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:
Shooting Star Photography- JUST MOVED.
Hellllo, Hellllo!!! :)
Hi! We just moved to the Haddon Township area. I LOVE IT HERE!
I just moved into the Haddon Twp area. I think this place is a real find! I love the downtown areas of Audubon, Collingswood, Haddon Heights and the neighborhoods are fantastic. Being so close to all the parks in the area, also give me the opportunity to shoot in some real pretty settings. I cannot wait to create my own images (and already doing so in the new studio), and to make great memories for clients.
This historic area brings back that hometown feeling of goodwill and camaraderie. It is so great to see neighbors taking care of each other, and everyone looking out for each other. I love doing photo shoots all over the Delaware Valley area, from Philly, the Shore, Delaware and good ole New Jersey.
I try to capture the natural beauty in everything, and from this area, I am just minutes away from mostly anywhere. I think it is just a perfect central spot for most of the Philadelphia area and can easily access a Phillies game (my children love the Phils), concerts, the Poconos and the Jersey Shore. I also love the fact that you are just a stone throw away from mostly anything you need. Hello, Wegman's and Whole Foods (we didn't get that in Woodstown). It is just a really great area to be in.
I love all the great restaurants to eat at, along with the local breweries. Red, White and Brew is just a few blocks away, as well as Tonewood in Oaklyn and its new location in Barrington. It's nice to ride our bikes in the neighborhood and to explore the downtown areas of Westmont, Haddon Heights, Audubon and Collingswood. My kiddos already love Tre Famiglia and Il Fiore and the Escape Rooms of Collingswood.
I love this community so much and can't wait to be a part of it!
Philadelphia Sessions in FULL SWING!!!
Why is Broad Street in Philly an awesome spot for photo shoots?
Broad Street in Philadelphia is an awesome spot for photo shoots due to the following reasons:
1. Iconic Landmarks: Broad Street is one of Philadelphia's major thoroughfares, lined with numerous iconic landmarks and architectural gems. These landmarks, such as Philadelphia City Hall, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, provide visually captivating backdrops for photography.
2. Cityscape and Skyline Views: Broad Street offers excellent views of the Philadelphia skyline, especially when photographed from strategic vantage points. The juxtaposition of the historic and modern buildings along the street creates an interesting visual contrast, resulting in stunning cityscape shots.
3. Vibrant Street Life: As a bustling street in the heart of Philadelphia, Broad Street is always filled with energy and activity. It serves as a hub for cultural events, parades, and gatherings, making it an ideal location for capturing candid moments, street photography, and showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere.
I LOVE this time of year. It's all about the twinkling lights and hustle and bustle of the city! The good ol' city of Philadelphia. I have made these a mainstay and staple in my business and my other photographers have tried to copy, but no one does it best! We know that weddings have been popular here, however, couture and family sessions were never a big thing... until we started doing them!
Why is Broad Street in Philly an awesome spot for photo shoots?
Broad Street in Philadelphia is an awesome spot for photo shoots due to the following reasons:
Iconic Landmarks: Broad Street is one of Philadelphia's major thoroughfares, lined with numerous iconic landmarks and architectural gems. These landmarks, such as Philadelphia City Hall, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, provide visually captivating backdrops for photography.
Cityscape and Skyline Views: Broad Street offers excellent views of the Philadelphia skyline, especially when photographed from strategic vantage points. The juxtaposition of the historic and modern buildings along the street creates an interesting visual contrast, resulting in stunning cityscape shots.
Vibrant Street Life: As a bustling street in the heart of Philadelphia, Broad Street is always filled with energy and activity. It serves as a hub for cultural events, parades, and gatherings, making it an ideal location for capturing candid moments, street photography, and showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Wide and Spacious Boulevard: Broad Street is known for its width and spaciousness, allowing for unique composition opportunities in photography. The broad expanse of the street enables photographers to experiment with different angles, perspectives, and depth of field, enhancing the visual impact of their shots.
