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.

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Christmas in Philadelphia! Addison Street Magic!

Christmas Photo Sessions on Addison Street in Philadelphia!

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Christmas in Philadelphia.

Addison Street Philadelphia

I find Addison Street one of the most beloved and often-under cherished streets in Philadelphia. Located in Rittenhouse Square, this one way, no parking on the street locale is known for its quiet tree-lined historic row homes. It is adorned with a festive display of string lights 24/7 365 days a year, where you can enjoy the magic of the holidays any time of year. It’s such a magical street and I love capturing images here!

Addison Street in Philadelphia is not typically referred to as "magical" in a literal sense, but it does hold significance and charm for various reasons. Here are a few aspects that contribute to its appeal:

  1. Historical Significance: Addison Street is located in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood, which is known for its rich history. The area played a crucial role in the American Revolution, and many buildings on Addison Street date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The historical architecture and cobblestone streets create an enchanting atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

  2. Cobblestone Street: Addison Street is one of the few remaining streets in Philadelphia that still retains its original cobblestone surface. The cobblestones add character and a timeless quality to the street, giving it a unique and captivating ambiance.

  3. Tree-Lined Beauty: The street is adorned with beautiful, mature trees that provide shade and create a picturesque setting. During the fall season, when the leaves change color, the street becomes even more enchanting, with vibrant hues adding to its magical charm.

  4. Proximity to Attractions: Addison Street is conveniently located near many popular attractions in Philadelphia. It is just a short walk away from the historic Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's rich history and culture.

  5. Community and Atmosphere: The residents and businesses on Addison Street contribute to its appeal. There is a strong sense of community in the area, with neighbors often coming together for events and celebrations. The street is also home to various shops, cafes, and restaurants that offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

While the term "magical" may be subjective, Addison Street's combination of historical significance, cobblestone charm, natural beauty, and vibrant community creates an atmosphere that many find captivating and enchanting.

Why is Christmas on Addison Street so magical?

Christmas on Addison Street is unlike any other holiday experience. Every year, as the frosty breeze tingles the senses and twinkling lights illuminate the night, a wave of enchantment sweeps over this quaint little neighborhood. From the moment December arrives, Addison Street is transformed into a magical wonderland that captivates hearts and brings joy to all who visit.


One of the key elements that make Christmas on Addison Street so magical is the community spirit that fills the air. The residents eagerly come together to decorate their homes with an extraordinary display of creativity, colors, and lights. As you stroll down the street, you are transported to a different world, where each house tells its own unique story through its breathtaking decorations. From traditional to whimsical, every corner offers a glimpse into the imagination and spirit of the people living on Addison Street.


The Christmas lights are a sight to behold. As darkness descends, thousands of shimmering bulbs weave a tapestry of brilliance throughout the neighborhood. It feels as if the stars have fallen from the sky to embark on a magical dance along the street. The twinkling, multicolored lights twinkle in perfect harmony, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle that leaves both children and adults in a state of awe.
Music fills the air, further heightening the enchantment. The sound of carolers singing joyfully on street corners and the soft jingle of bells from horse-drawn carriages add a melodic backdrop to the festivities. The harmonious blend of joyful tunes and laughter carries on the winter wind, spreading cheer to all who venture into this wonderland.
Furthermore, the spirit of giving is abundant on Addison Street. The locals go above and beyond to spread goodwill and touch the hearts of others during the holiday season. Community organizations come together to organize toy drives, food donations, and charitable events, ensuring that everyone feels the warmth of Christmas. The atmosphere of kindness and generosity permeates every crack and crevice, creating a sense of unity that is truly magical.


Children, with wide-eyed wonder, are the true believers in the magic of Addison Street at Christmas. To them, it is a place where dreams come true and miracles happen. As families stroll hand in hand, children marvel at the elaborate displays, whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, and sip hot cocoa under the glow of the festive lights. The magic in their eyes and the joy in their laughter are the purest reflections of what Christmas is truly about.

Christmas on Addison Street transcends beyond a mere holiday tradition. It is a celebration of love, community, and the joy of giving. The harmony of dazzling lights, joyful music, and a sense of togetherness creates an atmosphere that can only be described as magical. It is a place where memories are born and cherished for a lifetime, and the true spirit of Christmas comes alive.


So, if you ever find yourself in the vicinity during the holiday season, take a walk down Addison Street, and let the enchantment of Christmas embrace you. Experience the magic that resides on every corner, and feel the warmth of a truly extraordinary community. Christmas on Addison Street is an experience like no other—one that will leave you believing in the power of the season and the beauty of humanity.

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Anna Triant Magic!

Philly Christmas Sessions are magical any time of year... The magic is in the air!

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Family photography in Philly. Always a ton of places to explore!

Family is EVERYTHING.. Isn't it?

There are many old horse tethering rings, from days of horse-drawn carriages when the road was a cobbled street.. Each home is immaculately decorated for the holidays. However, the one thing that stands out on Addison street, is it is always Christmas! The tree-lined street is usually adorned with Christmas lights 24/7 (no matter the time nor time of year). 

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Family sessions are the best here. Beautiful light and great location on Addison Street.

This street offers magic.. ANYTIME OF YEAR.

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All smiles with this magical family in Philadelphia.

South Jersey photographers, ROCK! This is an extremely safe street to do a family session on.

Don’t be surprised if you catch neighbors coming out to say, “hi.” It is one of my most beloved places to capture small families around the Christmas Season! 

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The lights lining the streets on Addison Street make it a most magical location for any type of photography session anytime of the year!

Last, but not least... one of my favorite sessions done here!

However, any time of year… it is a beautiful place to stroll down. Wandering through the neighboring areas of Delancey and many of the nooks and crannies around Pine Street. Rittenhouse square is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore. 

Check out Addison Street for the holiday season. You won’t be disappointed!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Addison Street aficionado

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Shooting Star Photography- Loving every single minute!

Fall Sessions have arrived.... 2022!

Can you believe this year, is almost over?

My goal is to provide my clients with the greatest experience, for the greatest people in your life!

i understand how frustrating it is to wrangle up the family together, to get ready, to get your portraits done. the joys, anxiety and challenges of preparing for a shoot.  however, i also know how important these special moments are to you to capture and I do my upmost best to capture these memories for you. 

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Couples and engagement shoot! This was shot in downtown Mullica Hill.

At shooting star photography, located in southern new jersey,  we will take charge of the photo session.  we know what it takes, we want your photographs to be unique and your images to have a truly personal feel. 

This is why we continue to do what we do and sell out, year after year. 

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Maternity Capture in Williamstown, New Jersey!

Whether wanting a photo session in Philadelphia, Delaware, or the suburbs of Southern New Jersey, we have you covered on gorgeous and expansive locations to suit your needs.

We, not only want you to have gorgeous images, but we want to create everlasting memories. Providing you with the best service out there.

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Family beach session at the Jersey shore. Yes, the background is real. We add a little magic! We were the first to offer this session and I know teach it to photographers across the US.

After you submit your contact form, i will then call (or email) based on your preference, so we can discuss and plan out your own custom portrait experience. We will cover everything from location, dates, vision for the shoot, clothing etc. This might sound overwhelming but don't worry as i'll be here to guide you through the process. I got you!

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A magical kiss, with a magical unicorn!

Whether it be a family session, a children's session, maternity or engagement... 

Let us capture your joy! Let's make some art!

With love and happy shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Owner

Shooting Star Photography

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Family Sessions... ROCK

Family Sessions... ROCK

It is no surprise how much we love to photograph our families! Most of our sessions are family sessions. Shooting Star Photography has scouted locations all around South Jersey and beyond, for the most ultimate family session. Whether you are looking for a forest setting (shown here), a wildflower field, or at the Jersey Shore we will make sure we capture you in the best light imaginable.

It's all about capturing these times and making memories, right? That's all we want. We want you to be able to look back on these, years to come, see them on your walls and SMILE at the memories made.

It is no surprise how much we love to photograph our families! Most of our sessions are family sessions. Shooting Star Photography has scouted locations all around South Jersey and beyond, for the most ultimate family session. Whether you are looking for a forest setting (shown here), a wildflower field, or at the Jersey Shore we will make sure we capture you in the best light imaginable.

It's all about capturing these times and making memories, right? That's all we want. We want you to be able to look back on these, years to come, see them on your walls and SMILE at the memories made.

Whether your child went off to college, your child can walk or talk, or just entering high school, it is important to capture these times. They are fleeting. Time moves on, no matter how we wish to stop it.

This particular mama wanted to capture this time of her adolescent kiddos. Before they were going off to school. She also just had a milestone weight loss journey and wanted to capture this time of joy in her life.

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Family capture and killing it in red. With mom and her "babies."

As you can see, mom killed it with her kiddos. We got to capture some great smiles, had a lot of laughs and just had a great day!

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Smile kiddos! These are going up on the wall.

Mom wanted a magical forest feel and I think she got that here! We took the family to one of our favorite spots in Gloucester County. It doesn't matter what season of the year it is at this location. It is ALWAYS gorgeous! Even in the winter, we have done snow sessons!

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Mom and daughter.

Our year is almost filled up. We have no more availability until September. If you are looking for that magical family session, we are here to make it happen!

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Mom and her girls.

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I wanted to get one pretty amazing one of mom and just love it. Hey, got to show off that new figure, right? We love magical fall sessions!

We love what we do and we love creating magic. Contact us today and let the magic commence!

Have a magical day, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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Don’t worry about a thing.. is every little thing.. gonna to be alright? 2022 is CRAZY LOL

Bob Marley may have been onto something. I know things are complete insanity right now. I haven’t watched the news in months, but I do read, A LOT and I do see what it costs at the pump. 

In my Shooting Star Photography world, I truly do want my clients to not worry about a thing because IT IS going to be alright. Time is passing by. Sometimes, we need to just live in the moment and maybe that’s what he was onto. That being in the present.... magic! Take a deep breath of the air around you and look around the room. You will probably smile. You’ll smile whether you are at your desk, or home, or with your children because that world, in front of you, is what you created. It may be perfect, but it is yours, right?

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Magical unicorn sessions are always a delight!

Capturing smiles worldwide. My job and this little angel's hugs are worth it.

Listen... life is what you make of it. You can either see the glass half empty, or the glass half full. So what? House is messy, clothes need washing… those aren’t permanent things. Just like rough times, they shall pass and they always do and they get cleaned up eventually, right?

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Vintage photo shoot in the studio.

Happy Happy Joy Joy. Vintage in the studio in Haddon Township.

My job is to get you to enjoy and be in the moment with your family. That’s all. And that’s what we do. We sit back and watch the magic unfold and we capture that through our lens. I love what I do and I love seeing my customers happy and enjoying themselves and thus, they’ll enjoy the final images and walk away HAPPY. We need a bit more of that in this world.  

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Shooting Star Photography- JUST MOVED.

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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.

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Audubon girl, celebrating her softball. LOVE this little lady!

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!

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