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.
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Magical Toddler Portraits | Sewell, NJ Photographer
Capture your toddler’s personality in magical dresses by Anna Triant & Jeanne Sterrer during a whimsical photoshoot in Sewell, NJ. Book your session today!
A Toddler, a Dream Dress & a Whole Lot of Personality | Magical Sewell, NJ Photo Session
Picture this: a tiny human, barely three feet tall, strutting into her photoshoot like she owns the entire state of New Jersey. The dress? A masterpiece—layers of tulle, ruffles for days, and just enough sparkle to make a fairy godmother jealous. The attitude? Equal parts diva, princess, and tiny CEO of her own imagination.
Welcome to this magical toddler photoshoot in Sewell, NJ, where we combined childhood wonder with couture fashion, featuring the breathtaking designs of Anna Triant and Hippity Hoot by Jeanne Sterrer. If there was ever a session that screamed “whimsical meets toddler sass,” this was it.
Cutie is just getting started. Let’s rock these portraits young lady!
When a Toddler Wears a Gown Fit for Royalty
From the moment she stepped into her Anna Triant dress, it was clear—this was her moment. There’s something about a voluminous gown that brings out a girl’s inner princess, and let’s just say, she understood the assignment. Twirling? Check. Tiny hands fluffing the skirt like she was at a Paris runway show? Oh, absolutely. Giving me looks that said, “I’m only cooperating because I choose to”? 100%.
And then came the Jeanne Sterrer dress—dreamy, delicate, and perfect for a woodland fairy tale. Our tiny model did what every toddler does best: she made it her own. One second, she was a dainty ballerina twirling in a field of flowers; the next, she was full sprinting toward a butterfly like she was in the toddler Olympics.
She was all about the horsie!
Toddlers: The Most Unpredictable (and Hilarious) Models
Here’s the thing about photographing toddlers: you’re never in charge. Not really. You think you are, but they’re the directors, the creative consultants, and the ones who decide if we’re posing… or rolling in the grass like a giggling potato.
At one point, she dramatically sighed and flopped onto the ground, dress billowing around her like a queen in exile. The reason? “I need a snack.” Fair. Same, honestly.
We took breaks. We played games. We let her do her thing—because that’s where the magic happens. And sure enough, between the twirls, the tiny stomps of independence, and the pure joy of being a toddler in a fairytale dress, we captured (okay, took pictures of) the sweetest moments ever.
Little toddler twirling in the sunlight for her photograph.
Why These Couture Dresses Make Photos Even More Magical
Let’s be real—kids in fancy dresses are just next level adorable. But beyond the cuteness, gowns like these bring a fairytale feel to every image. Anna Triant’s designs are pure drama in the best way, and Jeanne Sterrer’s gowns have that soft, timeless charm. Whether it’s a birthday shoot, a milestone session, or just a reason to dress up (because why not?), these couture pieces turn childhood moments into art.
We switched out to purple (Jeanne Sterrer Designs) for a few more snaps!
Blowing and making a wish!
Booking Your Own Whimsical Toddler Session in Sewell, NJ
If you’ve got a little one with big personality and a love for twirling, let’s make some magic together! Whether it’s a princess-inspired dress, a soft vintage look, or something completely unique, I’ll help style a session that feels just right. Bonus: I fully expect (and embrace) the chaos that comes with photographing a toddler.
📍 Serving Sewell, NJ, and surrounding areas in South Jersey & the Philadelphia region. Let’s create something unforgettable—snack breaks included.
Hope you enjoyed this happy toddler session!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Mommy and Me Photoshoot in Mt. Laurel, NJ: Tulips & Laughter
Celebrate spring with a funny and heartwarming mommy and me photoshoot at Dalton Farms in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Book your session today for vibrant memories!
Spring Has Sprung (And So Have the Tulips)
Okay, let’s get real for a sec. Spring is here, the birds are chirping, and it’s the season for “OMG, look at all the pretty flowers!” But you know what’s even better? A mommy and me photoshoot in the epic tulip fields at Dalton Farms in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Seriously, this place is a goldmine for stunning photos that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous (in the best way possible).