Architectural Diversity: Along Broad Street, you'll find a diverse range of architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical and Beaux-Arts to modern designs. This architectural diversity presents a wealth of possibilities for capturing contrasting aesthetics and playing with different visual elements.
Accessibility and Convenience: Broad Street is easily accessible, with multiple transportation options available, including subway stations and bus routes. Its central location and proximity to other notable landmarks and neighborhoods in Philadelphia make it a convenient spot for photo shoots.
Historical Significance: Broad Street has a rich history and has played a significant role in the city's development. This historical context adds depth and meaning to the photographs, capturing the essence of Philadelphia's heritage.
Overall, the combination of iconic landmarks, cityscape views, vibrant street life, spacious boulevard, architectural diversity, accessibility, and historical significance make Broad Street an excellent location for capturing compelling and memorable photographs in Philadelphia.Now, is the time to book your fall family city photo session! WE have a huge huge month this upcoming November. With our move-in date of our studio in Maple Shade, New Jersey, effective November 1st and a ton of things going on in the heart of the busiest season we have ever had! We truly love our customers and EVERYTHING we put out on the table.
It's been a labor of love and a lot of blood, sweat and tears. At Shooting Star Photography, we hope to continue with the BEST service and high-quality images that you have expected and seen over the past five to six years.
One of my most favorite Philadelphia captures.. EVERRRR. It was FREEZING cold this day, but she was a trooper! Broad Street Philadelphia, family photographers in south jersey
One of my most favorite Philadelphia captures.. EVERRRR. It was FREEZING cold this day, but she was a trooper!
For these upcoming sessions on November 8th, we will be offering up styling. We can only do 4 spots, but we cannot wait to offer these to our clients this year! They are truly showstoppers for your annual Christmas Cards!
Father and daughter enjoying a moment on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Truly one of my favorite places to shoot in the city and in the South Jersey area.
Father and daughter enjoying a moment on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Truly one of my favorite places to shoot in the city and in the South Jersey area.
I'm always in love with father and daughter captures! They truly are the BEST!!!!!
Another beautiful family session taken in Philly! Love the way this family looks at each other! I cannot wait to open up my store in Maple Shade, NJ as Philadelphia will only be moments away!
Another beautiful family session taken in Philly! Love the way this family looks at each other! I cannot wait to open up my store in Maple Shade, NJ as Philadelphia will only be moments away!
One of my most FAVORITE CLIENTS. I see these guys a few times a year. LOVE THE WAY they are looking at one another! Another gorgeous Broad Street session in the books!
One of my most FAVORITE CLIENTS. I see these guys a few times a year. LOVE THE WAY they are looking at one another! Another gorgeous Broad Street session in the books!
If you would like to book one of these sessions, you may do so here! Hope to see you out for one of the best spots in Philadelphia! We LOVE YOU SOUTH JERSEY AND PHILLY!!!!
If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Grandpa and me...
Every single session we do for our clients is truly unique. Not one photograph will look the same because we truly love making every single photograph a true keepsake and piece of art.It's honestly what we we trained to do in this business. As I reflect back on this 2018 year, I have to say it was the hardest year of my life. As I look back, I almost lost my mother, who is my assistant.. She was hospitalized for over a month. It was a nightmare during this time. We thought she may not make it and that she may no longer be with us. She's a huge asset to this photography business. She's the best assistant I could ever ask for and am grateful for everything she does. I am so elated she is still here with us and recovered fully. About 10 days after my mom came home, it was my husband's turn. He had flu-like symptoms and his condition got worse and worse. He was then hospitalized. The doctors were baffled as to what was happening. Every specialist they had on hand, he saw. His condition got worse and worse to the point where we almost lost him. He lost all bodily functioning, he lost his ability to walk. It was a very scary time. They put him on every antibiotic known to man. It was within two weeks, he started to finally show some life again and slowly got better. He was later transferred to an inpatient subacute rehabilitation center to learn how to walk all over again. It was later found out by infectious disease that what he caught, only effects about 2,000 patients a year with about a 60% mortality rate. He's lucky to be here. When I look back on the year, I see myself. I see how strong I was. As a wife, daughter, mother.. and I honestly don't know how I got through it all. I kept every single photography session that I had scheduled. I did not cancel on anyone. In fact, the sessions were very therapeutic for me as I was going through this. It's true how art can soothe the soul. There were some delays on editing galleries, but very understandable in the situation and I did inform customers of the situation. Under normal circumstances, most folks would be able to take a leave of absence from their jobs. However, as a single business owner, I unfortunately was unable to do that. I just trucked through. I realized how strong I really am and how I kept it together. I know most folks would crumble. I just feel fortunate to have both the folks I love dearly still here with me. In any event... as I look back and everything I went through. I realize how very important photographs are. I made a point to get myself photographed with my children this past fall.. as I didn't have any. I also made an appointment with a photographer I admire for 2019 and I plan to make an appointment with another one as well. It's very important. This is why I am sharing this... This is grandpa. He doesn't live in the US (hopefully, soon though) and I told my customer it was important to bring her father so that he could be in some images. This will be a keepsake for the family for years to come to remember. Our children get older every day and the folks that we love.. we continue to lose, year after year. Time does not stand still. This is why it's important to capture these moments. I truly hope this mama got this blown up and proudly displayed in the house. It's beautiful.
Get those photographs folks. Capture these precious moments. One day you may not have your loved ones with you.. and all you have left are these. This is why I love what I do and why I got into photography in the first place. If you would like to book your family session, please reach out. We would love to customize something special for you!!! Happy Shooting, my friends!!!! Dee Shooting Star Photography
Magical Southern New Jersey Photographer
Magical Fairy Sessions in South Jersey.
A fairy photo shoot with children can be a magical and memorable experience for both the children and the adults involved. Here are some ideas to make the photo shoot extra special:
1. Choose a magical location: Find a beautiful outdoor location that has a fairy-tale feel, such as a forest, garden, or park. The location should have plenty of natural light and interesting backdrops for photos. We have a ton of excellent options to choose from!
2. Setting the scene: We can create a fairy garden or a fairy tea party setting with decorations like flowers, butterfly wings, fairy lights, and soft blankets. You could also add some props like fairy wands, flower crowns, and glittery fairy dust.
Fairy sessions are a real hoot! We love creating beautiful and captivating imagery.
As you can see this little lady had a fun time at her birthday photo shoot!
Fairy Photo Session In South Jersey
A fairy photo shoot with children can be a magical and memorable experience for both the children and the adults involved. Here are some ideas to make the photo shoot extra special:
Choose a magical location: Find a beautiful outdoor location that has a fairy-tale feel, such as a forest, garden, or park. The location should have plenty of natural light and interesting backdrops for photos. We have a ton of excellent options to choose from!
Setting the scene: We can create a fairy garden or a fairy tea party setting with decorations like flowers, butterfly wings, fairy lights, and soft blankets. You could also add some props like fairy wands, flower crowns, and glittery fairy dust.
Dress the children: Have the children dress up in fairy costumes or tutus, or provide them with fairy wings and accessories to wear during the photo shoot. Make sure their outfits match the setting and are comfortable enough for them to move around in.
Be playful: Let the children have fun and be playful during the photo shoot. I encourage them to dance, twirl, and play pretend. Capturing candid moments of them laughing and enjoying themselves.
Use natural light: Natural light is the best way to capture the magical feel of a fairy photo shoot. I try to schedule the photo shoot during the golden hour, which is the hour before sunset or after sunrise when the light is soft and warm.
Edit the photos: After the photo shoot, we edit the photos to enhance the magical feel. I’ll add some sparkle or fairy dust to the photos, or play around with the colors to make them look more dreamy and ethereal.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create a memorable experience for the children. A fairy photo shoot is a wonderful way to ignite their imagination and create lasting memories!
