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.
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Merry Christmas!!! South Jersey!
Right now, it’s Christmas Eve/Christmas. 1:57am December 25th to be exact. The artist in me. I guess I am an artist... is screaming for John Hughes, this 2018 Christmas. I went on a tangent today. Watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.Hughes was only in his mid to late 30’s when he did this movie. I can’t fathom that even to this day. It seems harder and harder in this generation to get ahead. As a young lad, he was a true talent of his generation. I mean the Breakfast Club, He was just 34 years old.He was the epitome of the 80’s. I don’t care who you are, his films are true Americana classic. He instilled humor into the American psyche. I know most of us have a special film of his that’s true to our hearts and even today, resonates with the youth.As I watch National Lampoons, I see a lot of his hometown’s references. Chicago teams plastered everywhere. I get it. His love for his city and I love how he incorporates this vibe in most of his work.
This is how I feel. I love Philly and I love South Jersey. It took me awhile to get there. I wanted to live far away in my 20’s and I did for a period in my adulthood. As I got older, I moved back home. When I had kids of my own, is when I started to truly appreciate it. Philly has grit. It has some style. It has a string of some pretty incredible history. I feel in love so much that I published a few books about South Jersey.I LOVE EVERY BIT of it and I love to show this in my work. It’s where I feel the Hughes connection, as I feel close to where I was raised and I try and capture the local essence. I also switched schools/ high schools like Hughes and felt like an oddity trying to fit in, in my teens. Just as he did. This is why I love him more. Still connected... even though he was disconnected, as he got older.All I can say is, I am truly looking forward to 2019. I felt 2018 was kind of a dud. I feel myself growing as an artist this year. It’s time to take risks. I no longer live in fear. Which may be a good or bad thing.I hope everyone had a great day with family. As family.... it's all that matters.Even in Home Alone the takeaway is family in the end :)
Fall Has Arrived in Philly!
Fall in the Northeast: Capturing Timeless Family Photos
When the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold begin to paint the landscape, and a gentle crispness fills the air, it signals the arrival of fall in the Northeast. This season, with its enchanting beauty and cozy charm, sets the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless family photos. As a photographer, I relish the opportunity to document these precious moments, where families come together to celebrate their love and create lasting memories amidst the captivating beauty of autumn.
Fall photos never disappoint. Check out this gorgeous dress!
More fall beauties.
A fall family session at the Jersey shore.
Daddy and baby fall family shoot.
Fall in the Northeast: Capturing Timeless Family Photos
When the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold begin to paint the landscape, and a gentle crispness fills the air, it signals the arrival of fall in the Northeast. This season, with its enchanting beauty and cozy charm, sets the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless family photos. As a photographer, I relish the opportunity to document these precious moments, where families come together to celebrate their love and create lasting memories amidst the captivating beauty of autumn.
In the Northeast, fall is a season of transformation. The lush green foliage transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of warm colors, creating a picturesque canvas that evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility. It is a time when nature itself becomes a collaborator, infusing its magic into each frame, enhancing the bond and connection that families share.
The cool, crisp air awakens a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of jumping into piles of rustling leaves, sipping hot apple cider, and enjoying the company of loved ones. Against this backdrop, I strive to capture the genuine emotions and candid moments that unfold. The laughter of children as they play in the fallen leaves, the tender embraces between parents, and the joy that radiates from each family member — these are the snapshots that will forever hold the essence of this special season.
The location choices for fall family photos in the Northeast are seemingly endless. From serene forests adorned with a tapestry of colors to apple orchards with rows of trees bearing the fruits of the season, each setting offers its own unique charm. Whether it's a cozy pumpkin patch, a quaint covered bridge, or a rustic farmstead, the location becomes an integral part of the narrative, providing depth and context to the family's story.
As a photographer, my role extends beyond capturing images. I strive to create an environment where families can relax, be themselves, and savor the precious moments they spend together. I encourage laughter, playfulness, and spontaneous interactions, allowing their personalities to shine through. The goal is to capture the essence of their relationships, the love and connection that bind them, and the joy that emanates from being in each other's presence.
In the Northeast, fall is a season that embraces traditions. Families often incorporate cherished rituals into their photo sessions, adding a personal touch that makes each image even more meaningful. From wearing cozy sweaters and scarves to enjoying homemade apple pies, these traditions not only enhance the visual appeal of the photos but also become a reflection of the family's unique story and heritage.
The resulting images become more than just photographs. They become treasured mementos, encapsulating a moment in time when the family unit was captured in its purest form. These images serve as a tangible reminder of the love, warmth, and joy that fill their lives, evoking a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the blessings they share.
As fall transitions into winter and the leaves eventually fade away, the memories preserved in these photographs endure. They become a legacy that future generations can look back upon, a visual testament to the bonds that hold families together. They evoke emotions, trigger stories, and bring loved ones closer, even across the passage of time.
Fall in the Northeast offers a tapestry of colors and emotions that ignite the senses and stir the soul. It is a season that beckons families to come together, to celebrate their connections, and to create lasting memories. And as a photographer, it is a privilege to be entrusted with the task of capturing these precious moments, allowing families to forever cherish the beauty of fall and the love that binds them
However, I'm very excited for this upcoming fall season. I think it's going to be a great one! It's been a very blessed year and fortunate to have such fantastic clients. Excited to work this fall of 2018, so let's make it happen. There are some lovely locations out there, that I cannot wait to photograph... And thank you for allowing me to capture you and your families!Enjoy this obligatory fall post. I went a little crazy here, but can't wait for fall in Philadelphia!
This leaf dress will fit sizes 3-5! Clients are welcome to wear!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
South Jersey Photographer
Session are coming along nicely!!! Able to open up a few more beach dates!!
Hi there!!! It's been a whirlwind summer already! The beach air, summer wind, mist of the ocean, waves echoing in the background. It's EVERYTHING this time of year and what the Jersey shore is all about! I love being a Jersey Shore photographer. Some of my favorite beaches are along the coastline from Ocean City, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Sea Isle, Barnegat, LBI, Cape May, Stone Harbor. I truly love this time of year. Beach photography is definitely what I was born to do and I love capturing every single moment of this time of year! The wind in your hair, the cool breeze coming off the coast, the sun shining and glistening off the waves. The beach smell. There's always that beautiful and sweet beach smell. The feel of soft sand on your feet... the water splashing around your toes. The children laughing and playing, college kids enjoying their young adulthood, parents with their babies creating their first memories, grandparents who have retired and now have a beach house to bring generations of their families. THIS is what the summer is about at the Jersey shore. Nothing else can honestly compare in the country this time of year. THIS IS OUR TIME.. and what honestly New Jersey shines for. We've already started our beach sessions and this is our first edit of the season! I am greatly in love! I can't wait to edit more family's galleries. The photos that have been captured these past few weeks have been nothing but stellar. I can't wait to create more as the 2018 season progresses!!! I truly appreciate those families that have continued to hire me year after year to create these beautiful memories!!!
If you would like to reserve a 2018 beach session, you may do so by going here!!! We would love to work with you!! https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2018-beach-sessions Thank you for an already amazing year, South Jersey! Plenty more is coming your way!