Mom wanted to capture this special time with her little boy. She wanted a vintage look and we hope we delivered. We had some beautiful light at Dalton Farms. It lead to a beautiful tulip session.
The Quest for Perfect Photos (A.K.A. A Spring Mini Session Adventure)
Spring Mini Sessions: They’re short, sweet, and packed with memories you’ll want to frame (or send to your grandma). Perfect for busy moms who don’t have time for a full-day photoshoot but still want those heart-melting moments captured in a NJ family photographer's masterpiece.
As much as I’d love to photograph your toddler’s entire life story, these sessions are designed for moms who are like, “Can we get this done before my kid’s snack time?” Spoiler alert: we can, and we will! Plus, we’ll squeeze in as much cuteness as humanly possible.
Love the way he is looking at the camera and how mom is looking at her.
And trust me, Dalton Farms? It’s not just tulips. It’s magic. It's like stepping into a Pinterest board made of dreams, minus the pressure to perfect your DIY projects. I’ll be there to snap those fleeting moments of toddler joy (like when they find a ladybug or pretend to eat dirt—because toddlers).
This is the best pose for the little ones! They tend to have fun and it keeps them contained (and not running all over the place).
Dalton Farms: The Place Where Time Slows Down (And You Can Ignore Your To-Do List)
The tulip fields at Dalton Farms, located right here in Mt. Laurel, are, let’s just say, #Goals. Each row of blooms is like Mother Nature’s personal backdrop designer, and when you step into that sea of colors, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale, minus the wicked stepmothers and poison apples.
I’m telling you, there’s something special about watching your little one run wild (or dramatically flop down into the tulips) while I catch every smile, giggle, and tiny tantrum (because, hey, toddlers).
So whether you're a mom from Mt. Laurel or a nearby South Jersey town like Swedesboro or Sicklerville, Dalton Farms is worth the short drive. And don’t worry about traveling too far. I’ve been known to make road trips to the most magical places.
Love this huge smile on his face as mama kisses him!
Candid Moments, Even If Your Toddler’s Idea of a “Pose” Is Falling Over
I’m not into stiff, posed photos—no one has time for that. What I am into is capturing those spontaneous, “Did my kid just do that?” moments. Picture this: Your little one, knee-deep in tulips, trying to smell the flowers like they’re definitely not going to sneeze. That’s the stuff.
Tulip for mama!
"But What If My Kid Is a Runner?" Don’t Worry, I Got This.
Okay, so your kid might take off like a little blur through the tulips. This happens. But guess what? That’s actually prime photo material—sprint mode = adorable action shot. Plus, if you’re lucky, we’ll get a classic shot where they’re completely unaware that their mom’s about to chase them down like a toddler ninja. Pure. Comedy. Gold.
We got a runner! LOL
The Magic of Spring Light (Because Every Mom Deserves Some Glowy Photos)
Let’s talk about the real star of the show: Spring light. Dalton Farms has this glow that makes every tulip look like it’s been kissed by a magical fairy godmother. Whether we’re shooting at sunrise, midday, or the golden hour (yes, there’s such a thing), the light will turn even your chaotic family moment into a masterpiece.
Walking together in the tulip field.
As the sun rises, the tulips light up like they’re saying, “Hey, let’s make this photoshoot so Instagrammable that even your most skeptical friends will be impressed.” The soft morning light? Perfect for those sweet “I love you” moments with your toddler. By noon, the tulips turn into bright, vibrant pops of color, making every shot feel like it’s straight out of a dream.
All smiles and fun at Dalton Farms.
More Than Just Photos—It's a Family Memory
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about getting the perfect photo (though let’s be real, that’s a big perk). It’s about capturing the raw, beautiful moments of you and your little one exploring, laughing, and bonding in the tulip fields.
And when you look at those photos years from now, you'll remember how chaotic, beautiful, and hilarious that spring day was. You know, when your kid tried to eat a flower. Or ran off into a sea of color. Or tried to give a tulip a hug (because, why not?).
The look on his face is priceless.
So, When Do We Start?
Ready for a fun, funny, and fabulous photoshoot at Dalton Farms in Mt. Laurel, NJ? Book your Mommy and Me Spring Mini Session with me today! Trust me, these moments fly by faster than you can say “tulip selfie.”
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey
