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:
A Summer Family Session at the ICONA Hotel in Wildwood
A warm and timeless family session at the ICONA Hotel in Wildwood, NJ, photographed during golden hour while on a Jersey Shore vacation.
A Beautiful Summer Vacation Session at the ICONA Hotel in Wildwood, NJ
There’s something incredibly special about photographing families during their Jersey Shore vacations. Time slows down, routines fade away, and everyone shows up a little more present. This summer, I had the joy of photographing a beautiful family session at the ICONA Hotel in Wildwood, NJ — a location that perfectly blends coastal elegance with relaxed beach charm.
This family wanted updated portraits while they were together on vacation, and the ICONA provided the ideal backdrop. With its clean coastal aesthetic, soft white sand, and sweeping ocean views, it’s one of my favorite spots for timeless beach portraits along the shore.
What I loved most about this session was the connection between them. Photographing families with teenagers can sometimes feel like a balancing act, but these siblings shared such an easy bond that the laughter came naturally. Between playful moments, quiet interactions, and sweet in-between expressions, we created a collection that truly reflected who they are together.
We spent time walking along the shoreline, letting the kids climb and explore, and capturing both candid moments and classic portraits. The golden-hour light over Wildwood that evening was soft and warm — perfect for preserving the feeling of summer without anything feeling rushed or posed.
Sessions like this are why I love photographing families at the Jersey Shore. These years — when kids are growing quickly and families are soaking in every shared moment — deserve to be remembered just as they felt.
If you’re planning a family trip to the Jersey Shore and are considering portraits during your stay, locations like the ICONA Hotel offer a beautiful blend of scenery and simplicity. Beach sessions are especially popular during the summer months, so planning ahead helps ensure the best light and experience.
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.
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