Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.

This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.

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Country Roads Take Me Home- Living in Woodstown, NJ.

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This photo was published in an international magazine. It is called, “Inspire.” I love beautiful light!

A lot of people think that you need to have the most beautiful locations to have portraits done. Honestly, it is all about light. If you can find an area that has beautiful light, any location will work. Try it out yourself! 

Here are some examples of using “your backyard” and literally I used my backyard (when I lived in Salem County and now living in Camden Country) in most of these images. If it wasn’t in my backyard, it was down the street. The trick to getting good in photography, is using what you have and the resources around you. You’ll then be a master in no time. 

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My little girl playing “her little piano.” She actually learned a little on how to play with this thing!

Playing music and enjoying life in downtown Woodstown, South Jersey.

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Woodstown living and she was great for me this day. At this age, I usually got a crier.

My little girl on North Main Street in Woodstown, New Jersey.

In my yard, I get a lot of great afternoon light. My kids, when they were younger, well, I drove them nuts and wanted to photograph their cuteness all the time… but of course, that gets old and well, they start to rebel. So the bribes would commence. I’d ask them to just come out to the yard to take a few photos. 

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Vintage photoshoot in Woodstown.

My daughter and the neighborhood friends in the alley near our house in Woodstown.

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Alley fun! I have taken some of my most favorite portraits in this little alley in Woodstown!

The neighborhood gang!

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Backyard smooches with my little gal! Taken in my backyard in Woodstown.

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Love putting clients in vintage colors and beautiful light!

A fun movement capture of a little lady!

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A tree, great light and an adorable subject in the backyard of South Jersey. I miss country living a bit! Fun times and days!

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Snow capture and gorgeous winter light! In my backyard in Woodstown. I put one of my grandmother’s old fur capes on her! She’s too cute!

As you can see, we didn’t do too bad with what is around. We even gathered up some neighborhood kids and did a vintage shoot! 

I hope you enjoyed these images. I encourage you to go outside and make some magic! 

Have a magical day!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography 

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Fall is HERE! Time to book your Session!

Ahhh today is the first day of fall in South Jersey! The crisp fall air is already happening. The changes of the colors to the trees are slowly showing! It's a wonderful time and season to be living in the Northeast. It's where we truly shine! It's when it becomes truly magical!

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Fall Family photo session in Philly! I LOVE and ADORE ALL MY FAMILIES and can't wait until our upcoming session here!

Fall is the time I see most of my families! I love capturing moments with loved ones. It's what life is all about and what is most important. FAMILY. I love capturing snuggles and joy. These are moments to always remember and to hold dear. Creating a time capsule of a treasured time and moment is what I do best and I am so thankful I see a lot fo returning families year after year. I am so thankful to be in business for over 6 years and see the families I have worked with grow and blossom.

NOW is the time to book your fall family session as I only have a very limited amount of dates left! Let me create something memorable and magical for you! I LOVE what I do and I am grateful for every customer and client who comes my way. You become family and family is most important! Become part of OUR FAMILY. We will ALWAYS take great care of you!!!!

Until we meet again!!! Happy Shooting and have a beautiful day~!

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Broad Street-City Dreams Sessions!

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we specialize in capturing family memories that will last a lifetime. One of our favorite spots to shoot in Philadelphia is Broad Street. Not only is it an iconic location that showcases the city's stunning architecture, but it also offers a dynamic backdrop that enhances the beauty of any family portrait. With the bustling city as a backdrop, we can capture candid moments of families strolling hand in hand or laughing together. We cherish the opportunity to document the love and connection between family members and showcase the beauty of Philadelphia at the same time.

There is one type of session that I truly love and that is my city dream sessions. These photography sessions have been our signature style and most recognized pieces of work. These are the types of sessions that are exhilarating and so much fun to do... but also produce some very beautiful quality of images that truly capture this beautiful time in your life.

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we specialize in capturing family memories that will last a lifetime. One of our favorite spots to shoot in Philadelphia is Broad Street. Not only is it an iconic location that showcases the city's stunning architecture, but it also offers a dynamic backdrop that enhances the beauty of any family portrait. With the bustling city as a backdrop, we can capture candid moments of families strolling hand in hand or laughing together. We cherish the opportunity to document the love and connection between family members and showcase the beauty of Philadelphia at the same time.

Broad Street Philadelphia Facts

Broad Street is one of Philadelphia's most famous and vibrant thoroughfares. Here are some facts about Broad Street that you might find interesting:

1. Length: Broad Street stretches 13 miles from the old Naval Yard in South Philadelphia to the northern edge of the city at the city line with Cheltenham Township.

2. History: Broad Street was originally called Sassafras Street by William Penn when he first laid out the city in the late 17th century. It was later renamed Broad Street because of its width.

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As you can see, Broad Street offers a very dreamy and magical quality to your family’s photo session!

Philadelphia photography sessions! Classic, beautiful portraiture.

Look at all these beautiful families and children!!! I love these portrait sesssions!!! Timeless and classic is the way to go. We want you to look back years from now and truly enjoy these images. These are such a blast to do and all my families truly love it! I hope to see you out!

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A beautiful maternity capture in Philadelphia. On Broad Street :)

South Jersey photography capturing magic in Philadelphia

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Love this little guy!

Little guy jumping for joy.

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The fire truck perfectly crossing at the time of this shoot. Was awesome!!! Made this image.

Beautiful family session in Philadelphia, PA.

If you would like more information on this type of session, you can go here to this link! Hope to see you here!

https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/saturday-march-28th-2020-city-lights-sessions-350

Happy Shooting my friends, Dee.

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Lover of all things- bad ass!

It's no wonder I love this job and what I do! I love being one of the best magical photographers around in the South Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware and Jersey Shore areas! I have so many awesome locations I love to shoot at. However, there is one spot that is near and dear to me as a photographer and it is WHY I chose to move to good ol' Woodstown in New Jersey!

My lovely little historic home use to be on garden tours of the great Garden State of New Jersey. It's why I chose this lovely place. I saw the garden in the snow. Yes, we purchased our home on a look-through from a snow storm and immediately saw the potential of the garden. It's beautiful arrangement of perennials, I couldn't wait to get my hands in the dirt. I also love Woodstown. I wrote about this little gem of a town in my Salem County book. I am originally from Camden/Burlington Counties, but when I stumbled upon this county in New Jersey. I fell in love.

I also moved to my place because it resides on a dead on street. I was pregnant with my second little babe and wanted a home that I could live in forever and raise my family. This perfect little home was on a dead end street and in my budget. I wanted my kids to feel a little safe playing outside. Plus, it's very quiet and peaceful.

Sooooo... every Halloween, I take my kiddos out on the street for their annual pictures. I love dressing them up every year and this year it did not disappoint.

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  • It's ride or die time.. Rock on.

  • My baby is looking like a big kid!!!

  • Bad to the bone... I always say!

This year they were Harley Biker kids and had to buy the bike to make these look even more bad ass! Hey, for a little dead-end street, it did its job.

I will post more sessions in the next few months to show you all what this year had to offer! It was truly amazing. It was a sold out year and I am forever grateful to every single client.

Thanks for choosing us... we really strive to give our customers the best in South Jersey!

Happy Shooting my friends! Dee

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Family Photographer In South Jersey- Croft Farm Cherry Hill

Family Photographer In South Jersey- Croft Farm Cherry Hill

Family photography at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ never disappoints!

Family photography at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ never disappoints!

Shooting Star Photography LLC
Date: 03/20/2024

Thank you for considering Shooting Star Photography for your family photo shoot at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ. We are delighted at the opportunity to capture your cherished moments in the picturesque setting of the farm.

At Shooting Star Photography, we ensure a seamless and professional experience for our clients. Our skilled photographer will work with you to create beautiful and timeless family portraits that you can treasure for years to come.

Please feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule your photo shoot. We look forward to providing you with exceptional service and stunning photographs during your visit to Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NM.

Warm regards,
Shooting Star Photography LLC

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All smiles at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill.

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Love throwing leaves at the kids. It always brings in smiles!

 As the year comes to an end, I look back in wonderment. How the heck did I get through this past year? I did 553 sessions. This does includes minis, but that is a huge number and lots of families in which I served this past year.  I've had the pleasure in working with families all over the place. From Virginia to Connecticut, folks traveled to do sessions with us. I honestly feel honored.As the year winds to an end, I look back and feel grateful. I feel grateful that you chose us to capture your beloved memories. You allowed us to come into your lives and to capture some fleeting childhood moments. For this, I thank you!I look back upon this year. Small changes will be made going forward. I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel in this roller coaster photography journey. I've finally gotten a hold of WHERE I wish to go as a photographer. 

2018 A New Journey

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Kids running and playing. Taking care of little sister!

 This year, I have some BIG plans in the works. I am going to be doing new things that you haven't seen in this industry. I am going to push myself further as an artist. Change things up.  I am not going to fear new things. 

EVERYONE GENERALLY HAS GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR

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Kisses for my sister!

Yes, it is true. People have goals as they approach the New Year. My goals are nothing short of anything new. I am very excited for new locations, new clients, my tried and true clients and everyone in between. 

What are your goals for this upcoming year? Your dreams? Your desires? It's time to make this happen.

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Love this little cutie with the pink boots! All photos taken at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Top 3 Reasons to Have a Photo Shoot at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ

If you're looking for a picturesque location for your next photo shoot, look no further than Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ. Nestled in a serene and natural setting, this venue offers a multitude of stunning backdrops that will enhance your photographs. Here are the top three reasons why Croft Farm is the perfect spot for your next photo shoot:

1. Natural Beauty and Versatility

Croft Farm is renowned for its natural beauty, making it an ideal location for capturing stunning photographs. The farm features some open fields, walking trails, charming old barn area, and a tranquil pond, allowing you to choose a backdrop that complements your desired style. Whether you're looking for a rustic, whimsical, or elegant setting, Croft Farm can cater to all your photography needs.
In addition to its natural beauty, Croft Farm offers a versatile range of shooting locations within its premises. You can explore various settings, including the beautifully landscaped gardens, picturesque trails, or even incorporate the historic farm buildings into your shots. With such diverse options, your photos will have a unique and captivating touch.

2. Privacy and Serenity

One of the standout advantages of Croft Farm is its seclusion and privacy. Away from the bustling city, this venue offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, providing the perfect environment to capture intimate and genuine moments. The tranquility of the farm allows you and your subjects to relax, enabling the photographer to capture authentic emotions and create truly memorable images.
Furthermore, Croft Farm is a lesser-known gem, meaning you're unlikely to encounter crowded scenes or interruptions during your photo session. You'll have the freedom to explore the grounds without any distractions, giving you ample opportunities to create magical and undisturbed photographs.

3. Convenient Location and Amenities

Situated in Cherry Hill, NJ, Croft Farm offers a convenient location for your photo shoot. Its proximity to major roads and highways, including Route 70 and Interstate 295, allows for easy access, making it a hassle-free location for clients and photographers alike.


Additionally, the property offers convenient amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. You'll find ample parking spaces, clean restroom facilities, and well-maintained walking paths throughout the venue. These amenities, coupled with the farm's ease of navigation, create the perfect conditions for a smooth and seamless photo shoot.

Capture Cherished Moments at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill


Croft Farm in Cherry Hill is an idyllic location for families to create lasting memories during a mini session. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, this enchanting venue offers the perfect backdrop for capturing the love and joy shared by families. Its sprawling green fields, vibrant flower gardens, and rustic barns provide a charming setting that effortlessly complements the beauty of family dynamics. Whether it's a game of tag, a tender embrace, or a spontaneous burst of laughter, Croft Farm captures these cherished moments with its natural beauty.

The tranquil atmosphere and the scenic surroundings instill a sense of calmness, allowing families to relax, connect, and simply be themselves, resulting in authentic, heartfelt photographs. A mini session at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill ensures that families not only receive stunning images but also create memories that will be cherished for generations to come.


In conclusion, Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, NJ offers a myriad of reasons why it should be your next photo shoot destination. Its natural beauty, versatility, privacy, and convenient location make it a truly desirable location for capturing unforgettable images. Whether you're planning a family portrait session, engagement shoot, or a creative fashion shoot, Croft Farm will undoubtedly provide the perfect backdrop for your photography needs.

 My ultimate goal is to make this the best year on record. Hold on to your seats because it's about to get bumpy. Bumpy is a GREAT thing as an artist. It's what keeps you on your toes. I am ready to tippy toe like a hippopotamus ballerina. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas in the Philly area and are enjoying time with their friends and family. I look forward to working with you next year! 

Happy Shooting! 

Dee

Shooting Star Photography located in Southern New Jersey

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Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.