The Shooting Star Grounds in Woodstown, NJ!

It doesn't matter what time of day it is... the light is ALWAYS gorgeous here at our Shooting Star South Jersey grounds!!! We get filtered sunlight with the 40 or so trees on the property. You can shoot in high afternoon sun and it still will be perfect. It's pretty crazy, but is one of the reasons we purchased our property.I was born and raised in Camden County until I was fourteen and spent my youth exploring the Delaware River, then onto Burlington County where I honestly thought all there was to do was to play in cornfields (boy, has a lot of development occurred since then...  Mt. Laurel has been built up quite a bit!)

Capturing Precious Moments: Photographing Babies in Woodstown, NJ

As a parent, the backyard provides a treasure trove of natural beauty and personal touch. It's the ideal setting for capturing the innocence and wonder of babies through photography. Woodstown, NJ, with its scenic landscapes and serene ambiance, offers the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming endeavor.
The lush greenery, gentle sunlight, and natural elements in Woodstown's backyard can serve as excellent props and settings. Whether it's the soft, filtered light of early morning or the warm, golden hues of the late afternoon, the changing natural lighting in the backyard creates a beautiful canvas for photographing babies.

The space allows for both candid and carefully posed shots, capturing babies in their element. From the joy of discovery amidst a bed of flowers to the comfort of a loving embrace on a cozy blanket, the possibilities are endless.

Photographing babies in the backyard in Woodstown, NJ, offers a blend of personal and environmental elements. Every click of the camera can freeze a moment in time, allowing parents to cherish and share the memories forever.

Through the lens, every coo, every gurgle, and every adorable expression becomes a timeless work of art. Having the privilege of preserving these fleeting moments in Woodstown's beautiful backdrop is a true joy for both the photographer and the family.

This mama wanted to capture her precious little pooch and herself for a portrait session in Woodstown!

Twirling in our garden in Woodstown!

My daughter in the cornfield of my mom’s place in Salem County.

In our garden in Woodstown!

At the kindergarten facility of Woodstown. Field next to school!

In my alley!

On our stream at Chestnut Run.

Smiling little gal in our alley!

My son Rocco in our stream in Woodstown.

Let me tell you about my best friend... two babies that almost look alike! So funny!

 In my adult years, I spent about 6-7 years living in PA.. .then back to Burlington County, then Atlantic County, and now currently Salem County.  I think this is one of the reasons I know South Jersey so well. I've honestly lived everywhere.When my son was born, I set out to explore South Jersey even more and this is when I truly feel in love with it. I never ever wanted to leave ever again. I have traveled all of the world, but there's nothing like being back HOME.  It's pretty incredible how you can be in the mountains, the beach, the Pine Barrens, the city, even the Big Apple (NYC) within a 1-2 hour time frame.

With all this exploring, I started a traveling blog on places to see in South Jersey. That blew up like crazy (and yes, I need to get back at it). I then went on to write and published two books!It was through my love of traveling and posting it to the blog, when I fell in love with photography. I started to get serious into it... I learned my camera. Learned to shoot in manual. Learned framing and all about shooting at certain times of day.  It wasn't until my daughter was born that I decided to try photographing people... and boy that was a HUGE switch. It's totally different than landscape photography!

Photography Journey

It's like starting all over again, but that's what is fun about this field... YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING :)It was through my travels in South Jersey, that I discovered Salem County.  I wrote a book on the beautiful county and from then on.. I wanted to live here.  After searching numerous homes, and actually had a contract on another residence, that we found our dream home. The minute I saw my backyard, I had to have this house!  We put an offer that night and it was accepted!And so here we are!  Terraced gardens, the changing and colors of the seasons, the consistent sun-filled and shaded stunning light. The stream that runs along our property. It's truly a dream come true.Since I live here, I know when the sun is best and have photographed here out of any other location. I'm able to push it's limits. Now, if the garden and stream isn't enough...  I have an alleyway across the street, which has been some of my greatest shots to date, I live on a dead end street and the sun sets at the end of the street... And in 1/4 mile in opposite directions from one another I have a park with a stream, meadow, beautiful bridge and another garden... the other direction a gorgeous meadow and cornfields. It's truly the best location and I feel BLESSED that I can offer these places to my customers!!

