Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

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.

Magical Christmas Family Sessions in Cape May, New Jersey

The Charming Small-Town Atmosphere

One of the top reasons why Cape May, NJ is a fantastic backdrop for Christmas family photography is its charming small-town atmosphere. Known for its historic Victorian architecture, the town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday seasons. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated storefronts, creating a magical ambiance for capturing memorable family moments. The picturesque streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops provide endless opportunities for unique and enchanting photographs.

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Just in front of one of my favorite historic houses in Cape May, New Jersey.

I truly love working with all the amazing families that hire me year after year. From magical portraits, to custom family sessions on a private property, to studio sessions, we love working with families to create a rather unique experience for everyone that comes our way!

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Love this little guys bow tie and outfit! Mom dresses this kid to the nines!

Love capturing families every single Christmas!!

I truly love capturing the true essence and MAGIC for all my Philadelphia and South Jersey customers. It's all about a unique experience for all my families. I just want you to show up and smile and we take care of the rest!

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Posing in front of the Bed and Breakfast hot spots in Cape May, New Jersey.

Love being able to capture memories for my families of South Jersey!

Whether it is the Jersey shore for a beach session, a downtown photography shoot in Philadelphia, or a magical forest location in South Jersey, we have you covered. We have private locations as well as hundreds of public shooting locations that we can suggest for the best portrait experience for you and your family.

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Love the gas lamp look of Cape May, New Jersey.

Magic created on the sidewalks of Cape May, New Jersey

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Posing in front of all the cottages in Cape May, New Jersey.

Mr. Handsome Sauce at the Jersey shore. In front of the famous "cottages" in Cape May!

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On the beautiful streets of Cape May, New Jersey. Christmas is the best time at this beautiful shore resort in New Jersey.

The Charming Small-Town Atmosphere

One of the top reasons why Cape May, NJ is a fantastic backdrop for Christmas family photography is its charming small-town atmosphere. Known for its historic Victorian architecture, the town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday seasons. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated storefronts, creating a magical ambiance for capturing memorable family moments. The picturesque streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops provide endless opportunities for unique and enchanting photographs.

Stunning Beach and Natural Landscapes

Cape May's unique location offers a delightful contrast between its charming small-town feel and its stunning beach and natural landscapes. This combination creates a diverse range of backdrops for Christmas family photography. Families can be photographed against the backdrop of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and crashing ocean waves, capturing the essence of a seaside Christmas celebration. Additionally, the surrounding natural landscapes and Cape May Point State Park provide a beautiful setting with lush greenery, scenic trails, and wildlife, offering even more options for capturing unforgettable family moments.

Festive Events and Activities

During the holiday season, Cape May hosts a variety of festive events and activities, making it an ideal backdrop for Christmas family photography. The town offers holiday-themed trolley rides, where families can enjoy a cozy tour of Cape May's beautifully adorned streets. The annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours provide an opportunity to explore the town's historic homes, which are lavishly decorated for the holidays. Families can also attend tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and Christmas concerts, immersing themselves in the festive spirit and creating memorable experiences that can be captured against the backdrop of the town's festive decorations.
In conclusion, Cape May, NJ is a great place for Christmas family photography for several reasons. Its charming small-town atmosphere, stunning beach and natural landscapes, and a wide range of festive events and activities all contribute to creating a magical backdrop for capturing cherished family moments during the holiday season.

I LOVE CAPE MAY!

There's nothing more magical then letting things just happen and being in the moment. That's what we try to do accomplish. Everyone with natural smiles.

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Cousins getting their Christmas portraits in Cape May, New Jersey!

Loved capturing these cuties. Parents are the owners of Scoopy's two ice cream!

We'd love to be considered for your next family portraits. Contact us today so that we can create something magical for you!

Until we meet again!

Happy Shooting!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography- South Jersey Photographer

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Vintage Pop Shop Photography Sessions- Cape May, New Jersey

Vintage Pop Shop Photography Sessions- Cape May, New Jersey

Vintage Vibes at Stewart's Root Beer Restaurant

Ahhh. Last year... (before covid struck down on us hard) we had some gorgeous pop shop vintage sessions in gorgeous Cape May, New Jersey! THESE WERE SOLD OUT WITHIN MINUTES, but I guess you can see why!

These were absolutely soooo much fun to do. All of my clients dressed to the NINES and it definitely showed on camera. Our shoot took place at my friend's shop, Stewart's Root Beer in downtown Cape May, New Jersey. It was a former bank building, converted into the vintage pop shop that you see on camera.

