The Magic of Childhood

The Magic of Childhood

I love talking about people’s childhoods. When it comes to photography a lot of my childhood, I like to bring forth and to create a story. In my eyes, my childhood was magical and I wish that today's kids could enjoy the same childhood. 

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Wildflowers and moon watching at a gorgeous photo session in Mullica Hill, New Jersey.

My kids are at the ages of 7 and 4. They are now starting to inquire and ask how my childhood was and the things I did. Almost everything I talk about, my kids say they wish they could do this stuff today.

In a way, I feel bad for my children. I feel they are missing out on a real childhood. Everything just seems so planned and no surprises. With my childhood, I’d come home from school, do my homework, then head on out until the lights came on.

There was no need for texts or phone calls. You’d pop into a friend’s house and say hey, Mrs. so and so... is Jenny home? Jenny would come to the door and you’dsay, “come on, let’s go ride our bikes.” The next thing you hear is Jenny saying, “bye” to her mom and her mom screaming back, “come back before dark!” And off we went!

It was a time before the internet. We’d ride our bikes, usually in a big group. Head up to the school. Maybe play some basketball, or suicide (it’s a game with a tennis ball). When those Street lights came on, it meant it was time to head home. Have dinner. Wash up. Go to bed.

Through all these activities, it was very rare to see any parents around...

Weekends, we’d go the the mall, movies, dances, sleepovers (a ton of them) or roller skating.

If winter, you’d find us at Flower’s Hill.

Love my little monkey!

Snow portraits are the best!

If it was summer, we’d explore the forest, make forts, go crick stomping, hit up every friend’s pool, play knock knock zoom zoom, jailbreak and flashlight tag.

Of course there was sports, but today things are very competitive. We joined mostly to be social and to be with our friends.

Our only rule..was to stay out of trouble and to be home when the lights came on.

It was frowned down upon to be home and play video games all day long. We were generally encouraged to explore and be kids. I know some parents use to go as far as locking their kids out of the house until it was nighttime when I was growing up!

In a way, I feel sorry for how things are these days. It’s all about play dates and parental supervision. Sleepovers are rare, unless the parents REALLY know each other. Popping in, or stopping by, without a text, or a call is frowned down upon and basic blasphemy to do to anyone.

In my day, if you traveled to an area and knew someone and DIDN’T try to stop by... you were considered rude. It was okay to just show up and knock... if they weren’t home, it showed effort on your part and was respected.

Kids are now left at home to their own devices. Whether it be reading, video games etc. they miss the exploring and natural curiosities of just growing up and learning things on their own. I feel these kids are missing out with bonding with friends and exploring their own environments.

Don’t get me wrong, kids still do things, but I think they lose the social connection and there’s a big disconnect. Some kids are struggling with anxiety and lacking how to be social.

We didn’t need Facebook or the internet because trust me, if you did something bad... word somehow got back to your parents and hell would be leashed.

I mean kid parties now.... Parents are required to stay there. In my day, drop off, have fun, get picked up... or walk home afterwards..and that was that.

What the heck happened? Now, if kids did this stuff these days, most likely cps would be knocking. This is the crazy past, but it is what it is.

I understand a lot of it is becausebad things happen to little kiddos and there are bad people in this world. However, statistically we’re much safer than we ever have been. Due to technology.

So I guess my question would be... what happened? And why the shift?

More kids are staying indoors more than ever and obesity is going through the roof because of it.

Do you think things could ever go back the way they were? Even on a small scale?Or are we just all doomed? 😂

NJ Beach Sessions

Unique Beach Sessions at the Jersey Shore

Top 5 Reasons to Book Your Family Photo Shoot with Shooting Star Photography LLC

1. Experienced Professionals: Our team at Shooting Star Photography LLC has years of experience capturing magical moments, ensuring that your family photos at the Jersey Shore will be nothing short of spectacular.

2. Beautiful Beach Backdrops: The Jersey Shore offers a stunning and magical backdrop for your family photo shoot. With pristine sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and the sound of crashing waves, your photos will exude a sense of enchantment.

3. Personalized Approach: We take the time to understand your family dynamics and preferences, ensuring that your photo shoot is tailored to your unique style and tastes. Our goal is to capture the essence of your family in a natural and authentic way.

4. Memories to Last a Lifetime: Family photos are more than just images - they are cherished memories that you can revisit time and time again. By booking a photo shoot with us, you are investing in timeless keepsakes that will be treasured for generations.

5. Professional Editing and Quick Turnaround: Once the photo shoot is complete, our expert editing team will enhance the images to perfection. You can expect a quick turnaround time, so you can start sharing and enjoying your magical beach family photos without delay.
Book your family photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography LLC today and let us capture the magic of your moments at the Jersey Shore!

Ahhhh, since we just had a tiny little snow storm here and have been getting freezing cold weather, I am dreaming of the beach this year. It's too cold. Haha! However, one of my favorite types of scenery to capture with family, children and maternity sessions are images at the beach. There's nothing like the pastel skies, the wind in your face, the smell of the ocean, the sand between your toes... and when you incorporate a beautiful sunset, it's magical and surreal.  Almost out of a fairytale.

 As the saying goes, the weather outside is frightful... but the fire is so delightful... I know we are over the Christmas hump and getting into better weather territory. These last few weeks we will manage to survive with our very bipolar weather this year. 

This March has been probably one of the craziest months on record.. going from the 60s to 70s on some days, right back down to 30 degrees and snow!!!  I don't know about yourself, but this is the time I start thinking about the summer and spring... as I see lots of green starting to pop up in the garden bed.. and it truly is delightful. Presently, I am witnessing the dogwoods, daffodils, crocuses and the last of the lenten roses bloom and it has me itching and wanting to get out in the garden and the within the air is the essence of Spring and Summer right around the corner. 

This 2017 year... I am very blessed. EVERY SINGLE BEACH session has been sold out and we are officially booked out from April to August this year. We are currently only accepting sessions for this fall.. starting in September. Thank you all for being a part of it this year. We have some new offerings. New dresses, new accessories, new concepts and we are delighted to show them to the world.  We are also allowing our customers to choose out which photos they would like in their packages.I am very excited for this upcoming year. We just celebrated our two year anniversary and hope to continue on the next two years offering beautiful portraits in the Delaware Valley Region, Philadelphia and South Jersey.  

Sisters having fun at the beach and what it is all about!

Shooting Star Photography LLC is excited to introduce our newest offering: Unique Beach Sessions at the Jersey Shore!

As we all know, the Jersey Shore is renowned for its beautiful coastline, pristine beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a destination that captures the heart and soul of the East Coast. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe that every photoshoot should be a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience, which is why we're thrilled to bring a touch of uniqueness to our beach sessions.

Embracing Individuality

Our mission is to capture the essence of our clients and create images that reflect their unique personality and style. Our unique beach sessions at the Jersey Shore allow us to do just that, providing an opportunity to incorporate distinctive elements into each shoot. Whether it's showcasing your love for music, art, sports, or simply embracing your own personal fashion statement, we are here to bring your vision to life in a stunning beach setting.

Creative Concepts

Having fun boho style. Dancing dancing dancing!

We believe that the sky's the limit when it comes to our beach sessions. From ethereal boho-themed shoots with flowing dresses and flower crowns to energetic and action-packed sessions that capture the excitement of beach sports, we are dedicated to creating imaginative and visually captivating photographs that exceed your expectations. Our experienced photographers pride themselves on their ability to think outside the box and work closely with clients to bring their creative concepts to fruition.

Expertise and Attention to Detail

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we have a team of talented professionals who are well-versed in capturing the perfect beach shot. Our photographers possess a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and angles, ensuring that every image highlights the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore. With meticulous attention to detail, we strive to create images that tell a story and evoke emotions, making your beach session a truly memorable experience.

Memorable Keepsakes

Once your unique beach session is complete, we offer a wide range of high-quality products to help you preserve and showcase your cherished memories. From custom photo albums and framed prints to digital galleries, our selection ensures that you'll have a beautiful keepsake to treasure and share with family and friends for years to come.

Book Your Unique Beach Session Today!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to have a truly unique beach session at the Jersey Shore with Shooting Star Photography LLC. Whether it's a family session, engagement shoot, or a fun session with friends, we are here to capture those special moments in a way that reflects your personality and style. Reach out to us today to book your session and let us turn your vision into reality!

This little sea sprite just cracks me up!

Enjoy the ocean breezes and tight squeezes at the shore!.So for today's photo of the day... I bring you this sweet little sea sprite. Simple.. and sophisticated... and a lovely portrait.  Can't wait for my Jersey shore beach sessions this year! It's going to be an incredible time!!!! 

Until we meet again! 

Dee   

A Tisket, A Tasket... A Strawberry Baby In A Basket

Baby wearing a strawberry hat and in a strawberry basket.

Such a little cutie!

She wants nothing to do with this.

I got a leaf mom.

She wants out…

Now… she definitely wants out.

