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.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
Ben Franklin Bridge-Camden, New Jersey
New Jersey Photography Session at the Ben Franklin Bridge
Astonishing Portrait Session of Two Sisters at Ben Franklin Bridge in New Jersey on a beautiful day in May.
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.
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!
Simple Family Photo Shoot- South Jersey
Fall Family Photography in Beautiful South Jersey
Are you searching for the perfect location to capture your family's warmth and love this fall season?
Fall Family Photography in Beautiful South Jersey
Are you searching for the perfect location to capture your family's warmth and love this fall season? Look no further than the picturesque landscapes of South Jersey. With its vibrant autumn foliage, charming farms, and rustic backgrounds, South Jersey offers the ideal setting for a simple yet stunning fall family photo shoot.
As the leaves gracefully change color, South Jersey transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and gold hues. The region's tranquil parks, such as Batsto Village and Parvin State Park, provide the perfect backdrop for capturing those magical moments amidst nature's beautifully painted canvas.
Imagine strolling hand in hand with your loved ones through a sun-drenched apple orchard at Hill Creek Farms or a blossoming pumpkin patch at Johnson's Corner Farm. These enchanting locations offer a whimsical and playful atmosphere, allowing your family's laughter and joy to shine through the lens.
Take a look at this gorgeous family fall mini session that took place in Williamstown, New Jersey!
This family came all the way out from Audubon, NJ to get their precious fall family portraits taken. We danced. We played in the fall leaves. We ran around and we looked for all the monkeys in the trees!
Whether you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware we have the perfect family photo locations!
This little guy loves his little sister and it is all smiles in the forest!
If you prefer a more historical and rustic vibe for your fall photoshoot, South Jersey's quaint towns and villages are a treasure trove of picturesque streets lined with charming old homes and cobblestone pathways. The historic Smithville Village, located in Galloway, or the charming Mullica Hill in Harrison Township, exude a unique, small-town charm that adds character and nostalgia to your family portraits.
For those seeking a blend of nature's beauty and architectural marvels, South Jersey offers stunning parks dotted with quaint bridges, lush gardens, and serene lakes. The Scotland Run Park in Clayton and Haddon Lake Park in Haddon Heights provide idyllic settings that infuse tranquility and natural elegance into your family photographs.
Cutie smiles and fall fun in 2023!
When planning your fall family photo shoot in South Jersey, it's essential to consider the best time of day to capture the perfect lighting for your portraits. The golden hours, just after sunrise or before sunset, cast a warm, ethereal glow that adds a touch of magic to the images. This time of day accentuates the beautiful fall colors and creates a soft, flattering light that enhances your family's natural beauty.
Love this family and the rich warm colors of the fall! You can never go wrong with a simple and classic portrait!
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, consider enlisting the expertise of a professional photographer, such as Shooting Star Photography LLC. Their years of experience and artistry will not only capture the essence of your family but also tell a story that will be cherished for generations to come. From candid moments to structured poses, their creative eye will transform your fall family photo shoot into a timeless masterpiece.
In conclusion, South Jersey offers a multitude of stunning locations that are perfect for a simple fall family photo shoot. With its vibrant fall foliage, charming towns, and serene parks, this picturesque region serves as the ideal backdrop for capturing the love, warmth, and joy that defines your family. Consult with a professional photographer to ensure that every precious moment is beautifully preserved, allowing you to relive the magic of your fall family portraits for years to come.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Flower Field Photography Sessions in South Jersey
Capture the beauty of nature with Flower Field Photography Sessions in South Jersey. Perfect for families, children, and special moments surrounded by vibrant blooms. Book your session today!
Beautiful Cornflower Field Photography Sessions in NJ
Cornflowers, also known as Bachelor's Buttons, are a stunning flower that would make a fantastic subject for a photo shoot. These delicate flowers are instantly recognizable with their vibrant blue petals and contrasting yellow centers, making them a popular choice for floral arrangements and gardens.
Best friends and sisters. In the beautiful lighting. South Jersey wildflower fields.