I love photography. The love I have oozes into my photographs and with the families, I am blessed to work with. I love making magic for everyone I shoot for. There's always that ONE image in a gallery that makes your heart sing. I love capturing kids as they are and the innocence at this age. I have two children myself and is why I got into photography in the first place. Children love to dress up like prince and princesses. I enjoy bringing this magic to life... telling their story, or their "fairytale."
Most of the dress designers, I work with, are from the United States. I love being able to provide these dresses to my clients as part of their storytelling session. My daughter doesn't like to "dress up" so I also have shorter dress styles for children who aren't too much into it. We have accessories (IE, hairpieces that coordinate with each of our designer gowns). This 2018 brought out a lot of heart in me. With a lot of the adversary I had to face with medical emergencies with my own family. It helped me to truly value moments, in general.
I am proud to be able to offer that in return to the many families I have worked with in the past four years in business. I am honored if you choose us to photograph and allow us into your family's lives. Let us create something truly magical for you. For memories to be enjoyed for generations. Classic, dreamy-styled portraiture.. You'll have all your friends talking!!! I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed Holiday Season.
It's been a rollercoaster year! I hope for 2019, to be even better!!!
Happy Shooting, my friends!!!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
New Pretties Arrived Today!
New Pretties Arrived Today!
Great news! We've just received a new collection of dresses for our styled shoots, this time from Dollcake! The latest arrivals boast stunning designs and exquisite details that are sure to elevate the elegance and charm of our upcoming photo sessions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at these gorgeous creations!
Great news! We've just received a new collection of dresses for our styled shoots, this time from Dollcake! The latest arrivals boast stunning designs and exquisite details that are sure to elevate the elegance and charm of our upcoming photo sessions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at these gorgeous creations!
Pretty in blue. These are great for the beach.
Swooning over this dress!
Dollcake rocks!
Pretty as a princess.
Pretty in lavender.
Fall has been INSANITY. It pretty much is for every photographer... but I have been exhausted and have been traveling all over the country the past month and throughout this current fall season.. it's about to get even nuttier around here, but I'm a rockstar and and I will rock out this season!!! It's okay, as of this past weekend, no more traveling for awhile! So.. this means I get to stay in good Ol' South Jersey for a bit... well, until late November.. but will be HOME!!!
Sessions excite me.. I truly do enjoy working with families and people! It's going to be a great fall foliage season! The leaves are already changing and the weather has been staying pretty mild!Anywho! I received 4 new dresses in today... The first two, I will showcase.. They are from the lovely DOLLCAKE company located in Australia and I have collected probably about 20 or more of their dresses this past year. I love them..
The reason WHY... Well, they are very, very, durable from kiddo's abuse. I mean they are kids.. they're suppose to have fun.. get messy right? It is a part of this job and it happens, but these make me swoon everytime a kid wears them!I had my daughter model this for me as it came in today.. So please see attached for in person video.. I apologize for the grain.. as I did take it on my iphone, but figured you may like to see it on a REAL LIFE person.. This is a size 4.. It should fit a size 2 1/2- up to about a 4.. possibly a size 5..
Dollcake is a bit tricky with their sizing from time to time.. but it does allow a bit of stretch and the straps can be configured tight or lose with a ton of leeway. WARNING.. You will hear bribery for lollipops.. in this video.. be forewarned![wpvideo ULkAaqS5] Second Dress.. is this lavender long number.. Also, another gorgeous one.. This I purchased in a size 5. This should fit a bigger 3 year old up to possibly a size 6... A
gain, lots of leeway and can make adjustments! Here's another live view of the dress.. However, not taken with professional equipment so please don't kill me!More bribery.. and she's "all done. I'm very excited for this year! If I had more time... I would be blogging more sessions and getting them up here, but my goal has been to get them out the door for my clients! However, I am doing sessions in Delaware and Pennsylvania this end of year and am excited! I love new locations and spots! Hey, I love South Jersey, but it's nice to switch things up from time to time, right?
For those who are signed up to see me this season, I look forward to working with you!!! More goodies coming in too!
Have a great night and happy shooting! Dee
