Philadelphia- A Photographer’s Dream

The Greater Philadelphia area offers a variety of picturesque locations for a family portrait session.

What areas do we travel for our clients in the Philadelphia, Delaware, and New Jersey regions? 

Shooting Star Photography provides their services as a family and maternity photographer to clients across various locations in the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Eastern Shore regions. These locations include Philadelphia, PA; Main Line, PA; Chester County, PA; Kennett Square, PA; Wilmington, DE;  Ocean City, NJ, Haddonfield, NJ, Moorestown, NJ, Mullica Hill, NJ. This extensive coverage allows us to cater to clients in multiple cities and towns within these regions.

What services do we offer for printing and preserving the photos?

At my photography sessions, I strive to provide a luxurious and effortless experience for my clients. With a focus on capturing natural and genuine family moments, I offer wardrobe and location guidance to ensure simplicity throughout the process.

I understand the desire to have family photos that not only evoke warmth but also appear authentic without any awkwardness. As an experienced photographer, I possess the skills to guide you in creating those frame-worthy connections that truly reflect your family's dynamic.

Additionally, I recognize that many of us struggle with finding the time or motivation to print and preserve our precious photos. That's why I offer a complimentary keepsake design service to make the process of creating heirloom prints a breeze. This means that you can easily enjoy tangible memories that will last for generations to come.

Furthermore, I understand the importance of digital images in our increasingly online lives. For this reason, I provide high-quality digital files in addition to the printed copies, allowing you to cherish your memories both online and offline.

With my services, you can expect the perfect combination of luxury, ease, and preservation, ensuring that your family's memories are beautifully captured and thoughtfully preserved.

Here are some backdrop and location ideas to consider:

From rooftops to Center City, we have you covered on gorgeous and unique locations. No session is the same and that’s how we like it!

Taken in South Philly. Anywhere in Philly can be magical!

The famous Rocky steps. A First Holy Communion Session we did here.

A lady in Rittenhouse Philadelphia.

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps: The iconic steps and surrounding area provide a classic Philadelphia backdrop. Capture your family with the museum in the background or reenact the famous Rocky Balboa run up the steps.

2. Rittenhouse Square: This beautiful park in the heart of Philadelphia features lush greenery, tree-lined paths, and a central fountain. It's a popular spot for outdoor portraits, especially during the spring and summer months.

3. Boathouse Row: Located along the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row offers a unique and scenic backdrop with its historic rowing clubs. The row of boathouses lit up at night can create a stunning setting for your family portraits.

4. Old City and Elfreth's Alley: Explore the historic streets of Old City, including the charming Elfreth's Alley. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and colorful facades make for an excellent backdrop with a touch of Philadelphia's history.

5. Philadelphia Magic Gardens: This mosaic art installation in South Street is a vibrant and eclectic location for family portraits. The colorful tiles, mirrored walls, and artistic elements provide a unique and visually appealing setting.

6. Fairmount Park: As one of the largest urban park systems in the United States, Fairmount Park offers a variety of picturesque locations. Choose from areas like Belmont Plateau, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, or the Horticulture Center for beautiful natural backdrops.

7. Spruce Street Harbor Park: During the summer months, Spruce Street Harbor Park becomes a vibrant waterfront destination. The hammocks, floating gardens, and colorful LED lights can create a playful and lively atmosphere for your family portraits.

8. The rooftop at Cira Green. We’ve shot two sessions here and we absolutely love it. It’s an awesome rooftop that overlooks center city from West Philadelphia. It’s an awesome architecturally interesting place to shoot.

Another Rittenhouse family Session.

Top of the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Philly Skyline. Miss Liberty.

Dancing in Fairmount Park Philadelphia. In the winter.

City lights always are fantastic and add to a pop in your Philadelphia photo shoot.

Remember to check the specific rules and regulations of each location regarding photography permits and restrictions. Additionally, consider the time of day and lighting conditions when planning your session to ensure the best possible results. Shooting Star Photography has shot at every venue above.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Fine Art Beach Photography Workshop in Wildwood 2024

Join us next year for our beach photography workshop. It will be held on Saturday, June 15th 2024.  A fine art workshop with children and families can be a wonderful way to capture beautiful and memorable moments. Here are some tips to help you create stunning beach photographs and what we will cover for the duration of the day. 

What we will cover in our workshop!

1. Choosing the Right Time: Plan your photo session during the golden hours, which are usually the first two hours after sunrise or the last two hours before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times will add a magical touch to your photos.