Beautiful flowers all around. One of my favorite !
Their bright blue color is especially captivating in photography, as it can create a striking contrast against various backdrops, such as green foliage or white walls. The flowers' intricate shape and texture make them an excellent choice for close-up shots, revealing their delicate petals and the tiny details of their centers.
Moreover, cornflowers are also known for their natural, effortless beauty. They are simple, elegant, and timeless, making them ideal for a wide range of photography styles, from classic portraits to rustic outdoor shots. The flowers also have a symbolic meaning of love and hope, making them a perfect choice for romantic or uplifting photography themes.
Twirling and having fun in the flower field.
Picking cornflowers.
Her blue eyes go well with the blue flowers!!!!
As you enter the cornflower field in New Jersey, you are instantly transported to a place of beauty and serenity. The vivid blue flowers sway gently in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing pattern that seems to go on forever. The fragrance of the flowers fills the air with a sweet, delicate aroma that is both soothing and uplifting.
The cornflower field is surrounded by a dense forest, which serves as a natural border, making it an ideal location for a photo session. The light filters through the leaves, creating a soft, diffused glow that illuminates the field in a warm, inviting light. The dappled shade is perfect for capturing the perfect shot without having to worry about harsh shadows or bright spots.
Brothers and cuties!
Love this vintage look that mom put together!!!
Vintage delights and boys having fun!
Beautiful sunsets! Love this Dollcake outfit too!
Another Dollcake vintage dress find. I love Dollcake!
As you stroll through the field, you can feel the soft, velvety petals of the flowers brush against your skin. The gentle rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds add to the peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect setting for a photo shoot.
Where did this session take place?
This beautiful wildflower session for these gorgeous children, took place in a picturesque flower field located in Swedesboro, NJ. This particular location stood out due to its exceptional beauty and the rarity of wildflowers blooming in New Jersey. Although we initially had a different wildflower spot in mind for these sessions, the discovery of this unique and hard-to-find field prompted a change of plans!
As the sun begins to set, the sky turns into a canvas of warm oranges and pinks, creating a magical atmosphere.
The cornflower field has provided a beautiful backdrop for a memorable and inspiring photo shoot that will be cherished for years to come.
If you would like to book one of these sessions, please find information on this link!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Stunning Ben Franklin Bridge Photography Session
Capture the magic of a couture session on the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, with stunning sunset hues as the backdrop for unforgettable moments.
Capture the Magic: A Couture Session on the Ben Franklin Bridge
Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden
Photo credit: Shooting Star Photography LLC
Date: 05/02/2023
As the golden sunset painted the sky a canvas of vibrant hues, we embarked on a truly enchanting photography session on the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden. A picturesque setting that seemed alive with possibilities and filled with a sense of grandeur, this bridge became the perfect backdrop for our young model's journey through the lens.
Little beauty. She’s such a wonderful little lady!
NJ Birthday Portraits
Gently swaying in the breeze, our lovely subject, a graceful seven-year-old, chose to wear a stunning black dress that seamlessly complemented the ethereal atmosphere. The contrast of her dress against the surrounding urban landscape evoked a timeless elegance and added a dash of mystery to her innocent charm.
To elevate the whimsy and bring an extra touch of magic to the day, we decided to incorporate a bouquet of vibrant balloons. These delightful pops of color exuded joy, playfulness, and added an element of surprise to an already enchanting scene. With each click of the camera, the balloons became symbolic of the pure joy and innocence that defines childhood. These Bridge sessions are HUGELY Popular for Birthday Portraits.
Photographing sessions on the Ben Franklin Bridge has proven time and time again to be a stroke of genius. This impressive architectural masterpiece stands tall, connecting the vibrant cities of Philadelphia and Camden, and provides a unique and inviting canvas for capturing memorable moments. Its towering presence serves as a stunning testament to the power of human ingenuity, while the rushing Delaware River below adds a serene and fluid element to the composition.
Trying to not let the balloons go away!
