A Children’s Session at Ridley Creek State Park PA

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Ridley Creek State Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene settings, making it an ideal location for a magical photography session. Recently, we had the pleasure of photographing a delightful little girl in a fancy dress as she explored the enchanting gardens of this beautiful park.

Perfectly posed in the gardens at the mansion at Ridley Creek.

A Day of Wonder and Joy

The day was bright and sunny, a perfect backdrop for our little model, who arrived in a stunning, whimsical dress that seemed to capture the essence of childhood dreams. As she twirled and danced through the gardens, her laughter filled the air, adding a touch of joy to every photograph we took.

Ridley Creek State Park, with its lush greenery, blooming flowers, and charming pathways, provided a variety of stunning settings for our session. The little girl’s excitement was contagious as she discovered hidden nooks and crannies, each one becoming a new stage for her to express her playful spirit. Whether she was running across a field of wildflowers, peeking through the branches of a towering oak tree, or sitting quietly by the creek, every moment was a treasure captured through our lens.

Twirling on the mansion grounds and gardens.

We love this state park in Pennsylvania.

Our Photography Services

At Shooting Star Photography, we believe in creating memorable experiences that go beyond just taking pictures. Our sessions are designed to be fun and engaging, allowing our clients, especially children, to be themselves and enjoy the moment. We specialize in outdoor photography, making the most of natural light and beautiful locations like Ridley Creek State Park to create stunning, timeless images.

We offer a range of services to cater to your needs, including:

• Children’s Portraits: Capturing the innocence and joy of childhood in beautiful outdoor settings.

• Family Sessions: Creating lasting memories with your loved ones in a relaxed, natural environment.

• Special Occasions: From birthdays to milestones, we document your special moments with creativity and care.

Having fun being a princess. Life is tough.

Close-up of the little gorgeous one.

Looking down upon the gardens at Ridley Creek State Park.

Why Choose Us?

Our approach to photography is centered around creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for our clients. We understand that the best photos are taken when people are having fun and feeling comfortable. That’s why we take the time to get to know our clients and tailor each session to their unique personalities and preferences.

Our recent session with the little girl at Ridley Creek State Park is a testament to this philosophy. Her joy and excitement were palpable, and it shone through in every photograph. The result was a collection of images that not only captured her beauty but also her spirit and sense of wonder.

Beautiful girl, beautiful smile.

Got to capture a little bit of the back of this gorgeous dress.

Playing among the flowers in the garden at Ridley Creek State Park.

Book Your Session Today!

If you’re looking to capture your child’s playful spirit or create beautiful family memories, we’d love to help. Contact us today to book your photography session at Ridley Creek State Park or any of the other stunning locations we offer. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and stories. Our session with the little girl in the fancy dress was a reminder of the pure joy and wonder that children bring to the world. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of her day, and we can’t wait to create more magical moments with our future clients.

Follow us on social media to see more of our work and stay updated on our latest sessions and promotions.

Thank you for reading, and we look forward to capturing your special moments soon!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Starting Out As A Photographer In 2024

You are about to embark in something that is HARD. If it was that easy, then there would be more small independent business owners. It’s much easier sometimes to work for someone else than sometimes working for yourself. Especially in the beginning, when you are 10 teams rolled into one. You are not just a photographer, but a marketer, designer, a blogger, a business owner, accountant, a set designer, customer service manager and a wardrobe coordinator. Things are going to go crazy that you never thought you may have encountered before. Like an unhinged client or an issue with your computer not working and need to complete a deadline, or golly forbid an SD card goes bad and you are doing everything to recover those images. It’s not going to be an easy journey and it never will. 

It took me 7 years to get a onsite studio. Don’t give give up on your dreams!

The Road is Not Going to be Easy

You will eventually realize that IT IS HARD… but after awhile, it is soooo much better than having to work for anyone else. If your kid is sick, you can be home with them. You can schedule your work around your life. Now, not saying you aren’t going to put in 18 hour days, especially in the beginning, but life is a little bit more manageable.

Take Risks!

Many people are scared of failure and are afraid of taking risks. MOST fall in this category. Heck, look at Elon Musk. Back in 2008, he almost went BANKRUPT. He put everything on the line and had 100 million to his name. He bet it all into his Space-X rockets. He had only five tries to make his rockets work and that would be it for him, if it didn’t. Thank goodness it eventually worked (with a few failures), but what if he never took that risk? Would he be still one of the richest men in the world or just a failure? 

Nine out of ten businesses fail and it is up to you to be that one out of ten who make it! Half of those businesses will survive the first four years.  

The Riches are in the Niches

One thing in starting a photography business is you have to find your niche. The riches are in the niches. If you are like Joe and Sally down the street, NOTHING is going to make you stand out to prospective clients. Then it just becomes a price war! Who has the better price? 

I thought long and hard and I like to stylize my sessions for the best results. However, if a client wants to wear something of their own. That is okay!

Develop A Plan for Your Photography Business

Planning ahead is the key to starting out. Lay the foundation. Come up with a business plan. How you want to edit, what do you want to photograph, how are you going to market yourself? What is going to set you apart? Then go from there! 

Search for Funding!

One thing a lot of women don’t take advantage of is that there is sometimes special financial assistance from the SBA or Business Administration for women-owned businesses and minority entrepreneurs! This is something you may want to look into, if you don’t have the funding available to start! 

Take the Plunge

Whatever it is.. take the plunge. Hey if you don’t succeed, you’ll have a great story to tell everyone one day. Sometimes failure is winning. As Elon Musk even states, he learns two-fold by his failures than he does is winnings! Life is meant to be lived. Go out and get it! 

Twirl and have fun! BE THE BUSINESS BOSS THAT YOU ARE!

Quitting your full-time job is going to be scary going into this. TERRIFYING. It is going to take a good 6 months to really get things in motion and it will be a continual challenge. If you quit, there will be a lot of questions you will ask. Will be you consistent? Will you have enough money set aside for all the what-ifs? Is your family going to be supportive? This is a big thing believe it or not.  It’s do or die at this point and it is that tenacity that will drive you forward. 

Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum

You cannot get depressed or let one nasty comment from someone get you down. You need to keep trucking ahead. 

Sit Down And Come Up With Your Plan- Some Questions to Consider:

Why do you want to become a Photographer? As yourself this before getting into it. Can you see yourself doing this for the next 5, 10, 20 years? 

Now after you asked yourself that question.. now it’s time for the market research for your prospective genre. What is it that you will offer and set yourself apart from everyone else? 

Now look at your strengths and weaknesses! 

Are you a great photographer and you can’t market right? Are you a better business person than you are a skilled photographer? Learn to celebrate your strengths and get help for your weaknesses.

For example, if you struggle with marketing, hire someone, reach out to a friend, or study up on it to become better! There’s always a solution to a problem. 

Are you a better business person than a skilled photographer? Awesome! That’s actually a great stepping stone! Keep on building on those skills and then take a workshop with photographers you admire. 

A little bit of everything I love. Mommy and me, unicorn, stylized sessions, maternity sessions, you name it… DO what you LOVE!

The fact of the matter is work on your weaknesses or get help for them! Build on your strengths! 

Listen, Listen, Listen

One of the greatest things I learned as a photographer is LISTENING. Listening to my customers, listening to other photographers around me. Sometimes, you don’t want to listen and can be stubborn, but lean in to those who have been in this game and take their advice! This will be a great asset. I wish I had LISTENED more in the beginning. 

Nonetheless, the road will be hard, not easy, but I can guarantee you that it will get better. NO ONE is perfect in this game. Even those who have been in this for 20 years, still learn, still want to improve and have their bad days! 

My advice is to keep on trucking. I am always here for any help or advice! 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Ben Franklin Bridge-Camden, New Jersey

A beautiful sister photo session at the Ben Franklin Bridge!

Astonishing Portrait Session of Two Sisters at Ben Franklin Bridge in New Jersey.

On a beautiful May evening, I embarked on a journey to capture the remarkable portrait session of two sisters at the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge. The radiance they brought to the scene was beyond my expectations. The sisters, hailing from the New York area, arrived excited to pick out their dresses and commence the photoshoot.

As soon as they arrived, their vibrant personalities and undeniable charm set the tone for a memorable photo shoot. The girls' gorgeous outfits perfectly complemented one another, showcasing their individual beauty and strong bond as sisters. The resulting photos captured the essence of sisterhood and love, while showcasing their personalities in each snap.

Weather-wise it was a nice balmy 78 and a little windy! However, some wind, not the crazy hurricane types, can actually add some movement to images.

The bond between the sisters was palpable and evident not only in their physical resemblance but also in their interactions. Their laughter filled the bridge, creating an atmosphere of warmth and genuine affection. Witnessing their pure joy was an inspiration for me as a photographer.

Throughout the session, the sisters effortlessly posed with grace and poise, displaying their unique beauty and connection. Their complete trust in our vision allowed me to capture their true essence, preserving their sisterly bond in every frame.

I was fortunate to have a brother and two sisters growing up. I totally wish that we had photography like this to showcase our memories. I couldn’t fathom having a portrait session like this. It would have been incredible! Now, I have candids and polaroids of the film days of those times and of course your standard corny studio portraits, but if there was anything like this experience, I think it would be a highlight of my childhood!

This was my favorite image of the whole session. I love the connection she has. She looks so kind and so happy. I love these Ben Franklin Bridge Sessions so much!

As the session drew to a close, I reflected on the magical experience I shared with these two sisters. The Ben Franklin Bridge provided an extraordinary canvas for their portraits, but it was their infectious spirit and love for one another that truly brought the images to life.

From the moment of meeting these two little beans, to picking out the dresses, walking up to the top and then photographing, I can’t say how pleasant of a time we had. I always say it is a good days work when there is a ton of laughter and twirls involved and we definitely got that here with these two.

We are grateful to have been a part of this incredible session and eagerly await the day to see these two sisters again.they came all the way from New York State to see us!

These images will serve as a tangible reminder of their bond for years to come, bringing joy to all who see them. The entire experience was not only successful but also incredibly fun for all involved.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee.

Shooting Star Photography.

Family Photographer Extraordinaire!

Winter Light’s Beauty in New Jersey

The Enchanting Beauty of Winter Portraits in New Jersey: Capturing the Soft and Gorgeous Winter Light


As the winter season approaches and the chilly breeze sweeps across New Jersey, there is a unique and captivating beauty that unfolds. While many associate winter with cold temperatures and snow-covered landscapes, this time of year also presents an incredible opportunity for those seeking to capture their professional portraits. The secret lies in the soft and gorgeous winter light that bathes the surroundings with a magical glow, creating an ethereal backdrop for your photographs.

Beautiful little lady posing in the pastel colored winter light. It’s the most softest and beautiful light! Taken at Weymouth Furnance in Hammonton. Wearing Anna Triant Couture.

In the world of photography, light is an essential element that can make or break an image. Winter light, in particular, possesses a quality that is softer and more diffused than any other season. The lower position of the sun during this time of year creates longer shadows, enhancing the depth and dimension of the photographs. The result is a gentle and flattering illumination that complements the subject, producing a stunning visual effect.

This photograph was taken in my backyard. The snow allowed for a beautiful blanket and the sunshine just added to the ambiance of the winter portrait.

New Jersey in wintertime is a haven for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its diverse landscapes, from snow-covered forests to picturesque coastal scenes, the Garden State offers a plethora of breathtaking locations for your portrait sessions. Imagine being framed against the backdrop of a serene frozen lake or standing amidst freshly fallen snow, creating a dreamy ambiance that evokes a sense of tranquility and purity.

This photograph won an award. This was also taken in my backyard. We have beautiful light and movement.

Furthermore, the winter light in New Jersey produces an enchanting palette of colors. The colder temperatures and crisp air lend a clarity to the atmosphere that enhances the tones and saturates the hues in your images. Blankets of white snow provide an element of contrast, allowing the subtle pastels or vibrant colors of your clothing to pop against the serene backdrop.

These kiddos were great subjects. This old trestle bridge acted like a beautiful backdrop for their friend portrait session.

One of the advantages of scheduling your portrait session during winter is the reduced demand for outdoor shoots. While the allure of autumn and springtime photo shoots is undeniable, winter often remains a hidden gem. This means that you have the opportunity to relish the undisturbed beauty of wintertime and create unique and memorable portraits without the usual crowds of people or busy locations.

This is my daughter playing in the snow in front of grandma’s house. I LOVE snow photographs.

To get the most out of your winter portrait session, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Dressing appropriately is crucial to ensure comfort during the shoot, so layering up with cozy yet stylish outfits is key. Incorporating textured fabrics, such as wool or cashmere, can add an extra element of visual interest. Additionally, accessorizing with hats, scarves, and mittens not only keeps you warm but also enhances the seasonal vibe of the photographs.

This beautiful maternity photograph was taken at Smithville Mansion. It was snowing.

As a professional photography team, Shooting Star Photography LLC has been capturing the beauty of New Jersey year-round. We have witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations winter brings to this state, where unforgettable moments are frozen in time against the enchanting backdrop of soft and gorgeous winter light.

This was taken near my house with their pup. It won an international award. It was taken in the winter.

If you are seeking an extraordinary portrait experience, consider embracing the beauty of winter in New Jersey. Let us capture your essence amidst the tranquil winter landscapes, where the soft and gorgeous winter light will create photographs that mesmerize and endure. Contact Shooting Star Photography LLC today to begin your enchanting journey through winter portraits.

Happy shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography