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:
2025: Ultimate Wildwood Beach Family Photography
Capture the ultimate beach family photo session in Wildwood, NJ! From ferris wheels to sandy shores, 2025's summer magic created picture-perfect memories.
2025: Ultimate Wildwood Beach Family Photo Session
Wildwood, NJ. Sun, sand, boardwalk fries, and... the occasional seagull stealing said fries. It was the perfect setting for a family portrait session! With a golden sunset and a Ferris wheel backdrop, we captured* (*aka wrangled) some truly unforgettable moments.
A young girl joyfully twirls on the sandy beach in Wildwood, New Jersey, wearing a vibrant rainbow-colored outfit. Behind her, a towering roller coaster from the Wildwood boardwalk adds a fun and dynamic backdrop, capturing the essence of a magical summer day.
Props & Backdrops: More Than Just Sand Forget the standard "stand here and smile." Wildwood gives us endless options—roller coasters, piers, the Atlantic doing its thing. One minute, we’re twirling on the boardwalk; the next, we’re sinking into the sand like we underestimated quicksand.
Two sisters embrace on the sandy shores of Wildwood, New Jersey, their faces lit up with joyful smiles as the golden sunlight bathes them in a warm glow. The perfect moment of sibling love captured against a beautiful beach backdrop.
Dressing for Success (and Sand in Your Shoes) Coordinated outfits? Check. Barefoot for the aesthetic? Double check. Bribing the kids with post-session ice cream? A time-honored tradition.
The Magic of Natural Light Golden hour in Wildwood is basically nature’s free filter. The sun gave everyone a flawless glow—except Dad, who forgot sunscreen and left looking "well done." Shadows, highlights, and that salty sea air turned this session into pure magic.
A young girl twirls joyfully on the sandy shores of Wildwood Beach, her rainbow-colored outfit catching the sunlight as she smiles. Behind her, a roller coaster adds a fun, vibrant backdrop to this playful summer moment.
Candid Chaos & Family Fun The best moments? The kids laughing hysterically when the waves hit their ankles. Parents trying to wrangle them for "just one more shot." Genuine smiles, messy hair, and the perfect amount of beachy chaos.
Final Portrait: A Family Masterpiece With the ocean behind them and the last bits of daylight casting a warm glow, this family nailed their picture-perfect moment—complete with sandy feet and happy hearts. And yes, ice cream was earned.
A mother poses lovingly with her two daughters on the sandy shores of Wildwood Beach. The trio smiles warmly in the golden sunlight, capturing a beautiful family moment by the ocean.
Want your own Wildwood beach portraits? Let’s make it happen—seagulls and all!
Why you SHOULD work with me…
Two girls share a joyful moment, smiling at each other against the backdrop of twinkling roller coaster lights in Wildwood. The amusement park glow adds a magical touch to their connection.
I Help with Everything (Because You Have Enough on Your Plate!)
Worried about outfits? I got you. Unsure what time of day is best? I’ll guide you. Stressed about making your kids behave? Don’t be! I’ll roll with it, making sure we get beautiful images and keep the experience stress-free. We also have a client closet that is AHHH-MAZING.
A joyful young girl in a vibrant rainbow dress with beachy, windswept hair, standing on the sandy beach in Wildwood, New Jersey. The sun sets behind her, casting a warm glow on her smiling face as she enjoys a magical moment by the sea.
Why You Should Book Now
Every summer, Wildwood’s beaches fill with families making memories. If you want dreamy, beachy, joyful family portraits, let’s make it happen!
Two smiling girls stand together in front of the iconic Ferris wheel at Morey’s Pier in Wildwood, New Jersey. The vibrant colors of the Ferris wheel light up the background as they enjoy a fun day at the amusement park.
I Deliver More Than Just Photos—I Give You Memories
At the end of the day, it’s not just about pictures. It’s about capturing the fleeting magic of childhood, the love of family, and the beauty of a moment that will never happen exactly the same way again.
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.
Check Out More Jersey Shore Beach Photography/ Magic Below!
Fine Art Beach Photography Workshop in Wildwood 2024
Fine Art Beach Photography Workshop in Wildwood NJ 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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