At Shooting Star Photography LLC, I firmly believe in creating unforgettable experiences, and our couture sessions on the Ben Franklin Bridge are designed to make dreams come to life. Whether it's the naturally flattering light that bathes the bridge or the breathtaking views that unfold in every direction, this location offers a multitude of enchanting possibilities for our clients.
From spontaneous laughter to serene introspection, the Ben Franklin Bridge allows our photographers to capture emotions, relationships, and the essence of our subjects in a truly unique setting. The resulting images are nothing short of awe-inspiring, encapsulating the magic and beauty that lie within each individual.
NJ Magical Couture Sessions
Join us on the Ben Franklin Bridge, where dreams are transformed into breathtaking realities. Allow us to create a couture session that captures your essence, celebrates your uniqueness, and immortalizes your precious moments in a way that will leave you spellbound.
Contact Shooting Star Photography LLC today and unlock the treasure trove of possibilities that await you on the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Beauty on the Ben. Can’t get better than this!
The Ben Franklin Bridge.
Oh my lawwwwd. Check out this gorgeous session of this lady lady on the Ben Franklin Bridge! It was her birthday photo session and boy, we did not want to disappoint or let this family down.
We met at the foot of the bridge and she picked BLACK. I LOVE THAT. Most little gals want to go with pink. Nope, not this little lady! I am so glad she did as the black dress choice POPS at this location. I mean, look at this with the balloons and everything.
I am all about history and I love this place. It is one of my favorites to shoot at so check out some history insight below!
The Ben Franklin Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Delaware River, connecting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey. It was named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a prominent citizen of Philadelphia.
The bridge was designed by the renowned engineer Paul Philippe Cret and opened to the public on July 1, 1926. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, with a total length of 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers).
The Ben Rocks!
The construction of the bridge was a massive undertaking that took more than five years to complete. It required the cooperation of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the financial backing of a group of investors led by the city of Philadelphia.
During its construction, the bridge was a major source of employment for the local population, providing jobs for thousands of workers. It was also the site of several tragic accidents, including a collapse of the scaffolding that killed 16 workers in 1925.
Today, the Ben Franklin Bridge is an important transportation link for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, carrying more than 100,000 vehicles and pedestrians every day. It has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its structural integrity and ensure its continued usefulness.
It’s also one of my favorite places to shoot, today!
Posing on the bridge!
Fun facts about Ben Franklin.. this bridge’s namesake!
Now… onto fun facts about Ben Franklin! Our Philadelphia treasure. There is going to be a mini series on Ben Franklin coming out in a bit. Played by Michael Douglas. I can’t wait!
Some fun facts about Ben Franklin:
Franklin was an inventor and scientist who is credited with many discoveries, including the lightning rod and bifocal glasses.
He also invented a musical instrument called the glass armonica, which used rotating glass bowls to produce music.
Franklin was a prolific writer and printer, and he started several newspapers and magazines, including the Pennsylvania Gazette.
He was also a diplomat and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War.
Franklin was known for his wit and humor, and he wrote a book called "Poor Richard's Almanack," which included many aphorisms and sayings that are still quoted today.
He was a vegetarian and believed that eating meat was unhealthy.
Franklin was a strong advocate for education, and he helped establish the University of Pennsylvania.
He was a member of several secret societies, including the Freemasons and the Hellfire Club.
Franklin was the first postmaster general of the United States, and he helped establish the postal system that is still in use today.
He once wrote an essay called "Fart Proudly," in which he argued that farting was a natural and healthy bodily function.
I actually joke with the kids about the fart essay. You know kids and farts.. it always gets out a hearty smile too!
Up close beauty shot!
As you can see the bridge and Ben (that’s why I call it the Ben photo shoot series), is always a fun and unique portrait session. We can bring balloons. It adds to the magic and we truly love these sessions. They are one of our favorites!
I love how this whole session came out. Mom and dad were happy too! It was such a great day and as you can see, we got some FANTASTIC portraits out of this. I am award-worthy work!
Look at this lady lady? Don’t you want a rocking session here? It’s fabulous!
If you would like to book your magical Ben Franklin Bridge Photo session, contact us today!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
Capturing A College Milestone- Photography Session at Salem County Sportsmen’s Club
Salem County Sportsmen's Club in New Jersey/College Graduation Photo Shoot Fun!
I don’t just capture girls in pretty dresses. We are more than that at Shooting Star Photography.
Salem County Sportsmen's Club Graduation Shoot
Recently, our team had the pleasure of capturing the celebratory moments of Danielle's college graduation at the beautiful Salem County Sportsmen's Club in New Jersey. The serene and picturesque surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for honoring this significant milestone in Danielle's life.
The expansive grounds of the Salem County Sportsmen's Club allowed us to craft a diverse array of stunning shots, incorporating the natural beauty of the landscape into the celebration. The rustic charm of the club's facilities added an authentic ambiance to the photographs, perfectly complementing the joy and pride of the occasion.
Against this charming backdrop, Danielle's radiant spirit and the palpable sense of achievement made for truly captivating photographs. Her family and friends joined in the celebration, their genuine happiness shining through in each and every shot.
We are thrilled to have been part of this special day and to have had the opportunity to preserve the memories of Danielle's college graduation in such a remarkable setting. Through our lenses, we were able to encapsulate the joy, pride, and jubilation that filled the air, creating a collection of photographs that will be cherished for years to come.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Danielle on her academic success and thank her for allowing us to capture these invaluable moments. It was a pleasure to witness and photograph such a significant and touching celebration at the Salem County Sportsmen's Club.
What an honor it was to capture this milestone of College Graduation!
I love the College Colors!
It’s getting serious here.. kidding. She’s awesome!
The end of the fall season at the Salem County Sportsmen’s Club.
I love her shoes!
I’ve been in business a number of years and I think it is about time I show the scale of the work we do. I always say I need to get more of my work up and never have the time. Well, I am now making the time.
I met this beautiful soul and she was wanting to capture this big milestone of graduating college. Such an accomplishment, right?
We had the photo session in November at the Salem County Sportsmen’s Club. She is an active young woman who likes to shoot guns, ski, skateboard and not only is active, and wholeheartedly super down to earth, but it is intelligent.
Now, time for some fun!!!
When you are smiling.. the whole world smiles back at you!
Close up time! Isn’t she gorgeous?
Bringing out the hobbies!
Hanging out on the dock.
Time for some skateboarding fun.
All her toys and hobbies! Yes, she does them all!
We took many more captures from the day and gave to her, but it was all about having a fun time and also staying warm!
A kiss for mom at the end of the session… ALWAYS makes for a fun session.
I love when I am given the opportunity to shoot a milestone. It is such a meaningful gesture and always is an honor.
I hope you enjoy some of these captures and she has a bright future ahead of her!
If you’d like to capture this special time.. I get it… College graduation is HUGE!
It is a significant milestone in one's life, and capturing this moment through photographs can help preserve and celebrate this accomplishment.
Here are a few reasons why capturing college graduation photos are important and I gathered up the most awesome list:
Commemorate the achievement: Graduating from college is a significant achievement that requires dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. Having graduation photos serves as a tangible reminder of this accomplishment that can be treasured for years to come.
Share with family and friends: Graduation photos are a great way to share the achievement with loved ones who couldn't attend the ceremony. They can also be shared on social media platforms to celebrate and share the achievement with a wider audience.
Professional networking: For those entering the job market, graduation photos can be used for professional networking purposes, such as including them in a resume or LinkedIn profile.
Memories for the future: Graduation photos provide a way to look back on this momentous occasion years later, bringing back fond memories and reminding us of our accomplishments.
Having a photo session also allows graduates to capture the moment in a professional and aesthetically pleasing manner. A professional photographer can help create high-quality images that capture the essence of the achievement and can be treasured for a lifetime. Plus, working with someone who is going to make you feel at home and laugh is always a genuine plus too!
Happy Shooting, My friends!
De Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography
