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.

Maternity Photography Shooting Star Photography Maternity Photography Shooting Star Photography

Fall Maternity Session | Ridley Creek Park PA

Capture the beauty of your pregnancy with a fall maternity session at Ridley Creek State Park. South Jersey, Philadelphia & NJ maternity photographers.

Magical Autumn Maternity Session at Ridley Creek State Park | New Jersey Maternity Photographer

There’s something truly special about maternity photography, and it’s even more magical when you add the vibrant beauty of autumn to the mix. This recent maternity session at Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania was nothing short of breathtaking. With fall foliage in full swing, the expectant mother glowed in a striking red dress, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re expecting your first child or your third, these moments are worth celebrating—and what better way to do that than with a photo shoot capturing the joy, beauty, and anticipation of welcoming new life?

South Jersey maternity photographer expecting mom in red dress at Ridley Creek State Park

Beautiful mommy in red at Ridley Creek State Park.

Why Ridley Creek State Park is Perfect for Your Maternity Session

If you’re looking for a South Jersey maternity photographer or a location that offers captivating photo opportunities, Ridley Creek State Park should be at the top of your list. This park offers everything: lush meadows, serene wooded areas, and charming stone structures. In autumn, the park transforms into a wonderland of red and gold foliage, providing the perfect backdrop for your maternity photos.

The best part? Ridley Creek is stunning all year round. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the crisp fall air, the park ensures that every season offers a unique and beautiful setting for your maternity photos.

South Jersey maternity photographer capturing mom in a red gown, holding a leaf branch and cradling her belly while posing at the camera during a serene outdoor maternity session.

Maternity Sessions, rock!

Maternity Photography at Its Best

I love working with moms-to-be—there’s something so magical about the glow of pregnancy and the excitement that fills the air. And when we add the dads-to-be to the session, it becomes a family celebration! Maternity sessions at Shooting Star Photography are all about celebrating the new life you’re bringing into the world, capturing the love and connection between partners and their little one on the way.

South Jersey maternity photographer captures expecting parents sharing a kiss under the vibrant fall foliage, creating a romantic and intimate moment during their autumn maternity session.

Sweet kisses.

I know firsthand that pregnancy can come with its insecurities. Trust me, I didn’t do maternity photos for my own pregnancies because I didn’t feel “picture-perfect.” And let me tell you—I regret it! Maternity photography isn’t just about capturing your bump; it’s about celebrating your body and the miracle it’s creating. It’s a moment in time that’s yours to cherish forever.

South Jersey maternity photographer captures a sweet moment in the garden with dad gently touching mom's belly while mom lovingly touches dad's face, creating a tender and intimate connection during their maternity session.

I think this one is my favorite.

That’s why I’m so passionate about making every session unique to YOU. At Shooting Star Photography, we offer a wide selection of over 25 different gowns for your maternity session. From long-sleeve to boho styles, we have something to make you feel like the glowing queen you are.

Pennsylvania photographer captures a glowing mom smiling in the autumn foliage, celebrating her pregnancy with the vibrant colors of fall as the perfect backdrop for her maternity session.

All smiles for baby!

The Shooting Star Photography Experience

What sets us apart is our commitment to you. We know that maternity photo sessions come with a small window of time before delivery, so we make it a priority to deliver your images as quickly as possible. While our standard turnaround time is a few weeks, we prioritize maternity sessions and strive to get your final selections back to you within 1-2 weeks.

We know that when you’re expecting, every moment counts—and we want to make sure you have these special memories ready in time to enjoy.

A stunning maternity portrait of a mom looking out in the distance amidst autumn foliage, captured by a Pennsylvania photographer. The vibrant fall colors highlight her glowing pregnancy.

Beautiful fall maternity session.

Sneak Peek: A Beautiful Maternity Session at Ridley Creek State Park

Take a look at the stunning fall maternity session below! Our lovely mom-to-be absolutely shined in her red gown, and Ridley Creek’s autumn scenery provided the perfect backdrop. Miss A, you were a glowing mama-to-be!

Expecting dad kneeling down to kiss mom's baby bump in a serene forest setting, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer. The lush greenery enhances the tender moment.

Kisses from dad to baby!

Close-up of a glowing baby bump in beautiful autumn light, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer. The warm golden hues highlight the tenderness of the moment.

The beautiful baby bump.

Book Your Maternity Session Today!

If you're ready to celebrate your pregnancy and have these beautiful moments captured, don’t wait—contact us today to book your maternity photo session! From South Jersey maternity photoshoots to the best maternity photographers in Philadelphia, we’re here to make this experience as special as your growing family.

Expecting mom gently holding her baby bump, gazing down in a red maternity dress surrounded by warm autumn tones, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer.

Fall maternity photo shoot!

Expecting mom smiling while holding her baby bump on the garden stairs, surrounded by lush greenery, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer.

She’s glowing.

Expecting mom sitting by the pond in the garden, shoes off, enjoying a peaceful moment during her maternity session in Pennsylvania.

I love Ridley Creek Park as it offers a large variety of background options!

About Dee

Dee, the owner of Shooting Star Photography, is a passionate maternity and family photographer serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware County, PA. With over 11 years of experience, Dee is committed to creating beautiful, timeless portraits that celebrate life’s biggest milestones.

