Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources
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.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
Magical Toddler Portraits | Sewell, NJ Photographer
Capture your toddler’s personality in magical dresses by Anna Triant & Jeanne Sterrer during a whimsical photoshoot in Sewell, NJ. Book your session today!
A Toddler, a Dream Dress & a Whole Lot of Personality | Magical Sewell, NJ Photo Session
Picture this: a tiny human, barely three feet tall, strutting into her photoshoot like she owns the entire state of New Jersey. The dress? A masterpiece—layers of tulle, ruffles for days, and just enough sparkle to make a fairy godmother jealous. The attitude? Equal parts diva, princess, and tiny CEO of her own imagination.
Welcome to this magical toddler photoshoot in Sewell, NJ, where we combined childhood wonder with couture fashion, featuring the breathtaking designs of Anna Triant and Hippity Hoot by Jeanne Sterrer. If there was ever a session that screamed “whimsical meets toddler sass,” this was it.
Cutie is just getting started. Let’s rock these portraits young lady!
When a Toddler Wears a Gown Fit for Royalty
From the moment she stepped into her Anna Triant dress, it was clear—this was her moment. There’s something about a voluminous gown that brings out a girl’s inner princess, and let’s just say, she understood the assignment. Twirling? Check. Tiny hands fluffing the skirt like she was at a Paris runway show? Oh, absolutely. Giving me looks that said, “I’m only cooperating because I choose to”? 100%.
And then came the Jeanne Sterrer dress—dreamy, delicate, and perfect for a woodland fairy tale. Our tiny model did what every toddler does best: she made it her own. One second, she was a dainty ballerina twirling in a field of flowers; the next, she was full sprinting toward a butterfly like she was in the toddler Olympics.
She was all about the horsie!
Toddlers: The Most Unpredictable (and Hilarious) Models
Here’s the thing about photographing toddlers: you’re never in charge. Not really. You think you are, but they’re the directors, the creative consultants, and the ones who decide if we’re posing… or rolling in the grass like a giggling potato.
At one point, she dramatically sighed and flopped onto the ground, dress billowing around her like a queen in exile. The reason? “I need a snack.” Fair. Same, honestly.
We took breaks. We played games. We let her do her thing—because that’s where the magic happens. And sure enough, between the twirls, the tiny stomps of independence, and the pure joy of being a toddler in a fairytale dress, we captured (okay, took pictures of) the sweetest moments ever.
Little toddler twirling in the sunlight for her photograph.
Why These Couture Dresses Make Photos Even More Magical
Let’s be real—kids in fancy dresses are just next level adorable. But beyond the cuteness, gowns like these bring a fairytale feel to every image. Anna Triant’s designs are pure drama in the best way, and Jeanne Sterrer’s gowns have that soft, timeless charm. Whether it’s a birthday shoot, a milestone session, or just a reason to dress up (because why not?), these couture pieces turn childhood moments into art.
We switched out to purple (Jeanne Sterrer Designs) for a few more snaps!
Blowing and making a wish!
Booking Your Own Whimsical Toddler Session in Sewell, NJ
If you’ve got a little one with big personality and a love for twirling, let’s make some magic together! Whether it’s a princess-inspired dress, a soft vintage look, or something completely unique, I’ll help style a session that feels just right. Bonus: I fully expect (and embrace) the chaos that comes with photographing a toddler.
📍 Serving Sewell, NJ, and surrounding areas in South Jersey & the Philadelphia region. Let’s create something unforgettable—snack breaks included.
Hope you enjoyed this happy toddler session!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Magical 12th Birthday Photoshoot | Mullica Hill NJ
Celebrate your daughter’s 12th birthday with a magical unicorn photoshoot in Medford, NJ & Mullica Hill! Whimsical dresses, dreamy moments, and pure joy!
Birthdays are magical, and when your little girl turns 12, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate her uniqueness in a way she’ll always remember. If you’re looking to capture the joy and innocence of her childhood with a touch of whimsy, a birthday photoshoot featuring a stunning butterfly dress and a unicorn theme is the way to go! This combination will make her feel like a real-life princess, surrounded by the magic of nature and fantasy. Let’s dive into how you can create a memorable, fun-filled birthday photoshoot experience for your daughter!
Why Choose a Birthday Photoshoot?
A birthday is not just another day—it’s a milestone in your child’s life. As your daughter turns 12, she’s likely blossoming into a young woman, and this is the perfect time to celebrate who she is and that little girl still left inside that wants to be a princess! A photoshoot allows you to capture this special time in her life with beautiful, timeless images. Whether it’s a quiet, reflective moment or a joyful burst of energy, a professional photographer can freeze these moments in time for you to cherish forever.
The Perfect Theme: Butterfly Dress Meets Unicorn Magic
When it comes to choosing a theme for a birthday photoshoot, combining two elements that girls adore—unicorns and butterflies—can create a truly magical setting. Imagine your daughter in a gorgeous butterfly dress, twirling and laughing with the breeze, all while surrounded by the whimsical aura of unicorns.
Butterflies symbolize transformation and new beginnings, making them an ideal motif for a 12th birthday. They represent growth, beauty, and the transition from childhood to the early stages of adolescence. Paired with the magical allure of unicorns, this theme brings together fantasy and nature to create the ultimate birthday experience.
Selecting the Perfect Butterfly Dress
We have a few butterfly dressses in our collection and this was the perfect choice for this special photoshoot. These dresses often come in a variety of soft, pastel colors—think light pinks, purples, and blues—accentuated with sparkling details, creating an ethereal look. Whether it’s a flowy, fairy-inspired dress or a structured gown, the butterfly dress allows for movement and beauty, making it a stunning option for photos. Don’t forget the accessories! A delicate flower crown or butterfly-themed headband can add an extra touch of charm to the outfit.
Unicorn Magic for a Dreamy Touch
The unicorn theme is timeless and magical. Whether you choose to incorporate a unicorn prop, like a plush toy, or go all out with unicorn hairpieces and horn headbands, the addition of this mythical creature adds an extra layer of fun and fantasy. For any photoshoot, think about incorporating soft, pastel-colored backdrops and props that complement the theme. You could even add a shimmering unicorn-themed backdrop to truly make the photos pop if you wanted to do these on your own.
Setting the Scene: The Perfect Photo Shoot Location at a farm in Mullica Hill, NJ
Choosing the right location for the shoot is just as important as the theme and outfit. A garden, a lush park, or even a dreamy outdoor location with soft, natural light can be the perfect backdrop for this kind of magical photoshoot. A beach or a field filled with wildflowers adds a beautiful, natural element to the theme and we have gone all over. WE LOVE soft lighting, perhaps with fairy lights or a dreamy backdrop, to create the enchanting atmosphere that complements our subject. We chose a farm in Mullica Hill for this shoot. It had wisteria blooming and we used that to compliment our subject.
Creating Fun and Magical Moments
The best part of a birthday photoshoot is the experience itself. Encourage your daughter to enjoy the moment by twirling in her dress, laughing freely, and imagining herself in a magical world with unicorns and butterflies. The more natural she feels, the more genuine the photos will be. You can also let her interact with the unicorn theme by pretending to pet a unicorn or imagining she’s on a magical adventure.
As her photographer, your job is to guide her in creating these magical moments. Let her be herself—quirky, playful, and full of life. The magic will unfold naturally, creating beautiful, timeless images that both you and your daughter will treasure for years to come.
Why Hire a Professional Photographer?
While you might be able to snap some fun pictures with your phone, hiring a professional photographer ensures that the experience is unforgettable. A photographer with experience in children’s portraiture can capture your daughter’s personality while using their knowledge of lighting, angles, and timing to create high-quality, stunning images. Additionally, professional photographers bring props, offer styling advice, and know how to make the experience seamless, fun, and stress-free for both parents and kids.
Editing Your Magical Moments
After the photoshoot, the editing process is where the magic truly comes alive. A professional photographer will work to enhance the colors, lighting, and textures of your photos to ensure that each image captures the essence of your daughter’s special day. The final result will be a set of photos that look as if they belong in a fairytale, ready to be displayed on your walls or placed in a keepsake album.
Final Thoughts: A Birthday to Remember
A birthday photoshoot featuring a butterfly dress and unicorn magic is a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave your daughter with not only a beautiful collection of photos but also a collection of memories. Her 12th birthday will be captured in a way that feels as magical as the moment itself, making it a milestone that she’ll never forget.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
NJ Tulip Photographer | Dalton Farms
Capture the magic of spring with whimsical tulip mini sessions at Dalton Farms & private NJ locations. Limited spots—book your dreamy floral session today!
Tulip Mini Sessions at Dalton Farms & Beyond – A Whimsical (and Slightly Hilarious) Spring Experience
As the winter snow melts and the first buds of spring begin to bloom, it’s time to emerge from hibernation, dust off those cute outfits, and frolic in a field of tulips like you’re starring in your own fairy tale. (Or at least like you’re trying to get the perfect Instagram shot.) Our exclusive tulip photography sessions offer a magical opportunity to capture the vibrant colors of spring in a breathtaking floral setting—without worrying about sneezing fits or stepping in mud.
A nice collage of our tulip work. We use a private tulip patch and Dalton Farms in South Jersey. Offering two option for our customers.
