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.

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Best Maternity Photographer in South Jersey

What is so special about a Maternity Photography Session?

A maternity photography session is special because it captures a unique and beautiful moment in a woman's life: the transition to motherhood. It's a time when a woman's body is changing, and she's growing a new life inside her. Maternity photography celebrates this transformation and creates lasting memories of this special time.

Maternity photography also allows expectant mothers to connect with their unborn baby and document the beginning of their journey together. It can be an emotional and empowering experience, as women celebrate the strength and beauty of their bodies and the new life growing within.

Shooting Star Photography has been the top 10 maternity photographer, in the Philadelphia area, for the last 5 years. Via Expertise.com. 

Their ranking falls on customer service (they’ve even “crank called” my business, to see if I would answer the phone) as a test to measure photography companies/studio and to measure their true customer service nature. Their ranking is not purchased or bought, or do they have advertisers that “promote us.” It’s the real deal as anyone can be “ranked” as the top or claim they are “the top.”

Their method is to promote value, with quality and customer service. That is something I do try and provide to all my clients. They are family and they become family. 

Maternity photography is truly an art form. It’s something I really love to capture. I love photographing adults and I find them to be as fun as photographing children. I’ve even photographed engagements. It’s something special. A true rite of passage to become a mom. My goal is to empower, the woman within. Show her true beauty. Capture the love between two people. 

What is so special about a Maternity Photography Session?

A maternity photography session is special because it captures a unique and beautiful moment in a woman's life: the transition to motherhood. It's a time when a woman's body is changing, and she's growing a new life inside her. Maternity photography celebrates this transformation and creates lasting memories of this special time.

Maternity photography also allows expectant mothers to connect with their unborn baby and document the beginning of their journey together. It can be an emotional and empowering experience, as women celebrate the strength and beauty of their bodies and the new life growing within.

Finally, a maternity photography session provides an opportunity for expectant mothers to bond with their partners and other family members. It's a time to come together and share in the excitement of the new arrival, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Some of the many beautiful expecting mothers we have been blessed with.

I have a ton of gowns at my clients disposal. From winter looks, to summery beach looks, I try to carry something for every size and customer. 

Nothing like showcasing you and your future, in the best light possible. The goddess within, I want to bring out and for you to shine in. 

When to come in:) 

I remember my first born. He was rough. Eleven pounds. Yup, 11. I could barely walk at 8 months and then I was put on bed rest. Whew! He was an exhaustive one. I do suggest around the 7 1/2 am to 8 month mark. That way you’ll be able to at least walk and/or be a bit mobile. Those last few weeks are TOUGH. At the end of our session, I’ll make sure your significant other gives you a grand old foot massage. 

Whether you like the city or a whole field of flowers, I git you covered for your maternity session. I’d love the opportunity to capture this special moment, in your life, for you! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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New Jersey Winter Wonderland Sessions

New Jersey Winter Wonderland Sessions- Capturing the best subjects, with the best light!

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This time of year is THE BEST to have a session!!!!! Winter light is extremely soft and pleasing. It makes your skin look soft and beautiful. My subjects look more magical, due to the pastel light. I know it may be a little cold outside, but if you can withstand it, this is honestly the best time to have a session. When you approach the spring and summer months, lighting becomes a bit more harsh, especially in the spring. Spring light can be a bit more difficult to work with as there are no leaves on the trees, so it's hard to filter the light. You sometimes end up with a more harsh light, depending on the location. For winter sessions, we have you covered. From furs, capes, winter dresses... we have it all! The locations we choose in winter are a bit different from our offerings in the spring and summer, due to better lighting conditions this time of year.  

Why is a winter photography session the best?

Winter light casts a magical spell on portraits, making them truly enchanting! As the sun hangs low in the sky, its gentle rays filter through the crisp winter air, creating a soft and ethereal glow. The quality of this light during winter is like no other—it's delicate, diffused, and creates a beautiful luminosity on the subjects. Photographing portraits in winter light feels like painting with light brushes, adding a touch of warmth and a hint of romance to every image. The low angle of the sun offers long shadows, adding depth and dimension to the portraits, accentuating the contours of the face and creating a captivating interplay between light and shadow. So, grab your camera, bundle up in cozy layers, and let the winter light work its magic on your portraits!

How are process works: We take care of EVERYTHING. Honestly, all you need to do is show up. I have an assistant (my mom) and we get you dressed, get your headpieces going. Then off to shooting in this beautiful winter light. You tend to find us traveling all over the Delaware Valley Region. From waterfalls, to the pine tree forests.. to city this time of year.We tend to be a stylized emotive storytelling photographer. We kind of sit back and help direct you, but we want you to have real moments between one another. Especially, with families, as that is our goal.

We capture REAL smiles, not the, "say cheese" kind. Every location we choose, we style around it. For example, I am sure you don't want to wear something extremely formal on the beach or black.. it won't look right. You want to go for those pastels, lights, brights.. and jewel tones. Black is more suited for city, or forest conditions.  NOW is the time to book your winter session as our spring through fall is booked out. We would love to work with you and give you an amazing photography experience!!! 

Happy Shooting, my friends! Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Southern New Jersey Photographer      

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