A Magical Family Portrait Session City Hall, Philadelphia

There’s something special about photographing families in the heart of Philadelphia. The city has a rhythm to it — movement, history, texture — and when you place a family inside that energy, the result feels alive in a way that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

This session on Broad Street was exactly that.

Why Broad Street Works for Family Portraits

Broad Street is bold, iconic, and unapologetically Philadelphia. Between the architecture, the city lights, and the constant sense of motion, it offers a backdrop that feels modern yet timeless.

For families who want portraits that feel a little different — less traditional meadow, more story-driven — the city delivers beautifully. It allows space for:

• Real movement

• Natural interaction

• Candid moments that unfold organically

And that’s where the magic happens.

Letting the Session Unfold Naturally

This session wasn’t about rigid posing or perfect stillness. It was about connection.

Walking together. Laughing between frames. Letting the city hum quietly in the background while moments happened naturally in the foreground. The best images came from the in-between — a glance, a smile, a spontaneous burst of energy right there on the sidewalk.

Philadelphia sessions tend to feel more like an experience than a photoshoot, and that’s intentional.

A Different Kind of Family Session

Urban family sessions attract families who want something honest and a little unexpected. The mix of city grit and warmth creates images that feel both stylish and deeply personal.

Broad Street, especially, brings:

• Strong lines and visual interest

• Evening light that reflects beautifully off buildings

• A cinematic feel without being overdone

It’s the kind of location that elevates a session without overpowering the people in it.

Photographing Families in the City

City sessions do require experience — understanding light, movement, and pacing matters more here than anywhere else. Knowing when to pause, when to move, and how to keep kids engaged in an active environment makes all the difference.

That experience allows sessions like this to feel calm, effortless, and fun — even in the middle of a busy city.

Families often ask about planning sessions in Philadelphia, and I’ve shared more details about locations and approach on my Philadelphia family photography page.

Images That Feel Like You

What I love most about this Broad Street session is how much it reflects the family themselves — confident, connected, and comfortable being exactly who they are.

Philadelphia offers that kind of honesty. And when families lean into it, the results are images that don’t just document a moment — they tell a story.

Warmly,
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography

Families often ask about planning sessions in the city — I’ve shared more details on my Philadelphia family photography page.

Capturing Your Family's Joy: A Philadelphia Photo Shoot

As busy parents, we all know how important it is to capture those precious moments with our children, but it can be hard to wrangle everyone together! Sometimes, planning a family photo shoot can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. That's why we're here to share our experience of a glamorous family photo shoot in Philadelphia and provide some tips to help you capture your own family's joy! (And here to help ease the process!)

The Magic of a Philadelphia Backdrop

Philadelphia is truly a magical city for family photo shoots! With its rich history and stunning architecture, it provides an incredible backdrop that will make your photos stand out. Whether you're looking for a modern cityscape or a historic landmark, Philadelphia has it all.

One of the most iconic locations for family photo shoots is Love Park. This beautiful park features the famous LOVE statue, which makes for an adorable backdrop for family photos. If you're looking for something a bit more classic, Old City has a plethora of historic buildings and cobblestone streets that will transport you back in time.

But it's not just the landmarks that make Philadelphia a great location for family photos. The city also has beautiful parks and gardens, like Fairmount Park and Longwood Gardens, that provide a peaceful and natural backdrop for your photos. The city's murals and street art also make for unique and colorful backgrounds.

When choosing your location, think about what style and mood you want to convey in your photos. Do you want a classic and timeless look or a more modern and edgy vibe? Philadelphia has something for everyone!

No matter which location you choose, make sure to take advantage of the city's beautiful natural light. The sunrise and sunset in Philadelphia are truly breathtaking and provide a warm and romantic glow to your photos.

Overall, Philadelphia is a city full of magic and charm that will add an unforgettable touch to your family photo shoot. With its stunning backdrops and natural beauty, it's the perfect location to capture your family's joy and love.

Planning Your Family Photo Shoot

Planning a family photo shoot can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! By taking a few key factors into consideration, you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. First, think about the location and what kind of backdrop you want for your photos. As we mentioned earlier, Philadelphia has a variety of options to choose from, so take some time to explore and find the perfect spot.

Next, consider the time of day and weather. Philadelphia can get hot and humid in the summer, so it's best to schedule your shoot early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the heat. If you're worried about rain or other inclement weather, make sure to have a backup plan in place.

When it comes to outfits, coordination is key. Choose a color palette and mix and match patterns and textures to create a cohesive look. But also consider the location and style of the shoot when choosing your outfits. For a Philadelphia shoot, you might want to dress up a bit to match the city's elegance and sophistication.

Finally, don't forget to make it a fun family experience! Take breaks to explore the city or grab a snack. Play games or tell jokes to keep everyone relaxed and happy. By making it a fun and enjoyable experience, you'll be able to capture genuine smiles and laughter in your photos.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, your family photo shoot in Philadelphia is sure to be a success. And remember, the most important thing is to capture those precious moments with your loved ones.

Dressing for Success

One of the most important aspects of a family photo shoot is coordinating outfits. It can be daunting to choose outfits for the whole family, but it's essential to achieve a cohesive and stylish look. Our advice is to choose a color palette and mix and match patterns and textures to add visual interest. For our Philadelphia shoot, we opted for a color scheme of blues and greens, which complemented the city's elegant and sophisticated vibe.

It's also important to consider the location and style of the shoot when selecting your outfits. If you're shooting in a more formal setting, like a historic landmark or museum, you may want to dress up a bit more. However, if you're opting for a more casual location, like a park or street art mural, you may want to choose outfits that are more relaxed and comfortable.

Another tip is to avoid matching outfits too closely. While it's essential to coordinate, you don't want to look like a uniformed group. Instead, mix and match colors, patterns, and textures to add visual interest and showcase your family's unique personalities.

Don't be afraid to accessorize, too! Accessories like scarves, hats, and jewelry can add a fun and personalized touch to your outfits. Just remember not to overdo it – you want your outfits to complement your photos, not overpower them.

Overall, dressing for a family photo shoot can be a fun and creative process. Take the time to plan and coordinate your outfits, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The end result will be a collection of stunning photos that capture your family's love and joy for years to come.

The Role of the Professional Photographer

While planning a family photo shoot can be overwhelming, the expertise of a professional photographer (like myself) can make all the difference in capturing those precious moments with your family. A professional photographer has the experience and knowledge to capture the right angles, lighting, and emotions to ensure that your family looks their best.

During our Philadelphia shoot, I will give you direction on poses and expressions to ensure that everyone looks natural and relaxed. I will take candid shots and possed shots to capture your family's genuine interactions and personalities.

I have an ability to put you at ease. I understand that not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera and will do my best to make you feel relaxed and confident.

Additionally, I have access to high-quality equipment and editing software that can take your photos to the next level. I know how to adjust the lighting and colors to create stunning images that will last a lifetime.

When choosing a photographer, make sure to do your research and find someone whose style and personality align with yours. Look at their portfolio and read reviews from previous clients to get a sense of their work and professionalism.

Overall, the role of a professional photographer in a family photo shoot is to capture your family's love and joy in the most beautiful and authentic way possible. By working with a professional, you can rest assured that your memories will be preserved for years to come.

What are some tips for making a family photo shoot a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved?

Making my clients feel relaxed and worry-free is my goal and it is what will shine during your photo shoot!

How can dressing appropriately for a photo shoot impact the final result of the photos?

Dressing appropriately for a photo session can significantly and I mean significantly enhance the final results. Coordinated outfits are a must! Distracting patterns are a no no! Clean and simple colors that compliment the scenery always look best! Choosing this route will also make your images timeless. You can look back on them in 10 years and still be in style.

Making it a Fun Family Experience

Family photo shoots can be a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. And with a little bit of planning, you can turn it into a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!

During our Philadelphia shoot, we took breaks to explore the city and grab a bite to eat. We played games and told jokes to keep everyone relaxed and happy. By making it a fun and lighthearted experience, we were able to capture genuine smiles and laughter in our photos.

One of the best ways to make a family photo shoot enjoyable is to involve the whole family in the planning process. Ask your kids for their input on the location, outfits, and props. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them more invested in the shoot.

Another way to make it fun is to come up with creative ideas for poses and interactions. Try jumping in the air, making silly faces, or holding hands and walking together. Don't be afraid to get a little silly and have some fun with it!

And finally, don't forget to take breaks and enjoy the moment. Family photo shoots can be tiring and stressful, so make sure to take a breather and appreciate the time you're spending together.