Gorgeous close-up and smile!
Award-Winning Tulip Photography in South Jersey
We are thrilled to offer fine art, whimsical-style tulip sessions throughout April at two breathtaking locations in South Jersey. We provide a curated collection of dresses to enhance the ethereal beauty of our shoots. (That’s right, we’ve got you covered—literally.) Our locations include:
Dancing around the tulip field at Dalton Farms. Located in Swedesboro, NJ.
Dalton Farms in Swedesboro, NJ – A historic family-owned farm featuring stunning tulip fields, rustic barns, and a charming farmhouse backdrop. If you’ve ever dreamed of being in a Dutch painting without leaving New Jersey, this is your moment.
A Private Tulip Patch in Swedesboro – An exclusive, serene setting reserved just for our clients. No photobombing strangers, no crowds—just you, the flowers, and maybe a bee or two that didn’t get the memo.
Beautiful light in our tulip patch. We have Mini Sessions available for this season!
Both locations are bursting with color, making them the perfect backdrop for your dream springtime session.
Why Choose a Tulip Mini Session?
New Jersey is called “The Garden State” for a reason! (And no, it’s not just because of our tomatoes.) The sweet scent of fresh blooms and the vibrant hues of tulips create a picture-perfect setting for capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. Our tulip mini sessions highlight the pure joy and wonder of spring—because let’s be honest, after months of winter, we all need a little color in our lives.
Twirling around in the tulips. I love this place! Located near Swedesboro, NJ.
What to Expect from Your Session
Our tulip mini sessions are crafted to be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. (Translation: We won’t make you do awkward poses that feel like yoga.) Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a stunning sea of tulips, providing an incredible canvas for your photos. We provide a selection of exquisite dresses to complement the natural surroundings, helping to create that fairy-tale atmosphere our clients love.
All fun and smiles! In the tulip patch!
Sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes, making them the perfect bite-sized photography experience. But don’t let the short timeframe fool you—during that time, we capture an impressive variety of stunning images. From candid giggles and twirling dresses to serene, romantic moments, our goal is to provide you with a gallery of breathtaking photos that you’ll cherish forever. (And yes, we’ll get that one shot where your toddler isn’t making a weird face.)
Close up in the tulip patch!
A Passion for Floral Photography
Flowers have always been a deep passion of mine. With a master gardener certificate earned in the early 2000s, I’ve spent years cultivating an appreciation for blooms and their fleeting beauty. Springtime in South Jersey brings an explosion of color, from crocuses and daffodils to the grand arrival of tulips!
Beautiful image of this little princess in the patch!
One of my favorite things about tulip photography is the way each session tells a different story. Whether it’s a mother and daughter twirling in a sea of flowers, a newly engaged couple stealing a romantic moment, or children laughing as they explore the colorful fields, every session is unique. The vibrant hues of tulips create an unparalleled backdrop, enhancing the whimsical, dream-like aesthetic that my photography is known for. (And if your kids decide to play hide-and-seek in the flowers, don’t worry—I’ve seen it all.)
Love the pairing of cool tones with the warm tones of the tulips!
Tips for a Successful Tulip Mini Session
To make the most of your tulip session, here are some helpful tips:
Dress for the occasion – We provide dresses for our clients, but if you prefer to bring your own, opt for light, airy fabrics in pastel or earth tones to complement the tulip fields. (Sequins and superhero capes are totally welcome, though.)
Time your session right – Morning and late afternoon provide the best natural light for capturing that golden glow. Plus, the earlier you come, the fewer people you have to dodge in the background.
Keep it playful – Movement is key! Twirl, dance, laugh, and enjoy the moment to create beautiful, authentic photos. If your kid insists on pretending to be a tulip, we’ll roll with it.
Trust the process – We specialize in creating artistic and timeless images, so relax and let us guide you through the session. No need to practice your “serious model face” in the mirror—natural smiles are always best!
Just a girl twirling in the beautiful patch at sunset.
Book Your Tulip Session Today!
Our tulip sessions book quickly because, sadly, tulips don’t last forever. (We’ve had words with Mother Nature, but she won’t budge.) Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of a tulip session at Dalton Farms or our private tulip patch! Secure your spot today by visiting our booking page: [Insert Booking Link Here]
Kids just being kids and having fun!
Spring only comes once a year, and with it, the fleeting beauty of tulips. Let us help you celebrate the season with stunning fine art portraits that will stand the test of time. (And if you want to run through the fields in slow motion like a rom-com heroine, we fully support that.)
Mom wanted to document their baby chickens as well. So here are some of those photos!
We’re gearing up for an great 2025 season! If you would like to book for this special session and we can even coordinate outfits for you! Get in contact with us today!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.