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Maternity Session at Cooper River Park NJ- Robin Hood’s Castle

Maternity Session at Cooper River Park NJ- Robin Hood’s Castle

Another beautiful maternity session in the books. I had the pleasure of doing another gorgeous maternity shoot, here in South Jersey! Maternity is my ultimate favorite thing to shoot in this whole wide world! My one true passion is history as I have written books about South Jersey, so I like to incorporate a bit of South Jersey history into my sessions!!!I had discovered between some mutual friends of a place in the Cooper River Park area in Pennsauken (or Collingswood) depending on which side of the river! There are quite some folklores on this place, but has been in existence for about 80 years and looks like it will be around for quite some time!!!The locals refer to it as Robin Hood's castle! Now, us South Jerseyans love us some history so am going to add a bit of it here in this blog post!!Now, here is the "REAL" Nottingham's Castle... aka Robin Hood's castle and as you can see they don't compare.

NJ Maternity Session at Cooper River Park in NJ!

Another beautiful maternity session in the books. I had the pleasure of doing another gorgeous maternity shoot, here in South Jersey!  Maternity is my ultimate favorite thing to shoot in this whole wide world!  My one true passion is history as I have written books about South Jersey, so I like to incorporate a bit of South Jersey history into my sessions!!!I had discovered between some mutual friends of a place in the Cooper River Park area in Pennsauken (or Collingswood) depending on which side of the river!  There are quite some folklores on this place, but has been in existence for about 80 years and looks like it will be around for quite some time!!!The locals refer to it as Robin Hood's castle!  Now, us South Jerseyans love us some history so am going to add a bit of it here in this blog post!!Now, here is the "REAL" Nottingham's Castle... aka Robin Hood's castle and as you can see they don't compare.  

Capturing Beauty at Cooper River Park, NJ

Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a hidden gem that offers photographers a plethora of enthralling opportunities to capture breathtaking images. Nestled in the heart of Camden County, this park provides an idyllic setting for a photography shoot, drawing both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. It can be a wonderful place especially with the fall colors and warm vibrant tones!

Serene Natural Beauty

One of the main reasons why Cooper River Park is a perfect location for a photography shoot is the abundance of serene natural beauty that surrounds it. The park boasts a picturesque, tree-lined lake, which reflects the mesmerizing colors of the changing seasons - from the vibrant foliage in the fall to the delicate blossoms in the spring.

Versatile Shooting Locations

Cooper River Park offers a diverse range of shooting locations to suit various styles and preferences. From the paved paths that wind through the park, perfect for capturing candid shots of people enjoying nature, to the charming stone bridges that add a touch of classic elegance to any portrait, there is no shortage of interesting backdrops and landscapes.

Vibrant Wildlife

Photographers with a passion for wildlife will revel in the opportunities to capture vibrant and intriguing creatures in Cooper River Park. The park is home to a variety of bird species, such as herons, egrets, and ducks, providing ample chances for stunning avian photography. Additionally, the park's migratory bird population adds a dynamic element to any shoot, enhancing the possibility of capturing rare and beautiful birds in action.

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All smiles and looking beautiful in the park!

Year-Round Attractions

Regardless of the season, Cooper River Park offers year-round attractions, making it a favorite destination for photographers throughout the year. In the summer, the park is bustling with activity, with boaters, bikers, and runners, all adding life and energy to the scenes. In the winter, the frost-covered lake and snow-dusted trees create a magical atmosphere, providing opportunities for breathtaking winter landscape photography.

Easy Accessibility

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Sweet kisses and a beautiful loving moment!

Cooper River Park's convenient location and easily accessible amenities make it an ideal location for a photography shoot. The park offers ample parking space, ensuring hassle-free arrival for both photographers and subjects. Additionally, the park's close proximity to major highways and public transportation makes it easily reachable for those traveling from near or afar.
In conclusion, Cooper River Park offers photographers an ideal setting for capturing beautiful and memorable moments. With its enchanting natural surroundings, versatile shooting locations, vibrant wildlife, year-round attractions, and easy accessibility, it is no wonder that Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a top choice for those seeking a captivating photography shoot.

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Robin Hood's castle in Nottingham UK not South Jersey.

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Robin Hood in actual Nottingham, England. We went to visit a few years ago!

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Robin hoods castle in Cooper River Park. I love her smile!

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When Robin Hood’s castle was built. It has ultimately been the same for almost 90 years! Isn’t that awesome!

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Robin Hood's castle. It’s pretty cool eh? Kids use to play here and pretend they are kings and queens back in the day!

(Actually, the real castle at Nottingham burned down around the last 150 years and this was built as it's replacement).The term Robin Hood's castle was derived up from the local Collingswood kids who use to play here! The name has kind of stuck through the last few decades.Here's a lowdown of our local South Jersey castle.The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 as the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest and most ambitious American New Deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads.   It was a Federal project to help stimulate the economy prior to WWII. 

Almost every community in the United States had a new park, bridge or school constructed by this awesome agency. At its peak in 1938, it provided paid jobs for three million unemployed men!What is cool is there are MANY well intact structures built by the WPA all over South Jersey! Like this one!  Yes, a lot of the parks we see today are from around this time frame especially in Camden County and Gloucester Counties.  It's neat to see some of the history unfolding right here in our backyard that generations have probably enjoyed for decades!!!

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Mom and dad soon to be at Robin Hood’s castle in Cooper River Park.

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Beautiful maternity session taken at Cooper River Park, in Camden County NJ.

Now, I will probably have to use it for some upcoming shoots as I love the old Pennsylvania stone! Maybe another maternity session who knows? There is plenty of shaded areas of Cooper River park and an old historic house not too far from this location as well! My only one complaint is there is a ton and I mean a ton of geese droppings... so if you don't mind landmines then go for it!

This momma nailed her entire session! From what to wear to dealing with the heat! It was almost 100 degrees this day!  Also, they have now introduced their bundle of joy to the world!!! Congratulations, mama and daddy!!!I hope you enjoyed this history lesson! I love getting to include a little bit of local South Jersey flavor into my sessions!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

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