Vintage Vibes at Stewart's Root Beer Restaurant

Ahhh. Last year... (before covid struck down on us hard) we had some gorgeous pop shop vintage sessions in gorgeous Cape May, New Jersey! THESE WERE SOLD OUT WITHIN MINUTES, but I guess you can see why!

These were absolutely soooo much fun to do. All of my clients dressed to the NINES and it definitely showed on camera. Our shoot took place at my friend's shop, Stewart's Root Beer in downtown Cape May, New Jersey. It was a former bank building, converted into the vintage pop shop that you see on camera.

For these types of sessions, it's all about vintage charm. Whether you want to channel the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond. It's just an awesome way to capture some memories while enjoying an old-fashioned root beer float, milkshake or banana split!

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With its nostalgic charm and delicious root beer floats, this unique setting provided the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless moments.
As soon as we entered Stewart's Root Beer Restaurant, we were instantly transported back in time. The vintage decor, classic booths, and old-fashioned jukebox created an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia. The walls adorned with retro signs, black and white photographs, and vintage memorabilia made it a photographer's dream come true.


The session was designed to evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, much like stepping into a bygone era. We carefully curated the outfits and props to reflect the personality and style of our clients, ensuring that the essence of the vintage era was captured beautifully in every shot.


The shoot began with the clients sitting at one of the iconic booths, sipping on frosty root beer floats while sharing playful banter and laughter. The soft glow of the pendant lights above added a touch of warmth to the scene, creating an intimate ambiance that truly showcased the authentic vintage feel.


We then took the clients on a stroll around the restaurant, carefully capturing candid shots of them engaged in conversations, enjoying the jukebox music, and indulging in their favorite treats. The aroma of freshly made hamburgers, onion rings, and fries filled the air, adding an extra layer of sensory delight to the experience.


The charm of Cape May's downtown area spilled onto the streets as we ventured outside for a few outdoor shots. The quaint storefronts, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture served as a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the vintage aesthetic of the session.


Throughout the shoot, we skillfully framed each shot, capturing the romance and nostalgia that lingered in the air. The resulting photographs were a stunning fusion of timeless elegance and modern storytelling, perfectly encapsulating the clients' spirit and the essence of the vintage pop shop session at Stewart's Root Beer Restaurant.


We are immensely proud to have been a part of this unique experience, collaborating with our clients to preserve their memories in a way that will transport them back to this remarkable time and place. Our vintage pop shop session at Stewart's Root Beer Restaurant in downtown Cape May, NJ was truly a captivating journey into the past, allowing us to merge the best of old and new, and creating visual stories that will be cherished for generations to come.


If you're looking to capture the magic of another era, don't hesitate to reach out to Shooting Star Photography LLC. Our talented team is passionate about creating memorable experiences and delivering exceptional photography results that truly stand the test of time.

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Ahhh. Last year... (before covid struck down on us hard) we had some gorgeous pop shop vintage sessions in gorgeous Cape May, New Jersey! THESE WERE SOLD OUT WITHIN MINUTES, but I guess you can see why!

These were absolutely soooo much fun to do. All of my clients dressed to the NINES and it definitely showed on camera. Our shoot took place at my friend's shop, Stewart's Root Beer in downtown Cape May, New Jersey. It was a former bank building, converted into the vintage pop shop that you see on camera.

For these types of sessions, it's all about vintage charm. Whether you want to channel the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond. It's just an awesome way to capture some memories while enjoying an old-fashioned root beer float, milkshake or banana split!

A little pop shop vintage fun with one of the families I get to see every year! Taken in beautiful Cape May, New Jersey. Stewart's Root Beer Restaurant!

As we get squared away with our new studio, in beautiful Maple Shade, New Jersey, I will have to add more sessions daily. That's my goal. To get this website and and going and to show all the beautiful work and families we have had throughout the years. More sessions to show and to come!

This is what I truly love to capture. Families and kids in their element having a wonderful time. Being in the moment. Happy natural smiles. Enjoying a nice treat at a vintage little pop shop! Don't you just love the vintage styling mom put them in? It looks great with the soda shop counter and old time coca cola fridge!

Come on out and let us have some fun South Jersey! We are always having such great fun and creating unique sessions to boot! WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS!

Until we meet again and happy shooting! Dee Giumetti

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