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.

New Jersey 2024 Beach Mini Sessions

Capture timeless memories with a top family photographer at Jersey Shore, including Cape May, Avalon, Wildwood, Ocean City, and Atlantic City beach portraits.

Riding the Wave: 2024 Beach Sessions Unveiled – A Tradition of Sold-Out Success!

Are you ready to soak up the sun, laughter, and picture-perfect moments? We're thrilled to announce the launch of our highly anticipated 2024 mini beach sessions, hitting the shores this Black Friday weekend! 🏖️ Have a unique portrait experience in Ocean City, Atlantic City, Sea Isle, Cape May and many other beautiful beach towns?

Let’s create some pastel magic together. It’s time to rock and roll!

Maternity portrait session in Ocean City, NJ—couple enjoying the ocean waves, beautifully captured by a New Jersey photographer.

A couple having their maternity session in Ocean City, New Jersey. I love throwing my clients in the water to cool off and to have some fun after their beach session!

Family posing for portraits during a mini session on the beach in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, captured by a local NJ photographer.

Beautiful family capture taken in Sea Isle, New Jersey. Love the hugs and smiles!

Family portrait with Gillian's Pier in the background during a photoshoot in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Family capture with Gillian’s pier in the background.

Mom holding up her boy with dad at the Ferris wheel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during a fun family portrait session.

This family did Steel Pier. Extra magical memories were made.

Jersey Shore Beach Photographer

Year after year, our New Jersey beach sessions have become the hottest ticket in town, selling out faster than sunscreen on a scorching summer day. I like the reference actually, but trying to be funny here. The secret? I am not just a photographer; I’m a “memory-maker”, capturing the essence of joy and love against the backdrop of some of the East Coast's most iconic beach destinations.

Photographer Serving Locations from Atlantic City to Cape May:

Our lens spans the entire Jersey Shore, from the glittering lights of Atlantic City to the Victorian charm of Cape May. Whether it's the vibrant energy of Ocean City, the serene beauty of Sea Isle, the quaint allure of Stone Harbor, or the classic nostalgia of Wildwood – we're there, ready to freeze those precious moments in time. It’s time to get out the beach gear soon as summer will arrive sooner than you expect!

Family portrait on the beach in Long Beach Island (LBI) with a boat prop, captured by a local New Jersey photographer.

This photo was taken on the beach in LBI. We actually have this boat available for props. These are so much fun!

Beautiful portrait of a girl holding a lantern in a turquoise dress in the water in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

Beautiful capture in the water in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

Magical portrait of a brother and sister holding hands in front of the iconic Ferris wheel, with a sense of fantasy and wonder at the fair.

The magical ferris wheel is always a delight for fantasy and magic… but it is the real deal!

Beautiful beach portrait of a girl looking out at the ocean during a mini session in Ocean City, New Jersey, capturing the essence of the Jersey Shore.

Beautiful beach capture in Ocean City, New Jersey. Just enjoying the waves and the water of the Jersey Shore.

Girl in a colorful rainbow dress twirling on the beach in Wildwood, NJ, for a magical and rare photo opportunity.

A magical Wildwood capture. We offer these only a handful of times per year.

Our Beach Sessions-More Than Just Sand and Sun:

What sets our beach sessions apart? It's not just about capturing your family against the backdrop of the waves (although we do that spectacularly!). It's about creating an experience. Picture Ferris wheel adventures, roller coaster fun, and the perfect blend of sea breeze and laughter. I've scouted the best spots, for the best light…. including our favorite hidden gem in Ocean City with a myriad of backgrounds that will make your photos truly unique.

Why Book Early (especially, those Wildwood Beach Portraits).

Given our track record of selling out every year, securing your spot early is not just a suggestion – it's a necessity. These beach sessions are like a limited edition, and once the slots are gone, they're gone. Don't miss your chance to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Portrait of a girl on the Delaware Bay side at Cape May Villa Beach, capturing the serene beauty of the Jersey Shore.

Beautiful capture along the Delaware Bay.

Girl in a green dress posing by the magical Ferris wheel on the Jersey Shore, creating a fairytale-like portrait.

Magical ferris wheel photos always are the best and our favorite.

Girl in a bathing suit playing in the sand and building sandcastles, creating fun and memorable moments on the beach.

Playing in the sand, making memories and building sand castles.

Magical portrait of a girl in a purple dress spinning on the sand in Atlantic City, capturing a moment of childhood joy for mom.

Twirling in the sand and making memories for mom!

How to Reserve Your Spot:

Mark your calendars for Black Friday weekend, when we'll be unveiling the dates for our 2024 beach sessions. Set your alarms, gather the family, and be ready to snag your spot in the sand – because this is one wave you won't want to miss!

Join the New Jersey Beach Photographer Tradition:

Our New Jersey beach sessions have become more than just a photo shoot; they're a tradition of creating lasting memories that families cherish for a lifetime. So, gear up for another year of sun-soaked joy, laughter, and sold-out success. See you on the shorelines of 2024! 🌊📸 #BeachSessions2024 #CaptureTheWave

Which spot are you going to choose? Wildwood? Cape May, Ocean City?

We will be launching our 2024 dates starting on black Friday!

Happy Shooting, my friends,

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Your best beach photographer :)

Check Out Our Beach Portfolio! For More Magical Jersey Shore Sessions!
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Family Portrait Session in Wildwood, NJ

Award-winning South Jersey Beach Photographer capturing cherished family memories in Wildwood, NJ. Book your beach family photos today!

Wildwood, NJ-Photographer

South Jersey Beach Photographer | Family Beach Photos

The summer season with Shooting Star Photography filled up faster than I ever expected. After years of unpredictability, it felt especially meaningful to return to full, joy-filled days photographing families along the South Jersey beaches. What started with cautious optimism quickly turned into a calendar packed with sessions, sunsets, and sandy toes — the kind of busy that reminds you exactly why you love what you do.For families seeking a dedicated family photography experience, check out my full Jersey Shore family photography page here!

Jersey Shore Family Photography
NJ family photographer photographing a girl running towards the rollercoaster at the dog beach in Wildwood NJ

Little girl in pink dress at the dog beach in Wildwood, NJ

A Summer to Remember with a South Jersey Beach Photographer

Ah, Wildwood. The sweet sound of the tram car, the smell of fresh pizza, and the magical moments on the beach. As a South Jersey family beach photographer, there's no better place to capture your summer memories than right here. In fact, if I could live on the Wildwood boardwalk, I totally would (minus the seagulls, of course).

kids in wildwood having a fun time

Sisters posing for their portraits in Wildwood. Super adorable. All sessions are styled!

Big shoutout to all the families who trusted me with their memories. From Long Beach Island to Cape May, it’s been a wild (and wonderfully chaotic) summer!

Fun on the Wildwood Beach and Boardwalk

Not just another beach day... it’s your family’s best beach day.

You know what makes Wildwood so perfect for family portraits? Everything. From the iconic Wildwood boardwalk with its neon lights to the stunning sunsets on the beach, there’s a backdrop for every moment. Last summer, I had the pleasure of photographing the Johnson family. After a quick pit stop for some Angelo’s pizza (because how could we not?), we spent the afternoon on Morey’s Pier, capturing their kids screaming with joy on the Ferris wheel.

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Dancing away in Wildwood, NJ.

Then, just as the sun was dipping below the horizon, we headed to the beach for a sunset session. If you haven’t seen the sky over Wildwood at sunset, you’re missing out on some next-level magic.

kicking up sand on the beach in Wildwood

Little one playing with sand in Wildwood.

From Sandcastles to Sunsets: The Wildwood Family Sessions You’ve Been Waiting For

Spoiler alert: your kids will love it. And you’ll love the photos.

I’m a bit of a Wildwood enthusiast, and I’ve had the privilege of photographing many families over the years. The Young family is a perfect example of how Wildwood’s beaches and dunes can transform into a family portrait wonderland. I captured one of the most stunning moments when their little dancer twirled along the shore as the sun set in the background—orange skies, glowing sand, and a scene straight out of a movie.

Portrait of a boy holding a lantern on the beach in Wildwood, NJ, during a sunset session.

Capturing the magic of childhood since 2015.

Magical Moments in Wildwood

If you're looking for the perfect family photo session, Wildwood is a place where magic happens. I love working with families who want to make their memories last forever, and what better way than with a family photo session at the Jersey Shore? Whether you want beach portraits with the ocean as your backdrop or more whimsical shots among the dune grasses, Wildwood has it all.

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A maternity photography session in Wildwood, NJ.

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A little girl in her mint dress dancing on the beach in Wildwood, NJ.

Why Wildwood is the Ultimate Family Beach Photo Destination

So, why Wildwood? Well, let’s just say it's the ultimate playground for family memories and photoshoots. The roller coasters, the beach, the boardwalk—Wildwood has it all! As a Jersey Shore family photographer, I know a thing or two about what makes a location magical for portraits. And Wildwood? It’s like the Disney World of the Jersey Shore, with a lot more sand and a lot less Mickey Mouse.

A collage of our Wildwood NJ Portraits

Pastel perfection!

Beach photography, especially here at Wildwood, is a bit of an art form. Lighting can be tricky (hello, midday sun!), but I’ve perfected the skill of working with soft lighting to make sure your photos look stunning every time. Whether it’s capturing the soft golden glow at sunset or the dreaminess of early morning light, I’ve got it covered.

  1. The Sunsets: I’ve photographed enough sunsets to know that nothing beats a Wildwood sky at dusk. Those orange hues? Perfection.

  2. The Vibe: It's a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and family fun. Every moment here feels like it could be part of a family’s story.

  3. The Fun: There’s so much to do. If you love amusement rides, arcade games, and salty beach air, then Wildwood is your place.

two girls all smiles in Wildwood NJ

Two pals just having a blast in the water in Wildwood, NJ.

The Beach, the Sand, and Making Memories

I’m a firm believer that family photo sessions should be fun—not forced. That’s why I love incorporating Wildwood’s playful atmosphere into my photo shoots. Whether it’s playing in the sand, running toward the waves, or simply chilling by the water, your session will feel more like a family day out than a traditional “photoshoot.” And trust me, that’s when the magic happens.

Here are just a few of the ways we make those memories:

  • A little one running toward the waves, feet in the sand, and a look of pure joy on their face.

  • Your kids laughing and playing as the golden light of sunset falls over the beach.

  • That candid moment when the whole family gets together to jump in the waves—and ends up covered in water but having the time of their lives.

These moments are what make Wildwood so special, and I'm here to preserve those precious memories for you.

family photoshoot in front of the roller coaster on the best beach on earth

Family portrait in front of the roller coaster! Love this.

Want Your Own Magical Wildwood Photo Session?

If you’re dreaming of photos in Wildwood that showcase your family’s unique personality, I’ve got you covered! Let’s make your memories come to life with stunning beach portraits. Whether it’s a playful session at the beach or an adventurous walk down the boardwalk, we can create the perfect photo session for you and your family.

Two sisters hug on the dog beach in Wildwood, NJ, with the ocean waves at their feet and Morey’s Pier in the background, adding a touch of iconic boardwalk charm to the scene.

Sisters hugging in front of the Roller Coaster. Making Magic at the Jersey Shore!

Book Your Wildwood Mini Session Today!

Shooting Star Photography has been capturing beautiful family moments along the Jersey Shore since 2015, and we’re ready to make your next family photo session unforgettable!

Trust me, we’ll have a blast, even if your kids insist on running away from the camera... because we all know that’s going to happen!

Thank you to all the wonderful families who made last summer so special. Your trust and support are why I love my job, and Wildwood has become one of my favorite spots to photograph the magic of childhood. Let’s make more memories, shall we?

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti 

Serving Wildwood, North Wildwood, Cape May, and the New Jersey Shore.

We love you Jersey!!!! All the ocean waves and boardwalk craves! :)

Ready for a family session along the Jersey Shore? Visit the Jersey Shore photography page to learn more about sessions and locations

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