So, if you ever want a private garden, a stream, an alley and meadow for your photographs and also a private location... Well, I'm your girl!As you see, just utilizing my property can offer so much! Light can make or break a photo and we have gorgeous light here

!You want to hear something pretty funny? About HALF, yes HALF, of the photographs in the portfolio are taken in and around the studio grounds!!! 

Happy Shooting, South Jersey!

Dee

Sky Overlays for Photoshop For Photographers

Introducing our Spectacular Sky Overlays Collection: Unlock the Secrets of Captivating Photography

Here at Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the power of capturing breathtaking moments that leave us in awe. We know that as photographers, you constantly seek new ways to push boundaries and create stunning visual experiences that command attention. That's why we are thrilled to present our extraordinary collection of Free Sky Overlays.

Our Free Sky Overlays are an invaluable resource designed to guide you in transforming your photographs into mesmerizing works of art. Seamlessly blending with your existing images, these overlays instantly add a touch of magic to your compositions, infusing them with vibrant colors and awe-inspiring skies. Whether you're looking to enhance landscape, portrait, or wedding photography, our collection offers a wide variety of stunning options to cater to your artistic vision.
Unleash your creativity and transport your viewers into a world of wonder and enchantment. Picture capturing a romantic sunset over a glistening lake, a dreamy cotton candy pink and blue sky framing a majestic mountain, or billowing clouds dancing gracefully above a sprawling cityscape. These Sky Overlays will help you tell stories with your photographs, allowing your imagination to soar and your images to leave a lasting impact.

Downloading and using our Free Sky Overlays is a breeze - simply visit our link below and access this invaluable resource, free of charge. Seamlessly integrate the overlays into your editing workflow using industry-standard editing software, and watch as your images come to life with ease and grace. Enhance, transform, and create awe-inspiring photography that will captivate viewers around the world.
Remember, the sky is not the limit; it's only the beginning. With our Free Sky Overlays, you hold the power to unlock infinite possibilities in your photography, taking your artistry to new heights. So don't wait - join the thousands of photographers benefiting from this incredible resource and let your imagination soar with our Spectacular Sky Overlays Collection today!

Used sky overlay 2.

Used with beach sky overlay. In the freebie pack.

Free Sky Overlays

My photography business has only been around since October of 2014, but it sure is starting to pick up! I'm starting to book sessions and I keep on learning or scratching as they say!  I'm still continuing with my classes and I just keep trucking ahead and trying to improve slowly as I go.  Just a side note, I will always try to improve... even if I end up 25 years in this business! I just want clients to have the best memories and photographs!

Anywho, I decided to put together some sky overlays and get them up here on the blog!  It shows the creativity I have outside of portrait photography.  I took this when I got into landscape photography a looong time ago!  I figured why not? Lets put some skies together!

I noticed as I've been in this business (for the short time already) that a ton of skies look the same and photos tend to look the same! You look at it and you're like... "Oh that's from so and so.. I have that too!”  Instead of admiring the image itself! They were probably purchased from some of the shops on the internet or perhaps some free sites. I am even guilty of buying them. This girl loves her skies.

!I was perusing through some old photographs of mine (I started out in landscape photography) and I was AMAZED at some of the sunset shots I got waaaaay back then! I decided to put some together into my own overlays for portraits (you can do this too!) and what is better than using your very own?!

If you decide to download, all of the files are saved as 300 dpi, in PNG format and sized at an 8x10... which should be a great size to start.  If you need to adjust or make them bigger, just hit your shift key!

Just a heads up! These can only be used in Photoshop and of course CC, but I believe you could use these in GIMP as well!I dunno try to test them out! I'm curious to see what you can do with them!  

There's one blur overlay sky which is great for using when you have a photo that you've shot in a wide aperture.I know a few photographers that actually follow me here on this blog so I decided to give back and give thanks to them!  Maybe you can use them? Hey, they're free!  You may like toying around with them!

Here's the link! You'll need a dropbox account and I hope you find some use for them as I am starting to do.  You just have to sign up!  I don't like using overlays too often, but sometimes they are perfect for that right photo or maybe the sky is a bit washed out... These are great to use in that case!

Free sky overlays.

If you decide to use them, post a link below! I would love to see what you came up with and the creativity.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

A One Year Old Birthday In the Studio

Gabrielle Birthday!

Let them eat cake!

Before the crying started.

And here it comes!

Cake Smashed!

Finally! A smile!

Just wants to go and play with her brother.

And now the tears come!

My Kid’s First Birthday Shoot!

I am so far behind on this blog and getting work up here/updating the portfolio, but had to share photos of my little gal!  I'll get to the latest works soon! I've just had a lot of folks book recently and even did my first wedding that the blog tends to go a bit on the back burner!This little princess just turned one year old and she's even more special because she's all minel!  I can't believe how much time has flown by! Just yesterday, I had her in my arms and now she is walking and talking a little bit! Where has the time gone? Seriously!I love babies and children!

 I just want to squish their cute little big cheeks! I truly enjoy working with children from all over South Jersey and our area, it gives me tremendous joy.  Most folks, would run away from working with kids, but not I! I adore them, I really do!I love the personalities that start to develop at the one year mark. You see the little child they are about to become and the baby rolls and buddha bodies start to go away and then child emerges! It's like poof the 1-2 year old timeframe!

However, there is what we call in the photography realm... the "photographer" curse.  As photographers, we are able to capture great moments of other kids and babies, but when it comes to our own (I guess the kids are tired and so use to it) that you'll see little crying fits from your own kids! It is what it is and me and other photography pals enjoy posting and showing each other our whiny fits that we get from our kids!  I am one of those weird ones that likes these range of emotions.

I call them perfectly imperfect moments.These moments define childhood for me. The drool, the chocolate on the face (as she has here) the tears running down her precious little face... are all what childhood is about and I love embracing it as a mother!   I have a sense of humor though! These moments are truly priceless to me!!

Happy Birthday, my little princess! I love you!

Best and Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

A Tisket, A Tasket... A Strawberry Baby In A Basket

Baby wearing a strawberry hat and in a strawberry basket.

Such a little cutie!

She wants nothing to do with this.

I got a leaf mom.

She wants out…

Now… she definitely wants out.

Photographing Babies

We've been having some very odd spring weather... Well I guess "normal weather" in what we see this time of year in South Jersey. Some days it gets hot out and up to 60+ degrees and then other days call for snow.I took advantage of the warmer weather the other day and I found a "strawberry" growing in our garden at Shooting Star!  The baby girl I worked with is 11 months old and we put a strawberry cap on her with a green diaper cover... put her in an adorable basket and magic happened!  She was such a doll to work with!The Shooting Star garden grounds are starting to come alive! 

Snowdrops are blooming, crocuses and daffodils are just about to bloom.  It's a beautiful site! In fact, we are hosting a weather here tomorrow... and yes, the weather is calling for snow... This will get interesting, but I think it will be a blast!  I love naked babies!  I know a lot of kids and young adults don't appreciate seeing themselves naked when they're older, but I think it captures the innocence and sweetness of them! Plus, I just adore babies!  I have two of my own and they'll always be my little babies in my eyes, no matter how old they get!

I have my first wedding shoot this weekend and will most-likely be in the snow and then Easter mini's this Sunday!  It is looking to be a very busy weekend!  I have also just ordered a bunch of new props for this upcoming Spring/Summer and will probably be offering outdoor mini's at one of my beautiful scouted locations next month!  I am so excited for what this year is going to bring!

I am also excited about our garden! We planted over 1,000 new perennials last year and I can't wait to utilize it for photo sessions!  I love that I can offer my clients that privacy... rather than going to a park and to be disturbed!!! However, my scouted locations also offer that privacy as well!   Give us a call!  We would love to welcome you to our garden and create lasting memories for you!

Happy Shooting, my friends! -Dee