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:
Family Photography in Millville NJ | in Cumberland County
Capture family love in Millville, NJ with captivating backdrops in Cumberland County. Book a session with Shooting Star Photography your NJ photographer.
Millville NJ | Cumberland County | A Captivating Backdrop for Your Family Photo Shoot
Cumberland County, located in the charming state of New Jersey, holds a treasure trove of captivating landscapes and diverse settings that make it an exceptional choice for your upcoming family photo shoot. From picturesque coastal areas to quaint rural backdrops, this county offers a plethora of options to ensure that your family portraits are infused with a distinct and enchanting charm. Here's why Cumberland County, NJ, is an awesome backdrop for your family photo shoot.
1. Coastal Beauty in Cumberland County
Millville and surrounding areas boast stunning coastal areas along the Delaware Bay, making it an ideal location for capturing timeless family memories with a flair of serenity. Whether you choose to pose against the backdrop of golden sand dunes or dance underneath the picturesque sunset, the invigorating beach atmosphere and tranquil waters offer an unparalleled setting for your family photography.
2. Rich History in Millville
For families inclined towards a nostalgic ambiance, Cumberland County's historical sites weave an enchanting tale. From the beautiful architecture of Bridgeton's downtown district to the historic buildings in Greenwich, this county is a treasure trove of picturesque locations. The fusion of timeless elegance and the deep-rooted history ingrained in these sites will surely add a touch of sophistication and character to your family portraits.
3. Rural Family Charm:
The county's rural landscapes present an idyllic milieu for capturing natural and candid family moments. From vast farmlands to enchanting orchards, Cumberland County offers a rustic charm that allows your family's love and connection to shine through effortlessly. Stroll through the blooming fields, play hide-and-seek amidst the rows of corn, or gather around the hay bales—these simple yet captivating backdrops will exude a genuine sense of joy and togetherness in your photographs.
4. Seasonal Beauty:
Depending on the time of year, Cumberland County showcases breathtaking seasonal beauty that can enhance the allure of your family portraits. In the spring, frolic amidst the colorful cherry blossom trees or explore the vibrant gardens bursting with tulips. In the fall, embrace the warm hues of the foliage and engage in delightful activities such as apple picking or pumpkin carving. The county's dynamic seasons ensure that each photo shoot captures the essence of the moment and reflects the unique charm of each season.
5. Community Spirit:
Cumberland County is home to a vibrant and diverse community, whose warmth and welcoming nature exude an irresistible positive energy. Whether you wish to incorporate the local culture, festivals, or events into your family photo shoot, the county's rich community spirit will infuse your portraits with a strong sense of belonging and unity.
Cumberland County, NJ, is a treasure trove of magnificent backdrops, seamlessly blending coastal beauty, rich history, rural charm, seasonal delights, and a strong community spirit. Its diversity and natural wonders serve as a perfect setting for your family to shine in front of the camera, creating memories that will be cherished for generations to come. So, embark on an adventure and let Cumberland County be the canvas for your family's story in the form of breathtaking photographs.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall in Millville, NJ!
Wow, can you believe summer is officially coming to an end? This Labor Day weekend brought a crisp change in the air, with temperatures dipping into the upper 60s—sweater weather already! As the seasons shift, we're gearing up for an exciting fall here in South Jersey, especially in beautiful Millville and the surrounding areas.
At Shooting Star Photography, we’re thrilled to work with families, children, and soon-to-be moms (maternity photography holds a special place in my heart). Fall is all about warm, earthy tones, natural light, and capturing the pure joy and innocence of the season. Below, you’ll find highlights from last year’s sessions, showcasing the magic we love to create.
Our calendar is already packed for the rest of the year, and we’re so grateful for all the support from Millville, South Jersey, and even Philadelphia! This year has been nothing short of incredible, and we can’t wait to finish it strong.
What’s New for Fall 2025?
Mini Sessions:
We’ve introduced four unique themes this year—Unicorn, Princess at a Castle, City Sessions, and Tree Farm sessions. These mini sessions were booked out quickly (thank you, everyone!).
Luxury Additions: We’re bringing in new high-end dresses, gorgeous maternity gowns, fresh locations, and even a snow machine to make this fall and winter extra magical.
Seasonal Vibes: We love those rich, warm fall tones and are embracing them for every session this season.
As life picks up with back-to-school routines and holiday preparations, we know how busy things can get. That’s why we’re here to make your photography experience stress-free, fun, and memorable.
Thank You, Millville and Beyond!
To all our amazing clients from Millville, South Jersey, and Philadelphia, thank you for trusting us to capture your precious memories. We’re excited to wow you with more breathtaking sessions this fall and winter.
If you’re planning for next year, keep an eye out—we’ll be announcing our new calendar soon. For now, enjoy the crisp air, pumpkin spice everything, and the beauty of fall in South Jersey!
One Dress- Multiple Looks
I can't tell you how many times am asked if this dress (not this one in particular) can be used in this particular setting. The answer is YES. If you have the right photographer, they can help stylize each and every session to capture what you want to do!
Love this Anna Triant Dress and the brunette beauty truly shines. We took this at Weymouth Furnace in Atlantic County.
Fairy sessions in a local park.
Fairy Magical Sessions. I always love adding a little magic to our images.