2. Location Scouting: Explore different areas of the beach in Wildwood to find the most scenic spots. Look for interesting natural elements like dunes, driftwood, or rock formations that can enhance your composition.

3. Plan for Candid Moments: Allow the children to play and have fun naturally while you capture their candid expressions and interactions. Candid shots often evoke genuine emotions and make for beautiful fine art photography.

4. Props and Accessories: Consider using props like colorful beach toys, umbrellas, or even kites to add a playful and whimsical element to your photos. They can help create visually interesting compositions and engage the children during the shoot.

5. Incorporate Movement: Experiment with capturing motion and movement at the beach. Encourage the children to run, jump, or play with the waves. Freeze the action with a faster shutter speed or experiment with slower shutter speeds to capture the motion blur.

6. Composition and Framing: Pay attention to the composition of your shots. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, or natural framing elements to create visually pleasing and balanced images. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add variety to your photographs.

7. Use a Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens can be beneficial for beach photography, as it allows you to capture intimate moments from a distance without intruding on the children's play. It also helps create a shallow depth of field, separating the subject from the background.

8. Post-Processing: We’ll be editing your photos in post-processing to enhance the fine art aesthetic. Experimentation with our pastel and dreamy, soft look to achieve the desired artistic effect.

Remember, the key to successful beach photography with children is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Let them have fun and be themselves while you capture those precious moments. This is what we will go over.

Why a workshop inWildwood, New Jersey?

Wildwood, New Jersey, is a popular vacation destination for families, offering a variety of attractions and activities. Here is some information to help you plan your family vacation or workshop weekend in Wildwood:

1. Beaches: Wildwood is known for its expansive, clean beaches. The beach is free to access and offers plenty of space for families to relax, build sandcastles, and enjoy the sun. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months for added safety.

2. Wildwood Boardwalk: The Wildwood Boardwalk is a must-visit attraction for families. Stretching over two miles, it is filled with amusement rides, arcades, shops, and eateries. Kids will love the Ferris wheel, roller coasters, water parks, go-karts, and mini-golf courses along the boardwalk.

3. Morey's Piers: Morey's Piers is an iconic amusement park located on the Wildwood Boardwalk. It offers a wide range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The park has water parks, thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and games for endless entertainment.

4. Wildwood Crest Bike Path: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or stroll along the Wildwood Crest Bike Path. This scenic path runs parallel to the beach and offers beautiful views of the ocean. You can rent bikes from various rental shops in the area.

5. Doo Wop Experience: Wildwood is known for its vibrant Doo Wop architecture from the 1950s and 1960s. Visit the Doo Wop Experience Museum to learn about the history and significance of this unique architectural style.

6. Cape May County Park & Zoo: Just a short drive from Wildwood, you'll find the Cape May County Park & Zoo, a fantastic family-friendly attraction. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and features playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.

7. Water Sports and Activities: Wildwood offers a range of water sports and activities for families to enjoy. You can try jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, or even take a dolphin-watching cruise to see these magnificent creatures up close.

8. Nightly Events and Fireworks: During the summer season, Wildwood hosts various events and concerts on the beach and the boardwalk. Don't miss the Friday Night Fireworks display, a spectacular show that lights up the night sky.

9. Restaurants and Dining: Wildwood boasts numerous restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes. From casual beachfront eateries to family-friendly dining establishments, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy everyone's palate.

10. Accommodations: Wildwood offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Choose a place that suits your family's needs and provides easy access to the beach and attractions.

Remember to check the specific operating hours and availability of attractions and events during your visit, as they may vary depending on the season. Enjoy your family vacation and workshop in Wildwood, NJ!

For information on the workshop, you may find that information here.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Finding Your Photography Style

Finding your photography style is very important when you are just coming into this field.

Right now, I love the colors and feeling of summer and spring, with lush greens, blooming flowers, and long sunny days. My photography style reflects this: bright, vibrant, and colorful.

Mom and daughter sharing a special moment. I love the play of pink among the greens!

It's taken me a long time to get to where I am now as a photographer. I had no idea how much hard work it would be. I've learned a lot about camera settings, editing, and poses, but defining my own style has taken the most practice and hard work. I spend hours shooting, editing, and learning every day, and communication with clients adds even more time to my work.

My greatest asset in this journey has been education. I've invested in learning new techniques in-camera and in editing, rather than just upgrading my camera equipment. When I do upgrade my equipment, I gradually ease my way into it.

Finding your style as a photographer takes time and practice. Don't try to emulate others, just perfect your own thing. Once I stopped second-guessing myself and stopped caring what others thought, my style emerged. It took about 200-500 hours of work before I finally saw my style. Now, I can go into every shoot knowing what I want to do and how I want it to look.

My posing style is natural, playful, and captures true moments and personalities. I love bokeh, sunlight, vibrant color, and pastels, but I also enjoy dark and moody edits. I always try to get everything right in camera, and I love capturing colorful, gorgeous skies.

In terms of finding your own style, it's important to figure out what sets you apart from others in your area. What unique perspective or skill can you offer to clients?

Overall, it's been a great year for me and my business. I'm enjoying what I do and the growth I've seen in myself as a photographer. It's an honor to capture special moments for my clients and to have them trust me behind the camera.

Family session with all the boys and the two princesses!

As a new photographer, developing your photography style is an important part of establishing yourself in the field. Here are some tips to help you develop your own unique style:

1. Study other photographers: Look at the work of other photographers whose style you admire. This will help you identify what you like and what you don't like, as well as give you ideas for your own work.

2. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different techniques, lighting, and angles. This will help you find your own style and voice.

3. Focus on your strengths: Identify your strengths as a photographer and focus on them. For example, if you're good at capturing candid moments, focus on that and incorporate it into your style.

4. Find inspiration: Look beyond photography for inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere, including art, music, nature, and even everyday life.

5. Practice, practice, practice: The more you shoot, the more you'll develop your own style. Take your camera with you wherever you go and practice as much as possible.

6. Be patient: Developing a unique style takes time. Don't rush the process and don't compare yourself to others. Embrace your own journey and enjoy the process of discovering your style.

Remember that your photography style is a reflection of you and your personality. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your work and create a style that is uniquely yours.

As always, I mentor. I am here for you. This is a TOUGH BUSINESS.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Philadelphia Sessions in FULL SWING!!!

I LOVE this time of year. It's all about the twinkling lights and hustle and bustle of the city! The good ol' city of Philadelphia. I have made these a mainstay and staple in my business and my other photographers have tried to copy, but no one does it best! We know that weddings have been popular here, however, couture and family sessions were never a big thing... until we started doing them!

Why is Broad Street in Philly an awesome spot for photo shoots? 

Broad Street in Philadelphia is an awesome spot for photo shoots due to the following reasons:

1. Iconic Landmarks: Broad Street is one of Philadelphia's major thoroughfares, lined with numerous iconic landmarks and architectural gems. These landmarks, such as Philadelphia City Hall, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, provide visually captivating backdrops for photography.

2. Cityscape and Skyline Views: Broad Street offers excellent views of the Philadelphia skyline, especially when photographed from strategic vantage points. The juxtaposition of the historic and modern buildings along the street creates an interesting visual contrast, resulting in stunning cityscape shots.

3. Vibrant Street Life: As a bustling street in the heart of Philadelphia, Broad Street is always filled with energy and activity. It serves as a hub for cultural events, parades, and gatherings, making it an ideal location for capturing candid moments, street photography, and showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere.

4. Wide and Spacious Boulevard: Broad Street is known for its width and spaciousness, allowing for unique composition opportunities in photography. The broad expanse of the street enables photographers to experiment with different angles, perspectives, and depth of field, enhancing the visual impact of their shots.

5. Architectural Diversity: Along Broad Street, you'll find a diverse range of architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical and Beaux-Arts to modern designs. This architectural diversity presents a wealth of possibilities for capturing contrasting aesthetics and playing with different visual elements.

6. Accessibility and Convenience: Broad Street is easily accessible, with multiple transportation options available, including subway stations and bus routes. Its central location and proximity to other notable landmarks and neighborhoods in Philadelphia make it a convenient spot for photo shoots.

7. Historical Significance: Broad Street has a rich history and has played a significant role in the city's development. This historical context adds depth and meaning to the photographs, capturing the essence of Philadelphia's heritage.

Overall, the combination of iconic landmarks, cityscape views, vibrant street life, spacious boulevard, architectural diversity, accessibility, and historical significance make Broad Street an excellent location for capturing compelling and memorable photographs in Philadelphia.Now, is the time to book your fall family city photo session! WE have a huge huge month this upcoming November. With our move-in date of our studio in Maple Shade, New Jersey, effective November 1st and a ton of things going on in the heart of the busiest season we have ever had! We truly love our customers and EVERYTHING we put out on the table.

It's been a labor of love and a lot of blood, sweat and tears. At Shooting Star Photography, we hope to continue with the BEST service and high-quality images that you have expected and seen over the past five to six years.

One of my most favorite Philadelphia captures.. EVERRRR. It was FREEZING cold this day, but she was a trooper! Broad Street Philadelphia, family photographers in south jersey

One of my most favorite Philadelphia captures.. EVERRRR. It was FREEZING cold this day, but she was a trooper!

For these upcoming sessions on November 8th, we will be offering up styling. We can only do 4 spots, but we cannot wait to offer these to our clients this year! They are truly showstoppers for your annual Christmas Cards!

Father and daughter enjoying a moment on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Truly one of my favorite places to shoot in the city and in the South Jersey area.

Father and daughter enjoying a moment on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Truly one of my favorite places to shoot in the city and in the South Jersey area.

I'm always in love with father and daughter captures! They truly are the BEST!!!!!

Another beautiful family session taken in Philly! Love the way this family looks at each other! I cannot wait to open up my store in Maple Shade, NJ as Philadelphia will only be moments away!

Another beautiful family session taken in Philly! Love the way this family looks at each other! I cannot wait to open up my store in Maple Shade, NJ as Philadelphia will only be moments away!

One of my most FAVORITE CLIENTS. I see these guys a few times a year. LOVE THE WAY they are looking at one another! Another gorgeous Broad Street session in the books!

One of my most FAVORITE CLIENTS. I see these guys a few times a year. LOVE THE WAY they are looking at one another! Another gorgeous Broad Street session in the books!

If you would like to book one of these sessions, you may do so here! Hope to see you out for one of the best spots in Philadelphia! We LOVE YOU SOUTH JERSEY AND PHILLY!!!!

https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/sunday-november-8th-the-best-twinkle-street-of-philadelphia

If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Mommy and Me and Maternity Sessions on Broad Street Philadelphia.

Mommy and Me Maternity Sessions! In Philadelphia

 These mommy and me sessions in PHILLY are going to be awesome!!!

I am so excited to announce our 2018 Mommy and me sessions this year! We've tried to make it affordable at all levels this year! These Philadelphia sessions will take place at our signature location. Our soft backgrounds and twinkling lights tend to draw most folks in. They are show stopper images. Most families, used these photographs on their Christmas Cards in the past year. My goal is to capture the bond you have with your children. This city location is absolutely safe. We make sure of it and fine for most ages 2 and up. However, if wanting to bring your baby along for this capture. No problem! We will just ask that you hold them or sit with them. In terms of posing, we have you covered.

A mommy and me photo shoot is a special and memorable way to capture the unique bond between a mother and her child. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your photo shoot:

1. Choose a location: Decide on a location that reflects the mood you want to create for the shoot. This could be a natural setting like a park or a beach, or an indoor location like a studio or your home.

2. Coordinate outfits: Consider coordinating outfits for both you and your child. You don't have to match exactly, but wearing complementary colors or patterns can make for a visually pleasing photo.

3. Bring props: Consider bringing some props to add interest to the photos. This could be anything from a favorite book to a bouquet of flowers.

4. Relax and have fun: Remember that the most important thing is to relax and have fun! This will help you and your child feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, which will lead to better photos.

5. Hire a professional photographer: Consider hiring a professional photographer who has experience with family and child photography. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible photos.

Dresses and attire

We got you and can coordinate for your Broad Street Photoshoot.

We will be offering some gowns for mom. Think simple and clean colors and lines. For girls attending.. (daughters) our Tutu du Monde and Dollcake dresses will be on hand for these sessions. We provide  sizes from 1 to 16.  Dads if attending.. sorry, you are on your own.   If you would like to utilize one of our Anna Triant gowns, Adrianna Ostrowski or any of the more high end gowns from our collection, you may do so for an additional rental fee. We do have SOME boys clothing. Mostly suits from sizes 2 to 7, so please inquire if you would like utilize them.

Love how this little lady is looking up at mommy and her soon to be new baby brother!

Broad Street Philadelphia twirls!

This lady got a lot of whistles for baring it all on Broad Street!

Beautiful family session on Broad Street. As you can see the red really pops at this location!

Philly and mommy.. nothing better!!!

 Mommy and Me sessions will take place on March 24th. Rain date will be March 25th and time will run from 4pm to 6:30pm. Each session will last about 20 minutes long (it's all we need). Our goal to capture that one perfect shot for you and your family that is mantel worthy. With each session purchase, we are giving moms a complimentary boutique 8x10 image to remember and cherish this day. We want you to have fond memories of your session! We are very excited for these sessions and half are sold out already! We will be making the public announcement via social media tomorrow! Link provided here for more information and what is included! We look forward to working with you! http://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/mommy-and-me-sessions-march-24th-rain-date-march-25th Feel free to reach out with any additional questions!

Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee