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:
Shooting Star Photography- JUST MOVED.
Hellllo, Hellllo!!! :)
Hi! We just moved to the Haddon Township area. I LOVE IT HERE!
I just moved into the Haddon Twp area. I think this place is a real find! I love the downtown areas of Audubon, Collingswood, Haddon Heights and the neighborhoods are fantastic. Being so close to all the parks in the area, also give me the opportunity to shoot in some real pretty settings. I cannot wait to create my own images (and already doing so in the new studio), and to make great memories for clients.
This historic area brings back that hometown feeling of goodwill and camaraderie. It is so great to see neighbors taking care of each other, and everyone looking out for each other. I love doing photo shoots all over the Delaware Valley area, from Philly, the Shore, Delaware and good ole New Jersey.
I try to capture the natural beauty in everything, and from this area, I am just minutes away from mostly anywhere. I think it is just a perfect central spot for most of the Philadelphia area and can easily access a Phillies game (my children love the Phils), concerts, the Poconos and the Jersey Shore. I also love the fact that you are just a stone throw away from mostly anything you need. Hello, Wegman's and Whole Foods (we didn't get that in Woodstown). It is just a really great area to be in.
I love all the great restaurants to eat at, along with the local breweries. Red, White and Brew is just a few blocks away, as well as Tonewood in Oaklyn and its new location in Barrington. It's nice to ride our bikes in the neighborhood and to explore the downtown areas of Westmont, Haddon Heights, Audubon and Collingswood. My kiddos already love Tre Famiglia and Il Fiore and the Escape Rooms of Collingswood.
I love this community so much and can't wait to be a part of it!
Country Roads Take Me Home- Living in Woodstown, NJ.
This photo was published in an international magazine. It is called, “Inspire.” I love beautiful light!
A lot of people think that you need to have the most beautiful locations to have portraits done. Honestly, it is all about light. If you can find an area that has beautiful light, any location will work. Try it out yourself!
Here are some examples of using “your backyard” and literally I used my backyard (when I lived in Salem County and now living in Camden Country) in most of these images. If it wasn’t in my backyard, it was down the street. The trick to getting good in photography, is using what you have and the resources around you. You’ll then be a master in no time.
My little girl playing “her little piano.” She actually learned a little on how to play with this thing!
Playing music and enjoying life in downtown Woodstown, South Jersey.
Woodstown living and she was great for me this day. At this age, I usually got a crier.
My little girl on North Main Street in Woodstown, New Jersey.
In my yard, I get a lot of great afternoon light. My kids, when they were younger, well, I drove them nuts and wanted to photograph their cuteness all the time… but of course, that gets old and well, they start to rebel. So the bribes would commence. I’d ask them to just come out to the yard to take a few photos.
Vintage photoshoot in Woodstown.
My daughter and the neighborhood friends in the alley near our house in Woodstown.
Alley fun! I have taken some of my most favorite portraits in this little alley in Woodstown!
The neighborhood gang!
Backyard smooches with my little gal! Taken in my backyard in Woodstown.
Love putting clients in vintage colors and beautiful light!
A fun movement capture of a little lady!
A tree, great light and an adorable subject in the backyard of South Jersey. I miss country living a bit! Fun times and days!
Snow capture and gorgeous winter light! In my backyard in Woodstown. I put one of my grandmother’s old fur capes on her! She’s too cute!
As you can see, we didn’t do too bad with what is around. We even gathered up some neighborhood kids and did a vintage shoot!
I hope you enjoyed these images. I encourage you to go outside and make some magic!
Have a magical day!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Fall Magical Unicorn Sessions In South Jersey!
Unicorn Sessions in New Jersey!!! We love creating memories for all the families of South Jersey. We include dress options and headpieces as part of your session@
There is nothing more magical than a magical unicorn session with Shooting Star Photography. Our goal is to make your child smile and be filled with joy in their experience with a “real life” unicorn.
It's what we do best, make memories and capturing this precious time in your little's life. Nothing is more joyful than seeing these kiddos faces, when they see a real life unicorn!!
Unicorn sessions in a South Jersey magical forest. We include the dresses, headpieces and unicorn.. You just need to show up! We got the rest!
One of the most precious memories you will ever have with your little girls (and let’s not rule out the boys) are the happiest of times created by magic! In a young child’s life, magical moments are of special meaning, and creating those memories are almost as special as the day they are born! What could be more magical then creating a memory with a unicorn?
Creating this almost fantastical moment is what we thrive on and to do, by giving her or him, that experience of a lifetime. The pictures create with this moment will last forever and be treasured keepsakes for decades to come!
Enjoying a winter day in the magical forest!! With her unicorn. South Jersey's number one unicorn photographer.
This is our last mini session unicorn offer of 2021 and our packages start at $350.
Time with unicorn is about 10-15 min.
Here is the link to book our 2021 fall unicorn mini sessions! You can find out all the information here!
https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/unicorn-session-350
Unicorns in the forest. New Jersey unicorn photographers. Little Dreamers Tutus Dress :)
If you would like to have a full unicorn session experience. This includes access to our luxury client closet. ANY location of choice in the South Jersey area. Think of the beach or a magical flower field!!! It includes: ONE FULL HOUR unicorn experience. The cost is $640 and we can be contacted at shootingstarsouthjerssy@gmail.com to book for this type of session.
Hope to see you out for this magical experience!
Dee
Happy Birthday! Capturing Magical Birthday Portraits in New Jersey!
Celebrating a child's birthday with a portrait session is a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some reasons why it's important to do so:
1. Marking milestones: A child's birthday is a significant milestone that should be celebrated. A portrait session is a great way to capture the child's growth and development over the years, creating a visual record of their life journey.
2. Creating memories: Children grow up so fast, and a portrait session is a way to freeze time and capture the special moments of childhood. Looking back at these photos can bring back memories and create a sense of nostalgia for both the child and their parents.
Celebrating a child's birthday with a portrait session is a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some reasons why it's important to do so:
Marking milestones: A child's birthday is a significant milestone that should be celebrated. A portrait session is a great way to capture the child's growth and development over the years, creating a visual record of their life journey.
Creating memories: Children grow up so fast, and a portrait session is a way to freeze time and capture the special moments of childhood. Looking back at these photos can bring back memories and create a sense of nostalgia for both the child and their parents.
Boosting self-esteem: A portrait session can help boost a child's self-esteem and confidence by making them feel special and important. Seeing themselves in beautiful photos can help them feel proud of who they are and increase their sense of self-worth.
Creating family heirlooms: A portrait session creates beautiful, high-quality photos that can be passed down through generations, becoming family heirlooms that tell the story of the family's history.
Overall, a portrait session is a great way to celebrate a child's birthday and create lasting memories that the family can cherish for years to come.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT AT ANY AGE?
I’m at the point in my life where I no longer feel the need to compare myself to others. I’m at the age where we start to see signs of age start to creep up on our faces.. and guess what? It doesn’t bother me anymore. I am embracing age. At any point in life, we should celebrate our age. Whether you are 5 or 55, it's important to capture these moments. Whether you think you are young or old, we will only be our youngest that we are today. Remember that, in 10 years from now, we will look back and say, "How young we were."
Celebrating birthdays is what we do! Capturing the beauty at any age! South Jersey's best photographer!
I use to workout like crazy and be thin. Now, I have learned to just be happy with who I am and workout for health.... not to lose another 20 pounds. Which I did lose a lot of the past year. Maybe too much weight. I’ve learned to love all the negative things I use to hate and be more present in the moment with folks, than worrying what I look like. I can now go out of the house without makeup and even 6 years ago that was an abomination. I no longer care what people think about my appearance and this is huge for me.
Celebrating a special birthday in South Jersey!
I find joy in the smaller things and it's the little things I find important in capturing. The moments. They are fleeting. It's all about creating memories for you and your children, or for yourself. YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY. My job is to just help you remember these important moments and to capture them. Make something special and monumental.
Let us create something magical for you!
Contact us today at Shooting Star. WE cover all areas of South Jersey, Cherry Hill, Washington Township, Medford, Woodstown, Mullica Hill. We would love to create something magical for you and your family!
Magical Christmas Family Sessions in Cape May, New Jersey
The Charming Small-Town Atmosphere
One of the top reasons why Cape May, NJ is a fantastic backdrop for Christmas family photography is its charming small-town atmosphere. Known for its historic Victorian architecture, the town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday seasons. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated storefronts, creating a magical ambiance for capturing memorable family moments. The picturesque streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops provide endless opportunities for unique and enchanting photographs.
Just in front of one of my favorite historic houses in Cape May, New Jersey.
I truly love working with all the amazing families that hire me year after year. From magical portraits, to custom family sessions on a private property, to studio sessions, we love working with families to create a rather unique experience for everyone that comes our way!
Love this little guys bow tie and outfit! Mom dresses this kid to the nines!
Love capturing families every single Christmas!!
I truly love capturing the true essence and MAGIC for all my Philadelphia and South Jersey customers. It's all about a unique experience for all my families. I just want you to show up and smile and we take care of the rest!
Posing in front of the Bed and Breakfast hot spots in Cape May, New Jersey.
Love being able to capture memories for my families of South Jersey!
Whether it is the Jersey shore for a beach session, a downtown photography shoot in Philadelphia, or a magical forest location in South Jersey, we have you covered. We have private locations as well as hundreds of public shooting locations that we can suggest for the best portrait experience for you and your family.
Love the gas lamp look of Cape May, New Jersey.
Magic created on the sidewalks of Cape May, New Jersey
Posing in front of all the cottages in Cape May, New Jersey.
Mr. Handsome Sauce at the Jersey shore. In front of the famous "cottages" in Cape May!
On the beautiful streets of Cape May, New Jersey. Christmas is the best time at this beautiful shore resort in New Jersey.
The Charming Small-Town Atmosphere
One of the top reasons why Cape May, NJ is a fantastic backdrop for Christmas family photography is its charming small-town atmosphere. Known for its historic Victorian architecture, the town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday seasons. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated storefronts, creating a magical ambiance for capturing memorable family moments. The picturesque streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops provide endless opportunities for unique and enchanting photographs.
Stunning Beach and Natural Landscapes
Cape May's unique location offers a delightful contrast between its charming small-town feel and its stunning beach and natural landscapes. This combination creates a diverse range of backdrops for Christmas family photography. Families can be photographed against the backdrop of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and crashing ocean waves, capturing the essence of a seaside Christmas celebration. Additionally, the surrounding natural landscapes and Cape May Point State Park provide a beautiful setting with lush greenery, scenic trails, and wildlife, offering even more options for capturing unforgettable family moments.
Festive Events and Activities
During the holiday season, Cape May hosts a variety of festive events and activities, making it an ideal backdrop for Christmas family photography. The town offers holiday-themed trolley rides, where families can enjoy a cozy tour of Cape May's beautifully adorned streets. The annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours provide an opportunity to explore the town's historic homes, which are lavishly decorated for the holidays. Families can also attend tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and Christmas concerts, immersing themselves in the festive spirit and creating memorable experiences that can be captured against the backdrop of the town's festive decorations.
In conclusion, Cape May, NJ is a great place for Christmas family photography for several reasons. Its charming small-town atmosphere, stunning beach and natural landscapes, and a wide range of festive events and activities all contribute to creating a magical backdrop for capturing cherished family moments during the holiday season.
I LOVE CAPE MAY!
There's nothing more magical then letting things just happen and being in the moment. That's what we try to do accomplish. Everyone with natural smiles.
Cousins getting their Christmas portraits in Cape May, New Jersey!
Loved capturing these cuties. Parents are the owners of Scoopy's two ice cream!
We'd love to be considered for your next family portraits. Contact us today so that we can create something magical for you!
Until we meet again!
Happy Shooting!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography- South Jersey Photographer