Winter fairy. We actually created this "snow" effect in post to make it more magical.
Twirling on the streets of Philadelphia.
Same dress (which is made by Anna Triant) by the way. Different location in Philadelphia. It's also the same girl as above.
Twirling in a meadow in Sewell, NJ.
Taken in a local park in Sewell, New Jersey. Same dress as all other examples.
Having fun in the cornfields in Alloway, Salem County, NJ.
Photoshoot in Alloway, Salem County, New Jersey. From country gal to city girl.. styles can be versatile.
As you can see, just one dress, can be used in a variety of locations and situations. That's what we are here for and to create beautiful images for our customers.
If looking to book the most magical Philly photographer around, we are here for you!
Have a magical day, my friends!
Dee
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
Portraits in the Snow. Beautiful Light Found in South Jersey.
Beautiful Snow Portrait Photography in New Jersey
There is something truly enchanting about capturing portraits in the snow. As delicate flakes gently cascade from the heavens, they create a dreamlike ambiance, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland. The mesmerizing white blanket serves as a magical canvas, enhancing the beauty of every subject. The crisp chill in the air adds a rosy glow to cheeks, making smiles shine even brighter. Against the serene backdrop, the vivid colors of scarves, hats, and mittens pop with vibrancy, creating striking contrasts. Snowflakes delicately kiss eyelashes, evoking a sense of whimsy and enchantment. In the realm of winter portraiture, the photographer becomes an artist, skillfully capturing the ethereal magic that lies within snowy landscapes.
Capturing children's portraits in the snow is an exhilarating and endearing experience that truly encapsulates the joy and wonder of childhood. As the snowflakes gently fall from the sky, creating a pristine white canvas, the children's rosy cheeks and bright smiles light up the wintry landscape. Each photograph becomes a timeless moment frozen in time, a testament to their innocence and boundless energy. Against the backdrop of snow-covered trees and sparkling winter light, the children's playful nature is showcased as they build snow forts, throw snowballs, or embrace the beauty of the season. With every click of the shutter, the magic of childhood and the ethereal beauty of the snow merge, resulting in portraits that are full of warmth, delight, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Addison Street is a beautiful setting for snow photography.
Snowing at Weymouth Furnace.
Wow! We did not expect this, for this year! Boy, have things changed and quickly! It was going to be a great year for Shooting Star Photography. A lot of changes were made. A new studio location was about to be open. Then... in a matter of days.. ALL of our lives changed. Which seemed to happen overnight. We changed our clocks forward, but if only we knew what the week would be ahead, after the change. I don't think anyone could have ever predicted such craziness.
Most small businesses are shut down and not permitted to operate in these crazy times. I feel for anyone going through the struggle right now. The stimulus package will not help most of us small business owners.
Who knows when this will end. Some states have shut down schools for the rest of the year. My neighboring state, of Delaware, has shut down everything until May 15th. These are very scary times that we now live in and a lot of us are stressed, due to the unknown.
A beautiful portrait taken in downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey
All we can do is band together to do what needs to be done. Help each other in these times. Be kind.
I don't know what is to happen with my business in the future. I have been able to operate for the past five years. Who knows what will happen? I am unable to take on any sessions right now. This is our busy time of year and most of us small business owners do not qualify for any stimulus $$$$. Most of us are operating (because we still have overhead/operating costs) on savings at this point. I know wedding photographers that have been left bankrupt from this. Due to weddings being cancelled. I know studio owners that may have to close their doors. It's a sad situation for all us small business owners right now. We just need to truck on by and stand together. This won't last forever.
Stay in there. Use this time wisely. Brush up on skills. Eliminate and go over expenses. We're all in this together. Stay strong!
New Jersey Beach Sessions! Jersey Shore Beach Photographer
We truly love New Jersey Beach Sessions! It's actually our number one requested session to do each year. We've sold out every single year, since we started these. This year, we are actually teaching other photographers how to shoot at the beach and that was sold out within hours. We're even sold out this year for family, children's or maternity sessions (2019). There's no wonder they call me the Eastern Coast "Beach Queen" when it comes to stylized beach portraiture.
It's honestly our goal to capture these beautiful pastel beach tones. I can't tell you how many photographers struggle with beach lighting and working at the beach. Elements alone are against us. From the wind, to the sand (that can seriously damage equipment), to very extreme harsh lighting due to the light bouncing off the sand and water. What we've done, is to find locations that work in our favor. We can manipulate light to work with us and we fly with it. Shooting Star Photography travels pretty much throughout the entire central to southern coast of the New Jersey Shore. We do sessions from LBI, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Margate, Sea Isle, Cape May, Wildwood and everywhere in between. There are even some neat beach areas we enjoy on the western shores of Jersey, the Delaware Bay that we like to utilize for our sessions. It's honestly what is important to our client and what they are looking to do.
Beach sessions our favorite session that we do. There is something calming with working at the beach. I enjoy it being my office for the day! The cool winds blowing off the ocean, the gulls a gawking. There's something very peaceful about the Jersey Shore. 
Our social media game is strong and we're waaay behind on blogging sessions. This is from our 2017 Jersey shore beach sessions, just to give you an idea. However, I always recommend folks checking us out on social media for our latest and greatest work! Happy Shooting my friends! DeeShooting Star Photography
Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.
