Maternity Session at Cooper River Park NJ- Robin Hood’s Castle

NJ Maternity Session at Cooper River Park in NJ!

Another beautiful maternity session in the books. I had the pleasure of doing another gorgeous maternity shoot, here in South Jersey!  Maternity is my ultimate favorite thing to shoot in this whole wide world!  My one true passion is history as I have written books about South Jersey, so I like to incorporate a bit of South Jersey history into my sessions!!!I had discovered between some mutual friends of a place in the Cooper River Park area in Pennsauken (or Collingswood) depending on which side of the river!  There are quite some folklores on this place, but has been in existence for about 80 years and looks like it will be around for quite some time!!!The locals refer to it as Robin Hood's castle!  Now, us South Jerseyans love us some history so am going to add a bit of it here in this blog post!!Now, here is the "REAL" Nottingham's Castle... aka Robin Hood's castle and as you can see they don't compare.  

Capturing Beauty at Cooper River Park, NJ

Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a hidden gem that offers photographers a plethora of enthralling opportunities to capture breathtaking images. Nestled in the heart of Camden County, this park provides an idyllic setting for a photography shoot, drawing both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. It can be a wonderful place especially with the fall colors and warm vibrant tones!

Serene Natural Beauty

One of the main reasons why Cooper River Park is a perfect location for a photography shoot is the abundance of serene natural beauty that surrounds it. The park boasts a picturesque, tree-lined lake, which reflects the mesmerizing colors of the changing seasons - from the vibrant foliage in the fall to the delicate blossoms in the spring.

Versatile Shooting Locations

Cooper River Park offers a diverse range of shooting locations to suit various styles and preferences. From the paved paths that wind through the park, perfect for capturing candid shots of people enjoying nature, to the charming stone bridges that add a touch of classic elegance to any portrait, there is no shortage of interesting backdrops and landscapes.

Vibrant Wildlife

Photographers with a passion for wildlife will revel in the opportunities to capture vibrant and intriguing creatures in Cooper River Park. The park is home to a variety of bird species, such as herons, egrets, and ducks, providing ample chances for stunning avian photography. Additionally, the park's migratory bird population adds a dynamic element to any shoot, enhancing the possibility of capturing rare and beautiful birds in action.

All smiles and looking beautiful in the park!

Year-Round Attractions

Regardless of the season, Cooper River Park offers year-round attractions, making it a favorite destination for photographers throughout the year. In the summer, the park is bustling with activity, with boaters, bikers, and runners, all adding life and energy to the scenes. In the winter, the frost-covered lake and snow-dusted trees create a magical atmosphere, providing opportunities for breathtaking winter landscape photography.

Easy Accessibility

Sweet kisses and a beautiful loving moment!

Cooper River Park's convenient location and easily accessible amenities make it an ideal location for a photography shoot. The park offers ample parking space, ensuring hassle-free arrival for both photographers and subjects. Additionally, the park's close proximity to major highways and public transportation makes it easily reachable for those traveling from near or afar.
In conclusion, Cooper River Park offers photographers an ideal setting for capturing beautiful and memorable moments. With its enchanting natural surroundings, versatile shooting locations, vibrant wildlife, year-round attractions, and easy accessibility, it is no wonder that Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a top choice for those seeking a captivating photography shoot.

Robin Hood's castle in Nottingham UK not South Jersey.

Robin Hood in actual Nottingham, England. We went to visit a few years ago!

Robin hoods castle in Cooper River Park. I love her smile!

When Robin Hood’s castle was built. It has ultimately been the same for almost 90 years! Isn’t that awesome!

Robin Hood's castle. It’s pretty cool eh? Kids use to play here and pretend they are kings and queens back in the day!

(Actually, the real castle at Nottingham burned down around the last 150 years and this was built as it's replacement).The term Robin Hood's castle was derived up from the local Collingswood kids who use to play here! The name has kind of stuck through the last few decades.Here's a lowdown of our local South Jersey castle.The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 as the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest and most ambitious American New Deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads.   It was a Federal project to help stimulate the economy prior to WWII. 

Almost every community in the United States had a new park, bridge or school constructed by this awesome agency. At its peak in 1938, it provided paid jobs for three million unemployed men!What is cool is there are MANY well intact structures built by the WPA all over South Jersey! Like this one!  Yes, a lot of the parks we see today are from around this time frame especially in Camden County and Gloucester Counties.  It's neat to see some of the history unfolding right here in our backyard that generations have probably enjoyed for decades!!!

Mom and dad soon to be at Robin Hood’s castle in Cooper River Park.

Beautiful maternity session taken at Cooper River Park, in Camden County NJ.

Now, I will probably have to use it for some upcoming shoots as I love the old Pennsylvania stone! Maybe another maternity session who knows? There is plenty of shaded areas of Cooper River park and an old historic house not too far from this location as well! My only one complaint is there is a ton and I mean a ton of geese droppings... so if you don't mind landmines then go for it!

This momma nailed her entire session! From what to wear to dealing with the heat! It was almost 100 degrees this day!  Also, they have now introduced their bundle of joy to the world!!! Congratulations, mama and daddy!!!I hope you enjoyed this history lesson! I love getting to include a little bit of local South Jersey flavor into my sessions!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Book Your Maternity Session With Us Today!

South Jersey’s ultimate maternity photographer!

Another beautiful Maternity Session!

A Day of Love and Light at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ

Nestled in a picturesque corner of Heislerville, New Jersey, surrounded by the soothing sounds of crashing waves, stands the majestic East Point Lighthouse—a place that exudes history, charm, and the perfect backdrop for capturing memories. On a recent beachy day, we had the pleasure of capturing the love-filled maternity session of a radiant mom and dad who were all smiles throughout the entire experience.

From the moment we stepped foot onto the sandy shores of Heislerville, the sun seemed to shine just a bit brighter, as if it knew something truly special was about to transpire. The gentle breeze whispered through the tall grass, as if to welcome us to this enchanting location. And there, in the distance, the East Point Lighthouse stood tall and proud, ready to witness this beautiful couple's journey into parenthood.

The soon-to-be parents were an absolute joy to work with, their excitement evident as they arrived hand in hand, their hearts positively bursting with anticipation. The mom-to-be radiated an ethereal glow, her laughter as sweet and delicate as the sea breeze, while the dad-to-be wore a proud grin that simply couldn't be contained. Together, they were the epitome of love and happiness—a living testament to the beauty of this miraculous stage of life.

As we moved closer to the iconic lighthouse, the couple seemed to merge effortlessly with their surroundings. The aged, weathered walls of the lighthouse and the deep blue of the endless sky constituted a perfect contrast to the warmth and tenderness that filled the air. Against this picturesque setting, we captured intimate moments that spoke volumes about the deep connection shared by this expectant couple.

With every click of the camera, we immortalized those cherished moments—moments that will forever remind them of the magical time when their little one was still nestled safely in her womb. The mom-to-be cradled her precious bump with utmost love and care, while the dad-to-be showered her with affectionate glances that spoke of a lifetime of devotion.

The beachy day added its own touch of serenity and tranquility to the session, as the sound of crashing waves serenaded the soon-to-be parents. As they strolled along the shoreline, their footprints left behind in the sand told the story of their journey—each tiny imprint representing the steps they had taken together, and the beautiful path that awaited them.
As the sun began to set, casting its golden hue over the landscape, the couple basked in the warm glow, their smiles growing wider and their love shining brighter with each passing moment. Against this backdrop of sheer beauty, the East Point Lighthouse stood tall, a silent witness to the love story that unfolded beneath its gaze.

In capturing this beautiful maternity session at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ, we were reminded of the power of love and the enchantment of new beginnings. The lighthouse served not only as a beacon of hope and guidance for passing ships but also as a symbol of the couple's unbreakable bond—one that would guide them through the uncharted waters of parenthood.

As we bid farewell to this breathtaking location, knowing that our photographs would forever be treasured by this expectant couple, we left with hearts full of gratitude for being able to document such a touching and memorable day. The smiles, the love, and the beachy backdrop all came together harmoniously, leaving us with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty found in the simplest, yet most profound, moments of life.

Their first baby coming into this world. Ashley and I are old high school friends!

Beautiful Ashley!

East Point Lighthouse made for a beautiful place to shoot in Heislerville, NJ.

The beautiful baby bump!

I love incorporating the dads in maternity sessions!

Up close of the baby bump.

Mom and dad with baby to be!

On the Delaware Bay!

Mom and dad on the beautiful beach of East Point Lighthouse.

Last photo of the evening!

This is another great location that I love to utilize! The site is historic and the color tones give you that true "Beachy" feel.  There is also a beach and other areas that make this a magical place to shoot at.  The light is generally great after 4pm and I'm a bit of an odd one. I like to work with more light.. rather than Golden Hour.  I find that Golden Hour does work with certain locations, but not all. That after 6pm... light can become a bit flat... and I am not a flat light person at all!  I love bright and airy light!I use to photograph at this place back in my landscape days!  It truly speaks South Jersey to me.  In fact, I believe it's one of the oldest lighthouses remaining in New Jersey.  The rustic brick and it's sheer beauty, make this site absolutely breathtaking!What I also love about this site.. is that you don't have to travel all the way to the Jersey Shore (quicker commute time),

You never run into traffic, the sun sets on this side since it is the bay.  There is a beach area, gorgeous grasses and even an area to do some incredible street shots.  It kind of has it all... Plus, hardly anyone is ever here to ruin your shot! You practically have the place all to yourself!!!  You may encounter a fisherman or two, but they are usually very friendly and kind!  I've even been asked if they want them to move to get a great shot!  It's truly incredible the kind of love among fellow men that you will find here!

These two got in just in time for their session because not more than 2 days later little Evan was born!!!!I've done a few sessions here thus far this year and I have loved it every single time! Most of all, when I see my clients step out of their vehicles they have a huge smile on their faces!  That's when I knew I've done my job in scouting the PERFECT location for their beach session!

As you can see in this session... NO one else is around.. And this was on a weekend! This is just a tidbit of our session! We got a ton of incredible shots!  I truly love maternity photography and it is a specialty that I keep wanting to dive more into! So.. if you know anyone who is pregnant, South Jersey! Send them my way... As you can see, I don't disappoint!!!Don't wait! Book your beach session today! We are currently booked out until July 9th!  Hope we speak with you soon! We also have other gorgeous beach locations to offer you!

Happy Shooting, my friend!

Dee

Mommy & Me Mini Session!

Mommy and Me Photo Shoot in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

There's something really special about a mother and daughter relationship!  There's a certain bond and understanding as to the emotional side of things. The relationship you have with your mother is probably the best relationship you will ever have in your life.  The relationship sparks your future relationships, as well as it affects how you will choose to parent one day!  Mothers and daughters are what this world is made of and makes it special! I love my mother and I cherish every day and moment I have with her! 

We recently had the pleasure of capturing a heartwarming mommy and me photo shoot in the charming town of Cherry Hill, NJ. As the camera clicked, the love and bond between the mother and child shone through every shot. Against the picturesque backdrop of Cherry Hill's pristine landscapes, the mom's nurturing nature and the child's innocent joy created a perfect harmony. From tender hugs and giggles to shared secrets and stolen glances, this photo shoot captured the essence of their precious relationship. These portraits will be cherished reminders of the beautiful moments that unfolded on that sunny day in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Mom and daughter smiling away for their beautiful portrait session in Cherry Hill, NJ.

This little cutie was a photography ham. I loved her!

The two amigas… mom and daughter smiling pretty!

Holding hands on Chapel Ave, Cherry Hill among the cherry blossoms.

Another pose for this cutie.

We had to see how “tall” she could get on her stool

Among the tulips in Cherry Hill, NJ.

The Chapel Ave… Cherry Hill cherries!

Hi smiling one!

Last shot among the cherry blossoms in Cherry Hill!

All of my locations are scouted and I have scoured all over the South Jersey area to provide the best for my clients!  Anywho, back to this session!  This was a mini session that was done here in South Jersey among the gorgeous cherry blossoms!  These trees are the same as the ones in Washington D.C.!   I was so excited to offer this type of session this year and can't wait to do it again, next year! Woo hoo!  

My mini sessions usually sell out fast, since I do not offer these too often! As this one was! I had a great time meeting these two gorgeous ladies!  And we had an absolute blast in our time together! My big thing is doing pastels lately. I love soft a vibrant colors!  And love being different from other photographers in the area! I am sure these photographs will be truly cherished for years to come with these two! We got a ton of great photographs from this session (I just decided to pick a few at random to post up on here).  I hope that you can enjoy them as I have! I find it to be my greatest joys in working with people and capturing the true emotion and essence of folks!

 I have a way of relaxing my clients so that they feel comfortable and at ease and this shows throughout my work and with my photographs!I truly can't wait to do this event  again next year, South Jersey!  

I have a few more I would love to get up here and to show you all from this session! I've truly been very busy and I guess that's a good thing!  I can't wait to show you what is to come and other sessions that I have done and have not posted yet!I see myself doing this cherry blossom session for many years to come!  

These blossoms go on for a few miles and folks come from all over to see and enjoy them!

Until we meet again, my friends!

Happy Shooting,

Dee    

Things People Say To Photographers Top 17 list!

Taken in Lancaster.

Showing her missing tooth!

I hear these statements mostly from other photographers in South Jersey, but I have to write this post!  First off, because it is HILARIOUS!  Second, even though I have been in business since October 2014 (hobbyist prior to this), I do get these questions/comments during my sessions or the pre-consultation. These are the most off-the-wall... Yet, true statements and questions that photographers get all the time!  I've devised my own list. 

So... Here goes it!!!

1.)Your camera takes nice pictures!

I am dying right now! Just dying! Every single time that I hear this statement... I want to scream. Really, I do!  This is by far the worse statement you can make to a photographer!Just an fyi, it is NOT the camera.  It is the photographer. It is their artistic eye, their direction, their artistry that makes these images beautiful!  There are some photographers out there that have the most expensive equipment on the planet... and guess what?  Their work is subpar at best!

Do you know how many years and hours it takes to get to the level that you see photographers at? The amount of training, time away from family, investment in classes and instruction that it takes to get to the level these professional photographers have attained?  You have no clue!  You think it's the equipment and it is not!  It is about understanding light, learning how to adapt, learning how to shoot in manual, and be quick in most situations. 

Yes, equipment CAN help in certain cases, but this is not always true! I've seen folks publish photographs from an iPhone photo.  Seriously!  I shot with a point and shoot in the past and have published work from it! It is the experience, not the camera that makes photographers who they are!Saying the above statement is a huge slap in the face to your photographer

.2. I only want ONE picture.

Um, sure?  However, it will cost about the same as a regular session.  You know why? It still takes time to travel and setup.  There is still editing involved... And all this requires TIME. Time is money.

3. That's such a nice camera, what is it?

Does it really matter? As long as you know your photographer puts out incredible work, what's the issue?  If you're planning on buying this camera, you will not take the same photos.  This is a misconception.  You could give the same camera to five different photographers and the results would all be different! As long as what you have, is professional and suits your needs. It really doesn't matter. By the way, it isn't always the camera.  It's lenses!  Investing in great lenses aka glass (that's what we call it) are usually better than getting a new camera.

4. Do you shoot in HD?This is only said to pretend you know what you are talking about, but by saying this it makes you look like a fool. HD is for cinematography.  However, folks are now shooting in 4k, which is a whole new level.

5. The blur or as they say... Bokey  like Hokey...

Okay, it is not pronounced Bokey like Hokey Pokey. It is bokeh and this is done in camera.  This is the natural blur, often creamy in the background that results in your aperture wide open. Some photographers do not know how to do this and if you don't know how to get this creative blur, you need to learn or not call yourself a professional just yet.

6. Can you make me look skinny?

As a photographer, you should know the angles to shoot your clients to show off their best features and to make your client more appealing in their photos.  This means avoiding double chins or the someone's rolls etc. Now that being said... We are not magicians. We can only do so much. We do not want people to look fake.  And this takes time to do... lots of time.. If you want to pay me to make you look skinny, this is fine.. but get ready to fork up some dough!  It's not just a touch of the button to do so.  This takes time and often hours to accomplish!

7. Can you Photoshop that?I

hate this question! Yes, we can Photoshop that... but as photographers we do our best to get everything right in camera (or that's what we should be doing) to not have to use photoshop for everything.  Photoshop is merely a tool to enhance or tweak little things for most photographers.. It is not to be relied upon for your work and honestly should be a last resort.  If you are spending more time in Photoshop and editing, then something isn't right.  Your focus should be getting it right in camera, the best you can.  If you are taking terrible photos and say to yourself.. Oh, I can Photoshop that later. You are not doing your job! Learn to get it right in camera so that you don't have to spend hours trying to fix your mistakes that could easily have been avoided!

8. You have Photoshop... you can do anything.This is not always true. There are some cases where a photographer is not as skilled to do something or trained. A photographer is just that, a photographer.  Yes, they should know how to do the basic editing, but there are things that we cannot fix sometimes. We are professionals on the utilization of our cameras and have an understanding to editing, however, keep in mind that a lot of us aren't magicians either!

9.  Did you get it?

Yes, we got it!  We got 5 pictures of that pose to be exact!1

0.) Do you have any more photos?

(After editing 80 photos with different poses, for a 1 hour session.)We cull the ones that don't make it.  Whether it be focus issues, exposure, folks blinking an eye and we try to avoid giving you the same additional poses.  No, there are no more photos. If there were, you'd have them or be able to see them for purchase.

11.) When are these going to be ready?

It is understandable that folks get excited to see their finished photographs, but you do not want to rush your photographer.  There should be a clause in your contract to when you will receive your photos.  Now, if your photographer has not delivered your photos in your specified contract and they have passed the deadline... By all means, contact your photographer with this question!However, by rushing or asking your photographer, this does not make things better. Know that your photographer WILL DELIVER in the time they agreed to. My contract states 3 weeks, however, I have never had to go that long.  Usually, everything is ready under a week and I deliver as promised.  Some photographers are very busy and backlogged and they go by in the order that was received.  You will get your photos! Trust me!

12. ) Can you take your logo off the Facebook pictures? I'm trying to print them.

This one is hilarious! Depending on the photographer, this is sometimes done as a courtesy to their clients and some will have you purchase the digital file before that logo is ever taken off.  Second, you don't want to print the Facebook photo anyway. The quality is absolutely terrible.

13.) If you take my photos for free, I swear I will bring you so much business.

This one is a complete joke!  And is never the case.  Do plumbers work for free?  If your toilet is leaking, are you going to ask that plumber if he would fix it for free? How about your hairdresser? Do you barter for a free surgery with your doctor? Why do folks think that they should get their photos for free?

14.) I just spent $200 on a cake and $150 on a dress.  I know your fee is $75, but can you do it for $40?  I'm trying to save some money.

Did you barter for that $200 cake that is just going to go to waste (meaning belly) or for that $150 dress? In most cases, that answer would be NO, so why would this be the case when it comes to photography? Photography is an investment. You are paying for the education and experience of that photographer.  You truly get what you pay for in this business.  Do you go to the grocery store and ask them if you can purchase that $4.00 gallon of milk for $2.00? Also, if you have had the money to spend non the above for a $200 cake and $150.00 dress, I think you can afford the $75.00 session fee! 

15.) You don't have to edit them, my husband is a graphic artist and can do them and I only need 3 photos.

For most photographers, this is their art. They take pride in their work. For someone to go and edit their work, it is just not what is common in this business. Being a photographer is about the entire experience, from start to finish. This includes the final product. Most photographers will not feel comfortable in doing this. 

16.) Can you give me a copy of the all the raw photos?

For most photographers, this is a given no. Raw files are not the final product and do not reflect the entire artistic ability of the photographer. For Raw files, adjustments need to be made with every photograph in order to look right. They sometimes look really weird right out of the camera with no adjustments.  Most photographers would not be comfortable handing this over as their work.  Some photographers will release their Raw files if the price is right, but most will deny folks these files.  Just be prepared in that case or if they come back at you, saying that it will cost $3,000 or more dollars. Yep, that much! 

17.) That's a great picture.  Did you Photoshop that?

A good photographer will do most of their work in camera with minor tweaks in Photoshop. However, some artists utilize Photoshop to the fullest depending on what type of product they put out.  Asking a photographer if they Photoshopped it, is like asking someone if they are wearing underwear.  It is usually a given or using another editing program such as Lightroom.I hope you found this list quite comical, as this is meant to be!  Please don't take this to heart.  I have a sense of humor.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee