Creative Family Portraits at Daretown Lake in South Jersey!

Creative Family Portraits: Capturing Joy and Connection

Creative family portraits can be a delightful and enjoyable experience for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a platform for families to express their unique dynamics and individuality. By incorporating fun themes, costumes, or unusual settings, families can infuse their portraits with elements of humor, creativity, and personal style, turning the session into a playful and memorable activity.

Creative family portraits also provide the opportunity for families to make lasting memories together. When families engage in creative and interactive poses or activities during the photo shoot, it naturally fosters a lighthearted and joyful atmosphere. These moments of shared laughter and bonding not only add warmth and authenticity to the portraits but also create cherished memories for everyone involved.

Creative Family portraits... l live for!!!

What can I say I LOVE this family and I enjoy taking them to one of my go to spots.  It's practically in my own backyard in Southern NJ.  As I tend to just about travel, EVERYWHERE.   It was time for another round of portraits for these three amigos.. aka brother and sisters... so we decided to capture the lovely fall foliage... that New Jersey has to offer!   

So... we decided on the lovely Daretown Lake located in Salem County, NJ. I LOVE Daretown Lake. I feel like it offers a bunch of different types of scenery in a very small space.

• There's a Lake... It's gorgeous.. it's clean.

• There's an old mill. There are not many left around according to NJ historians on the saw mills in the area. The nearest one I am aware of is at Kirby's Mill in Medford.

• There's a beautiful forest trail.. I find it gorgeous all time of year even in the spring.. and I hate spring greens. It will be the death of me those greens!

• There's a great little gate to where you sometimes can catch cattle grazing on the hillside. The light at the end of the day is truly magnificent in this spot.

• There's an old barn. It has been recently renovated and looks great in the background of a lot of shots. Light gets a bit tricky as it can be harsh.. but at just the right angle it can shine!

Dare to be bold @Daretown Lake!

Elmer NJ awesome location for photo shoot!

Creative photo session in NJ, Elmer Lake. The fall foliage is to die for here.

Mom actually made these dresses for the girls and they go perfectly with the location.

The forest at Daretown lake is magical!

Beautiful sisters enjoying their photo shoot at Daretown Lake in Elmer!

Boho cuteness!

Bringing it down boho style after our session, we had a little fun and got creative!

When it comes to creative family portraits, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Themed Portraits: Choose a theme that reflects your family's interests or hobbies. It could be superheroes, favorite movies, historical eras, or even a specific color scheme. Dress up accordingly and create a fun and unique portrait.

2. Location Shoots: Instead of traditional indoor studio shots, take your family portraits outdoors in a picturesque location. It could be a beach, park, forest, or even an urban setting with graffiti walls or colorful buildings.

3. Silhouette Portraits: Capture the silhouettes of your family members against a beautiful sunset or with dramatic lighting. Silhouette portraits can be visually striking and create a timeless feel.

4. Seasonal Portraits: Plan your family portrait session according to the season. In spring, you can incorporate blooming flowers or cherry blossoms. In summer, consider a beach-themed shoot. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, while winter allows for cozy indoor setups or snow-filled outdoor scenes.

5. Generation Collage: Gather multiple generations of your family and create a collage-style portrait. Have everyone dress in a unified color or theme and arrange the photos in a visually appealing manner.

6. Fantasy Portraits: If your family enjoys fantasy or cosplay, consider creating a portrait that reflects that. Dress up as characters from your favorite fantasy book or movie and incorporate props and special effects to enhance the magical atmosphere.

7. Pet-Inclusive Portraits: Pets are an important part of many families. Incorporate your beloved furry friends into the portrait session. Dress them up or have them pose with the family, capturing the unique bond between humans and animals.

8. Unconventional Poses: Experiment with unconventional poses and compositions. Think outside the box and encourage your family to strike playful or creative poses. This can result in dynamic and engaging portraits.

9. Reflections and Mirrors: Incorporate mirrors or other reflective surfaces to add depth and uniqueness to your family portraits. Experiment with angles and perspectives to capture interesting reflections.

10. Personalized Props: Incorporate props that have personal significance to your family. It could be musical instruments, sports equipment, books, or items that represent your family's hobbies and passions.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your family's personality shine through in the portraits. Discuss your ideas with a professional photographer who can help bring your vision to life.

Why Daretown Lake in Salem County?

I came upon this location when I was living in Camden County and doing research for my Salem County book. I fell in love with the people of Salem County and the area. I wanted to move here... so we were expecting another little munchkin and decided to set up familial roots in Woodstown.

If you have never been, I urge you to check out it's little historic charm. I could not be happier anywhere else and the peace and quiet truly sucks you in! When I was featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer not to long ago, I took the reporter on a tour of the country here and to Daretown Lake.. This area is the part of New Jersey that I absolutely adore.    If you are looking for some creative family portraits of your family.. Count me in! You won't be disappointed. I like to impress! 

Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee

Spring Is Almost Here!

Spring Will Soon Arrive

As the winter frost begins to thaw and the days stretch a little longer, we are reminded that spring will soon arrive. The promise of new life and vibrant colors emerges with each passing day, rejuvenating our spirits and awakening the world around us.
With the arrival of spring, nature comes alive in a symphony of blossoms and melodies. The once barren branches of trees burst forth with delicate buds, and the earth awakens from its slumber with an explosion of fragrant blooms. The air becomes filled with the sweet scents of fresh grass, blooming flowers, and earthy petrichor, inviting us to venture outdoors and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.

As the season transitions, we find ourselves shedding the layers of winter and embracing the warmth of the sun. It's a time for renewal, growth, and rejuvenation—a time to cast off the old and embrace the new. We plant seeds of hope and watch as they flourish, mirroring the growth and transformation within ourselves.

The arrival of spring also evokes a sense of joy and optimism. It's a time for outdoor gatherings, leisurely strolls, and basking in the gentle caress of the sun's rays. The world seems to come alive with energy and vitality, infusing us with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the days ahead.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, let us take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty that accompanies this magical season. Let's embrace the sense of wonder and possibility that comes with each budding flower and each warm breeze. Spring will soon arrive, and with it, the promise of new beginnings and endless opportunities.

Twirling in the spring garden.

Little spring baby with pearls… on the moss in the garden.

We had some fun in the snow this winter! Love a snow photo shoot!

Our Current Status With Bookings

Hi folks! You may have been noticing that these last few days have been rocking!!! Seventy plus degrees outside!  The birds are singing and the sun is out! Woo Hoo!  I thought this winter would slow down a bit this year, to last year's abysmal time, but it hasn't. I've been fortunate to work consistently this winter. This spring is starting to look a ton more nuts!I am doing a lot of First Communion sessions.  

A lot of folks seem to really want an updated/artistic look to their traditional communion poses that you normally see (and to be honest a lot of these poses are kind of outdated as if they were taken in the 1990's it's time to bring some sauce back)! We'll incorporate a few of the traditional poses into our sessions, but also give it some of that Shooting Star magic that we all love!  The girls will get to be dolled  up in their first communion gowns and then I am going to dress them up in some of the gowns I have!

Communion and Family Sessions seem to be a popular start of the New Year

 I'm also wanting to incorporate any family/siblings into these sessions, so they should be fun! I'm very excited as I'm getting new inventory in every single day! I've got over 20 more gowns arriving soon, headpieces, and I ordered my first gown for women!   And Oh my goodness!!! I cannot wait until you see them!!!!  Our next HUGE concept shoot will be in Philadelphia next month! We're also booking out until June, so if you wanting to book.. Book now. Our last year was booked out for the entire year by August. I wouldn't want for you to lose your spot! 

Since we had a nice day today, I got to do some cleanup in the garden and enjoy the warm sunshine... so I made this cheesy video. There are a lot of photographs missing, but I truly do love where I live and to be able to offer it to my clients.The only thing I ask is please don't come knocking at my door, when you don't have a scheduled appointment or didn't call first.  I had someone come to my home yesterday and it scared me!!

Oh and try to get out to the Philadelphia Flower show this week!!! It's pretty amazing this year! The bartenders make some pretty mean Bloody Mary's too!!!! It's an interesting concept this year and I love it!So that's pretty much what is new for me! A few shoots this weekend and it's starts to get crazy after that, with shoots during the week and weekends!! So if I haven't responded, you know what I'm doing and I will get back to you as soon as I can!!! 

Happy Shooting My Friends!!!

Dee

It's a Busy Busy Season! Engagements and Babies!

It’s been busy over here. LOTS of babies and engagement sessions going on! You’ll see below on an epic engagement session that we recently had in Mullica HIll! Plus, everything fall is going on right now!

Shooting Star LLC Update

So far this year, Shooting Star Photography LLC has been overwhelmed with the joy and excitement of capturing precious moments for growing families and newly engaged couples. Our team has been busy creating beautiful and timeless photographs to commemorate these special occasions.
Our clients have welcomed us into their lives as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of their little ones or begin their journey into married life. The magic of capturing the innocence of a newborn or the love between two people committing to a lifetime together has been truly heartwarming for us.
As we continue to focus on preserving these lasting memories, we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such significant milestones in the lives of our clients. We look forward to the many more stories we will help tell through our photography in the coming months.

Kissy Kissy at this engagement shoot!

Babies and Engagement Sessions- Oh MY!

It's been a busy busy month and season, South Jersey... that's for sure... and a lot of sleepless nights (I have bags under my eyes to prove it)! The good news is, I wake up every single awesome day happy and grateful to go to work and to do what I love every single day... and that is being a photographer!  I LOVE capturing moments for people and making their personalities show on camera! I know it's Monday and we all get a case of the Monday's from time to time, but take a deep breath, soak it all in, and be thankful you've been given THIS DAY! Now go and conquer it!^^^^ That is my genuine motto and how I see the day every day!

Magical Fall Sessions!

I had a proud moment recently! I wanted to create the photo above (the little girl with the leaves) for the longest time and I had a client that was totally game for it!  Real leaves were used here and not an overlay (I always do my best to capture EVERYTHING in camera).

 She had so much fun this little gal that she kept saying cheese and smiling her entire session! I wanted to eat her up!Since this is a blog and I like to write about my photography journey, I've recently taken up some more classes (I know I know, I talk about it a lot, but this is how I am able to grow and grow so quickly!). I have 4 upcoming maternity sessions within the next few weeks and am very very excited for this! Capturing motherhood is my favorite thing to do in this business. I think it's genuinely beautiful!  I haven't had a maternity session in about 2 months and dying to get back into it!

I have a ton of family sessions in the mix in these next few weeks!Right now, the leaves have started changing! I'm able to capture that beautiful foliage that everyone wants. The weather is starting to turn. The air is getting crisper!  Ah, I love it!  I have now hired an assistant to help with my sessions and it has been a true blessing to have someone else there help me lug all my stuff around and to get smiles from the little adorable monkeys I work with daily.A few things that will be happening next year!  

We are launching into the Delaware and Philadelphia markets, taking more workshops (yup, already signed up for a few), we are going to start to offer pre-consultations.  This way we can sit down and discuss what you envision your session to be, right down to the clothing. Some sessions we can even stylize for you. Offer hair and makeup and the whole nine!

Products and Pampering!

This 2016 will be the year of the pampering!We are also going to be offering unique product lines that only photographers have access to in this industry. Custom pallet wall art, acrylic boxes (they are awesome and look 3-D) and other unique products. Also, will be offering custom videos along with music as well as a personalized ordering session, this way you can see all the products that we will be offering!

A new change...We are only going to be doing sessions around golden hour or an hour and a half before sunset... or at sunrise. I want the best possible outcome for your photographs and this time of day is guaranteed to give you this!

 Now, I know this time isn't always ideal. If it is a cloudy day or we have enough shade... then we can work with it!It's been an amazing 2015, thus far... but I'm even more excited to see what 2016 will bring! I want to grow and to keep giving my customers the best that I am able to offer in the area! I want every session to be customized to my customers needs!

Happy Shooting my friends! I hope you have an amazing day! Go out and conquer it!

Best,

Dee

Being YOU and letting your creativity flourish as a photographer!

I sometimes write my blog for other photographers. We are always trying to find our way. Or think we have perfected something, but then realize we haven’t. A lot of us photographers are dreamers and I think that’s what we like to bring forth for our clients.

Embracing Your Unique Perspective as a Photographer

As a photographer, it is crucial to celebrate and embrace your individuality. Your unique perspective and creative vision are what set you apart from others in the field. In a world filled with countless photographers, it's essential to let your creativity flourish and be true to yourself.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

Your life experiences, personal preferences, and the way you see the world all contribute to your individual style and approach to photography. Embracing this individuality can lead to a more authentic and compelling body of work. Whether you are drawn to portrait photography, landscapes, or abstract art, allowing your personal creativity to shine through in your work can make your photography more impactful and memorable.

Authenticity in Your Work

Authenticity is key to establishing a strong connection with your audience. By staying true to your unique perspective, you can create lasting and meaningful images that resonate with others. Your personal voice and vision as a photographer can be a powerful tool in conveying emotion, storytelling, and evoking a response from those who view your work.

Standing Out in a Saturated Market

In a saturated market, where countless images are shared every day, embracing your uniqueness can help you stand out. Clients and viewers are often drawn to photographers who have a distinct style and perspective. Allowing your creativity to flourish can lead to a portfolio that speaks volumes about who you are as an artist and sets you apart from the crowd.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a photographer, it is essential to be unapologetically yourself and let your creativity flourish. Embracing your unique perspective, staying authentic in your work, and standing out in a crowded field can lead to a fulfilling and successful career in photography. So, embrace your individuality, let your creativity soar, and create images that are a true reflection of who you are as a photographer.

Remember Photography Is A LUXURY PURCHASE- Don’t devalue yourself.

Let's get real with the facts here. Photography is a Luxury Purchase. We as photographers know this fact. Whether you have $50 to spend or $5,000, it's still considered a "luxury purchase" to most.Let's also get real here. There are PLENTY of photographers out there in the sea (and if you don't believe me, do a google search for the town you currently reside in.) Also, many consumers are purchasing DSLR's and learning the craft themselves. Others are perfectly fine with taking cell phone pics (funny and true story, I can't take a cell phone picture to save my life.)In this digital age, us togs have had to get a bit more creative in getting our names out there. For YOU the buyer.  We want to entice you with our work and be chosen for our work (and not price). In fact, if you're price shopping you're doing it all wrong. 

Find a Style Of Photography That Moves You.

Find someone's whose style you admire and just do it. Remember, what I said? Photography is a LUXURY purchase.  These are memories you will have forever and paying a pretty penny for it.Stay with me... I promise... I am going somewhere with this. ANYONE can take a photo these days... but what are you doing as a photographer to separate yourself in your local area? Are you trying to be like everyone else? Is your work simple? What are you doing to try and separate yourself?When I started out in this business, I was like everyone else. Style was classic, lots of props and just like everyone else in my area. Last fall, is when I started. I was busy. However, I was probably busy because I was charging very minimal ($60) and it was essentially portfolio building that I was doing. I would ask for a "donation."  Sometimes, I got paid and other times I didn't, but guess what? I learned and I learned a lot. Come winter, it was dead. Business. I was desperate and not booking. I was freaking out honestly. I was wondering if this business was going to be for me. I chose to keep trucking ahead. I sat down long and hard and decided what I could do to separate myself in my local area. I took classes after classes. Learned editing, researched my area and was out there. And then I came to the realization, no one offers what I am doing. I tried long and hard to be different. And guess what? It has paid off tremendously!All my hard work and effort has paid off. I am different from what is offered. My style is completely different from what is offered in South Jersey and I would like to keep it this way.

Once I got the basic fundamentals down and perfected my photographs in camera, I decided to tune everyone else out and do me. I stopped listening to what others thought... and again, did me.Since tuning out most of everything... Yes, I still take constructive criticism and appreciate pretty much all of it, but I have learned to develop a thick skin in this field.  I've realized I cannot please everyone and I'm not everyone's style... and that's honestly OKAY with me... as I'm sure I may not like a particular style, but I still have a very good appreciation for other's work.Since going this creative route, my business has FLOURISHED! I have tremendous bookings throughout the week and my business is booked out until 2016! And guess what? This was suppose to be a part time business, but has pretty much developed full time. How incredible is that?   I have even hired an assistant to assist me from time to time and even thinking about hiring another!I guarantee not many! I do know a few... but the majority are struggling to find their way in this field.  Seriously? WHO can say that in this business since there are so many of us out there?  While also trying to provide the best customer experience possible.

See, what I do.. can't be done by the average person with a DSLR or iphone. There's no way they could get as creative with it. It's virtually impossible, unless you have a ton of Lightroom and Photoshop training. My SOOCs are pretty much perfect in camera and now because of that, my editing time has decreased (hallelujah on that).What I am offering is something truly unique and heavily sought after. I get at least 5-10 inquires a day and am appreciate for every single inquiry, even if it's for events, anniversaries, reunions (and not the scam reunions, fellow togs).  I'm realizing that my crazy and beautiful art is sought after.I have had 6 local photographers book me this year and I feel truly honored to be capturing memories for them.What I'm trying to get in your noggin.. fellow photographer... is don't be scared to be different! There is a need for it! Don't be afraid to go outside the box! People will want it! You don't need to prove yourself to anyone, only yourself in this business!  Learn to take risks!  I have and I am so blessed! I have been doing this only a year and the journey I ventured on has been truly amazing. The friendships, the passion, the customers, and memories I help to create, keep me pushing ahead!Remember!

Be YOU, Be DIFFERENT, let your CREATIVITY SOAR!

Don't be afraid to try new things!  And keep learning new things!All of these photographs here were taken in our stunning South Jersey backyard!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Cheap Camera Challenge!

Photography Challenge: Cheap Camera, Cheap Lenses

Recently, I decided to push the limits of my professional photography skills by taking on a challenge - using a cheap camera and cheap lenses to capture captivating images. Despite the perceived limitations, I embarked on this creative experiment with an open mind and a determination to defy expectations.
The challenge sparked a renewed sense of creativity as I embraced the constraints and sought innovative ways to extract remarkable shots from seemingly limited equipment. It required a deeper understanding of composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques to compensate for the equipment's inherent shortcomings.

The results of this experiment exceeded my expectations, producing images that showcased the essence of storytelling and visual appeal. Despite the unconventional approach, the photographs captured raw emotions, vivid landscapes, and authentic moments, emphasizing the power of vision and skill over the gear's cost.

I invite you to browse through the striking images from this unconventional expedition, a testimony to the notion that creativity knows no bounds and that exceptional photography lies within the photographer, not just the equipment.
Cheers to the art of creating magic with humble tools!

As photographers, we are questioned on a repeated basis.  We get questions like... What kind of camera do you have? And comments like... Your camera takes nice pictures...  However, deep down inside we really want to laugh, of course without coming off as rude to our customer, right?  We know darn well... that's about the study of photography.  It's measuring light and exposing for light and knowing how to work in any lighting conditions. Because of all this, I decided to do a challenge and put myself to work! Hehe!

Photographed this little girl at the alley around my house in Woodstown. Love the side eye and Po’d looks he is giving me.

She’s all smiles and i really like her skin tone here!

My kiddos with grandpa camping.

The Results of the Cheap Camera Challenge.

I recently dusted off my old crop censor APC Sony A6000 and put it to work up against my full frame camera that cost over $2,000.I decided to level the playing field, by using the same subject and utilizing the same lens. The lens that was used was a Rokinon  135mm not the most expensive lens out there. Another indicator that it is the photographer not the equipment. So if you had to guess... which one do you think was taken with the cheaper camera? The first photo or the second photo?Also, let's level the playing field in this... Do you see this black and white photo? This was taken with a $40 lens.  Yup, $40. My point with this challenge was to prove that sometimes you don't need fancy equipment to get the results you want!  It really is knowing your settings at how to work your equipment that makes a photographer... not your equipment.  

So if you are out there using a cheapo camera and making it work... don't get dissuaded!  You got this!I'm a firm believer in utilizing the tools you have and all about education!  Learning the basics will get you far, no matter what type of equipment you utilize!

Oh and the answer of which photo was taken with the more expensive camera?  It would be the more golden toned photo of my little girl sitting by our stream! Now, could you really tell that? Probably not.  As you can see, the crop camera gives similar results and is 1/4 the cost of the "pro" camera.  Funny how you can get similar results with a cheaper camera, eh?!I'm telling you, it's the photographer, not the camera that will determine the results! Here is proof in the pudding! Thanks for playing along with the cheap camera challenge! 

Happy Shooting South Jersey!

-Dee