Overall, making a family photo shoot a fun and enjoyable experience is all about planning, creativity, and taking the time to appreciate the moment. By involving the whole family, coming up with fun ideas, and taking breaks to enjoy each other's company, you'll be able to capture genuine moments of joy and love that you can cherish for years to come.

Cherishing the Precious Moments

After your family photo shoot in Philadelphia, you'll have a gallery of stunning photos that capture your family's joy and love. It's important to take the time to cherish these precious moments and display them in your home. These photos will serve as a reminder of your time together in Philadelphia and the love you share as a family.

One great way to display your photos is to create a gallery wall. Choose your favorite shots and print them in various sizes to create a dynamic and eye-catching display. You can also choose frames that complement your decor and add a personal touch to your home.

Another way to showcase your photos is to create a photo album or scrapbook. This is a great option for those who want to have all their photos in one place and share them with family and friends. You can include captions and anecdotes to add context and make the album more personal and meaningful.

If you're looking for a more unique way to display your photos, consider creating a photo book or canvas print. This is a great option for those who want to create a more polished and professional look. You can choose from a variety of layouts and designs to create a custom product that perfectly suits your style and taste.

No matter how you choose to display your photos, the most important thing is to take the time to appreciate the memories and moments captured in each shot. Your family photo shoot in Philadelphia is a special time that deserves to be celebrated and cherished.

Contact us today for your fully customized family portrait session!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Shooting Star Photography

Philadelphia- A Photographer’s Dream

The Greater Philadelphia area offers a variety of picturesque locations for a family portrait session.

What areas do we travel for our clients in the Philadelphia, Delaware, and New Jersey regions? 

Shooting Star Photography provides their services as a family and maternity photographer to clients across various locations in the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Eastern Shore regions. These locations include Philadelphia, PA; Main Line, PA; Chester County, PA; Kennett Square, PA; Wilmington, DE;  Ocean City, NJ, Haddonfield, NJ, Moorestown, NJ, Mullica Hill, NJ. This extensive coverage allows us to cater to clients in multiple cities and towns within these regions.

What services do we offer for printing and preserving the photos?

At my photography sessions, I strive to provide a luxurious and effortless experience for my clients. With a focus on capturing natural and genuine family moments, I offer wardrobe and location guidance to ensure simplicity throughout the process.

I understand the desire to have family photos that not only evoke warmth but also appear authentic without any awkwardness. As an experienced photographer, I possess the skills to guide you in creating those frame-worthy connections that truly reflect your family's dynamic.

Additionally, I recognize that many of us struggle with finding the time or motivation to print and preserve our precious photos. That's why I offer a complimentary keepsake design service to make the process of creating heirloom prints a breeze. This means that you can easily enjoy tangible memories that will last for generations to come.

Furthermore, I understand the importance of digital images in our increasingly online lives. For this reason, I provide high-quality digital files in addition to the printed copies, allowing you to cherish your memories both online and offline.

With my services, you can expect the perfect combination of luxury, ease, and preservation, ensuring that your family's memories are beautifully captured and thoughtfully preserved.

Here are some backdrop and location ideas to consider:

From rooftops to Center City, we have you covered on gorgeous and unique locations. No session is the same and that’s how we like it!

Taken in South Philly. Anywhere in Philly can be magical!

The famous Rocky steps. A First Holy Communion Session we did here.

A lady in Rittenhouse Philadelphia.

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps: The iconic steps and surrounding area provide a classic Philadelphia backdrop. Capture your family with the museum in the background or reenact the famous Rocky Balboa run up the steps.

2. Rittenhouse Square: This beautiful park in the heart of Philadelphia features lush greenery, tree-lined paths, and a central fountain. It's a popular spot for outdoor portraits, especially during the spring and summer months.

3. Boathouse Row: Located along the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row offers a unique and scenic backdrop with its historic rowing clubs. The row of boathouses lit up at night can create a stunning setting for your family portraits.

4. Old City and Elfreth's Alley: Explore the historic streets of Old City, including the charming Elfreth's Alley. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and colorful facades make for an excellent backdrop with a touch of Philadelphia's history.

5. Philadelphia Magic Gardens: This mosaic art installation in South Street is a vibrant and eclectic location for family portraits. The colorful tiles, mirrored walls, and artistic elements provide a unique and visually appealing setting.

6. Fairmount Park: As one of the largest urban park systems in the United States, Fairmount Park offers a variety of picturesque locations. Choose from areas like Belmont Plateau, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, or the Horticulture Center for beautiful natural backdrops.

7. Spruce Street Harbor Park: During the summer months, Spruce Street Harbor Park becomes a vibrant waterfront destination. The hammocks, floating gardens, and colorful LED lights can create a playful and lively atmosphere for your family portraits.

8. The rooftop at Cira Green. We’ve shot two sessions here and we absolutely love it. It’s an awesome rooftop that overlooks center city from West Philadelphia. It’s an awesome architecturally interesting place to shoot.

Another Rittenhouse family Session.

Top of the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Philly Skyline. Miss Liberty.

Dancing in Fairmount Park Philadelphia. In the winter.

City lights always are fantastic and add to a pop in your Philadelphia photo shoot.

Remember to check the specific rules and regulations of each location regarding photography permits and restrictions. Additionally, consider the time of day and lighting conditions when planning your session to ensure the best possible results. Shooting Star Photography has shot at every venue above.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Philadelphia Sessions in FULL SWING!!!

I LOVE this time of year. It's all about the twinkling lights and hustle and bustle of the city! The good ol' city of Philadelphia. I have made these a mainstay and staple in my business and my other photographers have tried to copy, but no one does it best! We know that weddings have been popular here, however, couture and family sessions were never a big thing... until we started doing them!

Why is Broad Street in Philly an awesome spot for photo shoots? 

Broad Street in Philadelphia is an awesome spot for photo shoots due to the following reasons:

1. Iconic Landmarks: Broad Street is one of Philadelphia's major thoroughfares, lined with numerous iconic landmarks and architectural gems. These landmarks, such as Philadelphia City Hall, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, provide visually captivating backdrops for photography.

2. Cityscape and Skyline Views: Broad Street offers excellent views of the Philadelphia skyline, especially when photographed from strategic vantage points. The juxtaposition of the historic and modern buildings along the street creates an interesting visual contrast, resulting in stunning cityscape shots.

3. Vibrant Street Life: As a bustling street in the heart of Philadelphia, Broad Street is always filled with energy and activity. It serves as a hub for cultural events, parades, and gatherings, making it an ideal location for capturing candid moments, street photography, and showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere.

4. Wide and Spacious Boulevard: Broad Street is known for its width and spaciousness, allowing for unique composition opportunities in photography. The broad expanse of the street enables photographers to experiment with different angles, perspectives, and depth of field, enhancing the visual impact of their shots.

5. Architectural Diversity: Along Broad Street, you'll find a diverse range of architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical and Beaux-Arts to modern designs. This architectural diversity presents a wealth of possibilities for capturing contrasting aesthetics and playing with different visual elements.

6. Accessibility and Convenience: Broad Street is easily accessible, with multiple transportation options available, including subway stations and bus routes. Its central location and proximity to other notable landmarks and neighborhoods in Philadelphia make it a convenient spot for photo shoots.

7. Historical Significance: Broad Street has a rich history and has played a significant role in the city's development. This historical context adds depth and meaning to the photographs, capturing the essence of Philadelphia's heritage.

Overall, the combination of iconic landmarks, cityscape views, vibrant street life, spacious boulevard, architectural diversity, accessibility, and historical significance make Broad Street an excellent location for capturing compelling and memorable photographs in Philadelphia.Now, is the time to book your fall family city photo session! WE have a huge huge month this upcoming November. With our move-in date of our studio in Maple Shade, New Jersey, effective November 1st and a ton of things going on in the heart of the busiest season we have ever had! We truly love our customers and EVERYTHING we put out on the table.

It's been a labor of love and a lot of blood, sweat and tears. At Shooting Star Photography, we hope to continue with the BEST service and high-quality images that you have expected and seen over the past five to six years.

One of my most favorite Philadelphia captures.. EVERRRR. It was FREEZING cold this day, but she was a trooper! Broad Street Philadelphia, family photographers in south jersey

One of my most favorite Philadelphia captures.. EVERRRR. It was FREEZING cold this day, but she was a trooper!

For these upcoming sessions on November 8th, we will be offering up styling. We can only do 4 spots, but we cannot wait to offer these to our clients this year! They are truly showstoppers for your annual Christmas Cards!

Father and daughter enjoying a moment on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Truly one of my favorite places to shoot in the city and in the South Jersey area.

Father and daughter enjoying a moment on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Truly one of my favorite places to shoot in the city and in the South Jersey area.

I'm always in love with father and daughter captures! They truly are the BEST!!!!!

Another beautiful family session taken in Philly! Love the way this family looks at each other! I cannot wait to open up my store in Maple Shade, NJ as Philadelphia will only be moments away!

Another beautiful family session taken in Philly! Love the way this family looks at each other! I cannot wait to open up my store in Maple Shade, NJ as Philadelphia will only be moments away!

One of my most FAVORITE CLIENTS. I see these guys a few times a year. LOVE THE WAY they are looking at one another! Another gorgeous Broad Street session in the books!

One of my most FAVORITE CLIENTS. I see these guys a few times a year. LOVE THE WAY they are looking at one another! Another gorgeous Broad Street session in the books!

If you would like to book one of these sessions, you may do so here! Hope to see you out for one of the best spots in Philadelphia! We LOVE YOU SOUTH JERSEY AND PHILLY!!!!

https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/sunday-november-8th-the-best-twinkle-street-of-philadelphia

If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Mommy and Me and Maternity Sessions on Broad Street Philadelphia.

Mommy and Me Maternity Sessions! In Philadelphia

 These mommy and me sessions in PHILLY are going to be awesome!!!

I am so excited to announce our 2018 Mommy and me sessions this year! We've tried to make it affordable at all levels this year! These Philadelphia sessions will take place at our signature location. Our soft backgrounds and twinkling lights tend to draw most folks in. They are show stopper images. Most families, used these photographs on their Christmas Cards in the past year. My goal is to capture the bond you have with your children. This city location is absolutely safe. We make sure of it and fine for most ages 2 and up. However, if wanting to bring your baby along for this capture. No problem! We will just ask that you hold them or sit with them. In terms of posing, we have you covered.

A mommy and me photo shoot is a special and memorable way to capture the unique bond between a mother and her child. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your photo shoot:

1. Choose a location: Decide on a location that reflects the mood you want to create for the shoot. This could be a natural setting like a park or a beach, or an indoor location like a studio or your home.

2. Coordinate outfits: Consider coordinating outfits for both you and your child. You don't have to match exactly, but wearing complementary colors or patterns can make for a visually pleasing photo.

3. Bring props: Consider bringing some props to add interest to the photos. This could be anything from a favorite book to a bouquet of flowers.

4. Relax and have fun: Remember that the most important thing is to relax and have fun! This will help you and your child feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, which will lead to better photos.

5. Hire a professional photographer: Consider hiring a professional photographer who has experience with family and child photography. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible photos.

Dresses and attire

We got you and can coordinate for your Broad Street Photoshoot.

We will be offering some gowns for mom. Think simple and clean colors and lines. For girls attending.. (daughters) our Tutu du Monde and Dollcake dresses will be on hand for these sessions. We provide  sizes from 1 to 16.  Dads if attending.. sorry, you are on your own.   If you would like to utilize one of our Anna Triant gowns, Adrianna Ostrowski or any of the more high end gowns from our collection, you may do so for an additional rental fee. We do have SOME boys clothing. Mostly suits from sizes 2 to 7, so please inquire if you would like utilize them.

Love how this little lady is looking up at mommy and her soon to be new baby brother!

Broad Street Philadelphia twirls!

This lady got a lot of whistles for baring it all on Broad Street!

Beautiful family session on Broad Street. As you can see the red really pops at this location!

Philly and mommy.. nothing better!!!

 Mommy and Me sessions will take place on March 24th. Rain date will be March 25th and time will run from 4pm to 6:30pm. Each session will last about 20 minutes long (it's all we need). Our goal to capture that one perfect shot for you and your family that is mantel worthy. With each session purchase, we are giving moms a complimentary boutique 8x10 image to remember and cherish this day. We want you to have fond memories of your session! We are very excited for these sessions and half are sold out already! We will be making the public announcement via social media tomorrow! Link provided here for more information and what is included! We look forward to working with you! http://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/mommy-and-me-sessions-march-24th-rain-date-march-25th Feel free to reach out with any additional questions!

Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee