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:
My Daughter and being a South Jersey Portrait Photographer
Twirling in the tulip patch in South Jersey.
One reason that I got into photography, is my children. I just wanted to have pretty photos of my kids and to document them growing. I just wanted pretty photos and to cherish these fleeting moments. I purchased a camera in 2010 for a vacation, when I had my first child, Rocco, I would get out my little panasonic lumix and document my little red-head. However, it was time to "upgrade." I then went into the Sony Mirrorless a6000 system and it became love at first sight. Now, I shoot both Canon and Sony full frames, but it was the little push I needed in the beginning, to learn and to grow.. that has gotten to me where I am today.
I feel so blessed that I can capture my own children, HOW I WISH TO CAPTURE THEM. In the fairytale style that I love and taken all throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. Now, my daughter has not always been a willing participant, she happily loves dressing up my dresses now and putting on a little show/shoot. At first, it was a struggle and she didn't want to wear any dresses, whatsoever. Kind of ironic, right? Now, she loves it. She loves getting to explore new places and being outside and the opportunity to meet other kids.
Picking tulips and giving me her usual “stink eye” look. She’s a trip!
My little lady in the tulips of South Jersey.
I now present you with my little love... Gigi and some of the joys and captures over the years. Hope you enjoy these images, as much as I do.
My little girl taken at Mood's Farm Market in Mullica Hill.
Having a fun day at the Jersey Shore.
My little girl at the Jersey Shore/beach in South Jersey.
Cherry blossom fun in South Jersey.
In the garden in Woodstown. My two loves. Rocco and Gigi.
Enjoy these fleeting years, with your children. You won't be disappointed in capturing them and memories that will last a lifetime. No one can take these moments away and I AM SO GLAD I HAVE THESE.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Family Photographers in the Philadelphia Area and South Jersey
Family Sessions are our specialty among the families of South Jersey. We love creating magic for our clients. What is special about booking a fall photo session in South Jersey?
A fall photo session can be a unique and special experience for several reasons:
Beautiful Colors: Fall is known for its stunning and vibrant colors. The changing leaves create a warm and cozy atmosphere that can make for beautiful backdrops in photos.
Cooler Weather: Fall brings cooler temperatures, which can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable photo session. There's no need to worry about sweating or feeling uncomfortable in the heat, which can be a concern during summer sessions.
Wardrobe Options: Fall fashion is known for its cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots, which can make for stylish and fun wardrobe options for a photo session. These clothing items can add a pop of color and texture to photos, making them more interesting and visually appealing.
Mood and Atmosphere: The fall season has a unique mood and atmosphere that can make for a cozy and intimate photo session. The warm and cozy feeling of fall can create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which can result in more natural and genuine photos.
I met the beautiful “C” family when I first started this business. I can’t tell you what it means to me, to see my families grow over the years. I’ve seen this little girl turn into a little woman. I’ve seen family members go off to college and unfortunately, members who have passed (but grateful that I was able to capture memories), onward to this little guys First Holy Communion. Boy, it’s been a ride. Two dogs later and two kids heading off to high school. It surely perks you up to see how much time has flown by and how important it is to capture these memories.
What is special about booking a fall photo session in South Jersey?
A fall photo session can be a unique and special experience for several reasons:
Beautiful Colors: Fall is known for its stunning and vibrant colors. The changing leaves create a warm and cozy atmosphere that can make for beautiful backdrops in photos.
Cooler Weather: Fall brings cooler temperatures, which can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable photo session. There's no need to worry about sweating or feeling uncomfortable in the heat, which can be a concern during summer sessions.
Wardrobe Options: Fall fashion is known for its cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots, which can make for stylish and fun wardrobe options for a photo session. These clothing items can add a pop of color and texture to photos, making them more interesting and visually appealing.
Mood and Atmosphere: The fall season has a unique mood and atmosphere that can make for a cozy and intimate photo session. The warm and cozy feeling of fall can create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which can result in more natural and genuine photos.
Holiday Cards: Fall photo sessions are perfect for holiday cards and family portraits. Taking photos in the fall allows you to get ahead of the holiday rush and have plenty of time to select and send out your holiday cards.
Overall, a fall photo session can be a unique and special experience that captures the beauty and warmth of the season.
Family Sessions with the pups are always the best. Fall Session in South Jersey.
Siblings. I Love being able to watch these kiddos grow throughout the year.
Family is truly everything. It is not cliche. It is what gets me up every single morning.
It’s not about making memories, anyone can do that, but I just want to give every individual that comes my way, the best that I can offer. It’s a pride thing for me. It's my art that I love to share with the world. I CANNOT give my clients something mediocre as I know these will be keepsakes they may want to hang on their walls. It’s got to be art, it’s got to be what the client wants and envisions and I also want to be proud for anything that leaves my doors.
Fall photo session with this handsome guy!!! Had to do the cool hand over hair move.
fall photo sessions. Love the falling leaves and colors.
I got to capture this absolutely stunning family in one of my favorite forest spots. I love the light any time of year and when it is fall, the colors just come alive (as you see here). I hope you enjoy! I look forward to creating something special for you and your family!
Let us create some magic for you and your family.
Happy 2022!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Best Maternity Photographer in South Jersey
What is so special about a Maternity Photography Session?
A maternity photography session is special because it captures a unique and beautiful moment in a woman's life: the transition to motherhood. It's a time when a woman's body is changing, and she's growing a new life inside her. Maternity photography celebrates this transformation and creates lasting memories of this special time.
Maternity photography also allows expectant mothers to connect with their unborn baby and document the beginning of their journey together. It can be an emotional and empowering experience, as women celebrate the strength and beauty of their bodies and the new life growing within.
Shooting Star Photography has been the top 10 maternity photographer, in the Philadelphia area, for the last 5 years. Via Expertise.com.
Their ranking falls on customer service (they’ve even “crank called” my business, to see if I would answer the phone) as a test to measure photography companies/studio and to measure their true customer service nature. Their ranking is not purchased or bought, or do they have advertisers that “promote us.” It’s the real deal as anyone can be “ranked” as the top or claim they are “the top.”
Their method is to promote value, with quality and customer service. That is something I do try and provide to all my clients. They are family and they become family.
Maternity photography is truly an art form. It’s something I really love to capture. I love photographing adults and I find them to be as fun as photographing children. I’ve even photographed engagements. It’s something special. A true rite of passage to become a mom. My goal is to empower, the woman within. Show her true beauty. Capture the love between two people.
What is so special about a Maternity Photography Session?
A maternity photography session is special because it captures a unique and beautiful moment in a woman's life: the transition to motherhood. It's a time when a woman's body is changing, and she's growing a new life inside her. Maternity photography celebrates this transformation and creates lasting memories of this special time.
Maternity photography also allows expectant mothers to connect with their unborn baby and document the beginning of their journey together. It can be an emotional and empowering experience, as women celebrate the strength and beauty of their bodies and the new life growing within.
Finally, a maternity photography session provides an opportunity for expectant mothers to bond with their partners and other family members. It's a time to come together and share in the excitement of the new arrival, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Some of the many beautiful expecting mothers we have been blessed with.
I have a ton of gowns at my clients disposal. From winter looks, to summery beach looks, I try to carry something for every size and customer.
Nothing like showcasing you and your future, in the best light possible. The goddess within, I want to bring out and for you to shine in.
When to come in:)
I remember my first born. He was rough. Eleven pounds. Yup, 11. I could barely walk at 8 months and then I was put on bed rest. Whew! He was an exhaustive one. I do suggest around the 7 1/2 am to 8 month mark. That way you’ll be able to at least walk and/or be a bit mobile. Those last few weeks are TOUGH. At the end of our session, I’ll make sure your significant other gives you a grand old foot massage.
Whether you like the city or a whole field of flowers, I git you covered for your maternity session. I’d love the opportunity to capture this special moment, in your life, for you!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
South Jersey's Premiere Photographer for Maternity Photography
Why is it important to capture your pregnancy with a professional photographer?
Pregnancy is that time to reflect upon what is to come and to expect. It's frightening, it's exciting and often times bittersweet. They often-say that life doesn't begin until you have children. I can attest, it's true. I feel like my life had no meaning until I had my two. They are my whole entire world. All I could ever ask for. The amount of joy children bring into your life, it's otherworldly and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.
Starting a family is sometimes everyone's ultimate dream in life and yes... it is scary, but there is nothing like bringing another human being into this world. Seeing those little feet and hands looking right up at you. There will be long nights of feeding and cuddling... and the lovely changing of those stinky diapers, but it's motherhood. It's a rite of passage, for a lot of men and women. It's something to be a part of and parenthood does get easier. I promise.
Mama in the ocean at sunset.
Just a girl and her husband... with her horse.
Pregnancy is that time to reflect upon what is to come and to expect. It's frightening, it's exciting and often times bittersweet. They often-say that life doesn't begin until you have children. I can attest, it's true. I feel like my life had no meaning until I had my two. They are my whole entire world. All I could ever ask for. The amount of joy children bring into your life, it's otherworldly and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.
Why is it important to capture your pregnancy with a professional photographer?
Capturing pregnancy with a maternity photographer can be a wonderful way to document this special time in your life. Here are some reasons why:
Memories: Pregnancy is a unique and fleeting time in a person's life, and capturing it with a professional photographer can provide a tangible memory that you can look back on for years to come. You can share these images with your child as they grow up, or simply enjoy them as a reminder of this special time in your life.
Artistic expression: Maternity photography can be a beautiful and artistic way to capture the natural beauty of pregnancy. A skilled photographer can create stunning images that showcase the beauty and magic of this time.
Bonding experience: Having a professional photographer take pictures of you and your partner during this time can be a bonding experience. It allows you to focus on your love for each other and the baby you are bringing into the world.
Empowerment: Pregnancy can be a time of physical and emotional changes, and capturing images of yourself can be an empowering experience. It allows you to see yourself in a positive light and celebrate the changes happening to your body.
Celebration: Pregnancy is an incredible journey, and capturing it with a maternity photographer is a celebration of that journey. It allows you to acknowledge and honor this incredible experience.
In summary, capturing pregnancy with a maternity photographer can provide lasting memories, artistic expression, a bonding experience, empowerment, and celebration of this special time in your life.
Kisses and love.. is what it is all about!
Beautiful capture taken in Hammonton, New Jersey.
A true snow princess. Capture at Smithville in Mt. Holly/Eastampton, New Jersey.
Maternity sessions aren't just photography to me and just another paying client. They are MEMORIES. There's nothing more special than then being "allowed" to capture this time in your life. It's a true honor to be chosen to be hired for this important time.
Mama and her first baby in images. With one on the way in Philadelphia.
Pregnancy can mean the beginning of a new stage in a woman’s life. Let Shooting Star Photography capture this important time in your life. We have hundreds of locations at your disposal.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Still Opening My Studio- 2020 Strong!
God gave you all a gift. He put that inside you. He gave you the gift of giving your absolute best with the minimal effort. Have you ever looked around you and said... "How did I get her in this point in life?" And where you can look around and see the blessings given all around you. Yes, you may have worked your booty off... but some of these gifts just come naturally in life.
Some of these gifts may include:
:Making people feel good
:Making people laugh
:Photography
:Intelligence- Always learning. Always growing.
:Writing
:Friendship
:Sunday Dinners
I believe the gift I was given was to make people smile. Make them laugh. I am a total comedian at heart. I love capturing moments behind the lens and love reveling in moments and being in the moment sans camera. It's just always how I have been.
Even in this uneasy, crazy time... I still find humor. It's dark as we don't know what the future holds, but I have hope.
As photographers, you need to find your passion and what drives you as the artist you are.
Even doing a YOU series. Like individual adult portraits telling people’s love story. Or capturing the joy of family life. Listen to your heart and let it drive you to great heights.
Remember.... in the midst of this Corona virus. The person you are today... isn’t going to be the person you are a year from now or 10 years from now. Radiate love in every area of your life. Even if its at home at the moment.
I still plan to open my studio and make 2020 THE KICK BUTT YEAR. I may have been delayed, but it won't stop me from pursing my dream. Maple Shade, New Jersey here I come. I can't wait to be a part of the community. I'm very excited for what the future brings!