Photographing Babies

We've been having some very odd spring weather... Well I guess "normal weather" in what we see this time of year in South Jersey. Some days it gets hot out and up to 60+ degrees and then other days call for snow.I took advantage of the warmer weather the other day and I found a "strawberry" growing in our garden at Shooting Star!  The baby girl I worked with is 11 months old and we put a strawberry cap on her with a green diaper cover... put her in an adorable basket and magic happened!  She was such a doll to work with!The Shooting Star garden grounds are starting to come alive! 

Snowdrops are blooming, crocuses and daffodils are just about to bloom.  It's a beautiful site! In fact, we are hosting a weather here tomorrow... and yes, the weather is calling for snow... This will get interesting, but I think it will be a blast!  I love naked babies!  I know a lot of kids and young adults don't appreciate seeing themselves naked when they're older, but I think it captures the innocence and sweetness of them! Plus, I just adore babies!  I have two of my own and they'll always be my little babies in my eyes, no matter how old they get!

I have my first wedding shoot this weekend and will most-likely be in the snow and then Easter mini's this Sunday!  It is looking to be a very busy weekend!  I have also just ordered a bunch of new props for this upcoming Spring/Summer and will probably be offering outdoor mini's at one of my beautiful scouted locations next month!  I am so excited for what this year is going to bring!

I am also excited about our garden! We planted over 1,000 new perennials last year and I can't wait to utilize it for photo sessions!  I love that I can offer my clients that privacy... rather than going to a park and to be disturbed!!! However, my scouted locations also offer that privacy as well!   Give us a call!  We would love to welcome you to our garden and create lasting memories for you!

Happy Shooting, my friends! -Dee

It's a Dog EAT Dog... Photography World

Playing in the snow in Salem County.

Photo edited to inspire Alice In Wonderland... As sometimes the photography field can look like!

Maternity sessions are awesome!

Breaking Into The Tough Business Of Photography

This is going out to any new photographer out there. The photography world is a dog eat dog, competitive field my friends. They will literally eat you up and spit you out alive and then double that! For anyone just getting into it, it's a whirlwind of information and a bizarre Alice In Wonderland experience.

I'll explain my reasoning. There are actually different levels one attains on this photographic journey. One is getting your new camera.  You get excited and start snapping away. Folks start to see your "snapping" and then want you to take pictures of them and their kids and then the ego slllllowly builds up and before you know it, you'll start to add special "effects@ with your new editing gear, buy some presets and actions.  You'll order business cards, open up a facebook page and website and voila you are a professional, but guess what you're so wrong!I understand we all start somewhere and yes, I am not perfect by any means (but at least my work is in focus and people don't look like Oompa Loompas, you know with orange over-saturated skin).

You need to learn your principals before you ever start to charge or call yourself a professional.With principals, I mean by your rule of thirds, composition, the exposure triangle, light and being able to read it. Plus, there are so many other factors and expenses that come into play.  Editing software, good quality lenses, registering your business, obtaining insurance, paying taxes, calibrating your monitor, SD Cards, filters, props, expodisc, learning how to edit and to do it properly...

All these items add up.  It soon becomes very overwhelming to a beginner.It's amazing that folks think they can take a picture and because they think they have great equipment and they are professionals, but have no clue about most of what I speak of above.Yes! We all start somewhere and I'm not knocking anyone down because they want to pursue their passion... But... If you don't know what I am talking about, when I listed all the items above... YOU SHOULD NOT BE IN BUSINESS. 

You should be gaining and learning these skills and at least understanding your basics as mentioned above.  When you learn them, yes... By all means open a business...But guess what? There are hundreds of others of professionals opening their doors every single day and you better have a plan... A business strategy and marketing plan (and guess what, you can't rely on facebook for your marketing anymore as they changed their algorithms when it pertains to businesses.)

You will soon find out that sometimes your work and what you produce doesn't matter and that 90% of this field requires a business plan to last. This is an extremely saturated field. What are you going to do to separate yourself? What's your plan? Because you sure do need one if you are going to last.

This is not an easy field and one must develop thick skin to keep going forward.You just really need to want this, if you decide this is the path for you. It requires getting your hands dirty with no acknowledgement sometimes or praise. It means hitting the pavement and sometimes knocking on doors to get your name out there.

Business cards and a website are just not going to cut it, in this field.You may get very busy and keep getting busy when you first start out, but eventually you end up hitting a road block.  From there and what you do from there, will determine your future success. 

There will be many times when you'll just want to throw in the towel and give up in these moments.What you need to do is sit down and develop a plan and strategy, follow it through and you just may have a chance as a successful photographer.  Getting started is not an easy feat and I wish you the most luck in your endeavor.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee