it up! Learn to just be you and do your thang!

Don't worry about what others are doing!! Once you do this and let that go, you will grow as an artist.And.... What I am telling you, my potential customers, is that I will do MY BEST for you! I will go above and beyond and always keep upping my game. I will keep investing in education and in workshops to be a better photographer for YOU. After all, it is YOU that helps to pay for this education, gear and workshops!!! It is you that has kept me in business for almost a year now... and it is YOU who motivates me to do better as I move forward!I want my images to speak to my clients!I have a game plan going forward and am now starting to head in the direction that I always envisioned!  Watch out South Jersey! Here I come!!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

The Shooting Star Grounds in Woodstown, NJ!

It doesn't matter what time of day it is... the light is ALWAYS gorgeous here at our Shooting Star South Jersey grounds!!! We get filtered sunlight with the 40 or so trees on the property. You can shoot in high afternoon sun and it still will be perfect. It's pretty crazy, but is one of the reasons we purchased our property.I was born and raised in Camden County until I was fourteen and spent my youth exploring the Delaware River, then onto Burlington County where I honestly thought all there was to do was to play in cornfields (boy, has a lot of development occurred since then...  Mt. Laurel has been built up quite a bit!)

Capturing Precious Moments: Photographing Babies in Woodstown, NJ

As a parent, the backyard provides a treasure trove of natural beauty and personal touch. It's the ideal setting for capturing the innocence and wonder of babies through photography. Woodstown, NJ, with its scenic landscapes and serene ambiance, offers the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming endeavor.
The lush greenery, gentle sunlight, and natural elements in Woodstown's backyard can serve as excellent props and settings. Whether it's the soft, filtered light of early morning or the warm, golden hues of the late afternoon, the changing natural lighting in the backyard creates a beautiful canvas for photographing babies.

The space allows for both candid and carefully posed shots, capturing babies in their element. From the joy of discovery amidst a bed of flowers to the comfort of a loving embrace on a cozy blanket, the possibilities are endless.

Photographing babies in the backyard in Woodstown, NJ, offers a blend of personal and environmental elements. Every click of the camera can freeze a moment in time, allowing parents to cherish and share the memories forever.

Through the lens, every coo, every gurgle, and every adorable expression becomes a timeless work of art. Having the privilege of preserving these fleeting moments in Woodstown's beautiful backdrop is a true joy for both the photographer and the family.

This mama wanted to capture her precious little pooch and herself for a portrait session in Woodstown!

Twirling in our garden in Woodstown!

My daughter in the cornfield of my mom’s place in Salem County.

In our garden in Woodstown!

At the kindergarten facility of Woodstown. Field next to school!

In my alley!

On our stream at Chestnut Run.

Smiling little gal in our alley!

My son Rocco in our stream in Woodstown.

Let me tell you about my best friend... two babies that almost look alike! So funny!

 In my adult years, I spent about 6-7 years living in PA.. .then back to Burlington County, then Atlantic County, and now currently Salem County.  I think this is one of the reasons I know South Jersey so well. I've honestly lived everywhere.When my son was born, I set out to explore South Jersey even more and this is when I truly feel in love with it. I never ever wanted to leave ever again. I have traveled all of the world, but there's nothing like being back HOME.  It's pretty incredible how you can be in the mountains, the beach, the Pine Barrens, the city, even the Big Apple (NYC) within a 1-2 hour time frame.

With all this exploring, I started a traveling blog on places to see in South Jersey. That blew up like crazy (and yes, I need to get back at it). I then went on to write and published two books!It was through my love of traveling and posting it to the blog, when I fell in love with photography. I started to get serious into it... I learned my camera. Learned to shoot in manual. Learned framing and all about shooting at certain times of day.  It wasn't until my daughter was born that I decided to try photographing people... and boy that was a HUGE switch. It's totally different than landscape photography!

Photography Journey

It's like starting all over again, but that's what is fun about this field... YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING :)It was through my travels in South Jersey, that I discovered Salem County.  I wrote a book on the beautiful county and from then on.. I wanted to live here.  After searching numerous homes, and actually had a contract on another residence, that we found our dream home. The minute I saw my backyard, I had to have this house!  We put an offer that night and it was accepted!And so here we are!  Terraced gardens, the changing and colors of the seasons, the consistent sun-filled and shaded stunning light. The stream that runs along our property. It's truly a dream come true.Since I live here, I know when the sun is best and have photographed here out of any other location. I'm able to push it's limits. Now, if the garden and stream isn't enough...  I have an alleyway across the street, which has been some of my greatest shots to date, I live on a dead end street and the sun sets at the end of the street... And in 1/4 mile in opposite directions from one another I have a park with a stream, meadow, beautiful bridge and another garden... the other direction a gorgeous meadow and cornfields. It's truly the best location and I feel BLESSED that I can offer these places to my customers!!

So, if you ever want a private garden, a stream, an alley and meadow for your photographs and also a private location... Well, I'm your girl!As you see, just utilizing my property can offer so much! Light can make or break a photo and we have gorgeous light here

!You want to hear something pretty funny? About HALF, yes HALF, of the photographs in the portfolio are taken in and around the studio grounds!!! 

Happy Shooting, South Jersey!

Dee