Fall Sessions are HERE!!!

 Hi South Jersey!!! Boy, do I have some fantastic news!!!!We have decided to launch some fall mini sessions in the peak height of the 2018 foliage season! These sessions will be held the weekend of the 27th~!  These sessions are a steal at only $200!!! The location will be in beautiful Woolwich Township- Swedesboro, New Jersey. This setting has optimal lighting. Great foliage and color will and should be at full height of the fall season in Southern New Jersey.These sessions will include dresses, between 15-20 minutes of shooting time. An online proofing gallery and two fine art edits. Guaranteed to be perfect for your Christmas cards!!! These are also great for folks who do not want to invest in a full session and maybe do sessions a few times a year and wanting that ONE epic capture. These are a ton of value and I promise the location does not disappoint! I hope to see you here! I truly love the light here. It's amazing and I can't wait to see the colors that will be produced this fall!!! It should be truly magical!!! That's always my goal to provide the BEST to my clients!  More information can be found here! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!!!!  We're always here. Right now, it's our busy season. So please allow 24-48 hours to get back to you! We do try and reach out quicker. https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2018-fall-sessions Thanks Again! Dee  

Storytelling Through Photography- Personal Family Photography

You are storytelling in this work-Family Photographer in South Jersey

You have one story and then something happens and it changes you.. your perspective and I believe this is where I am now. My perspective has changed recently.

This is the stage where you start to have an understanding and become a master of some sort of training of your eye.Now, finally telling my story, my eye and the story of the subjects that I am capturing... THE STORY through the photographs we create.

I urge anyone in photography to be involved in groups when you start out a bit. What I mean by groups, is Facebook groups catered to professionals/amateurs. Use this valuable info in these groups to hone the technical basics.

Train your eye... but am suggesting to stop there. Take a Damien's class. This will get you started in Photoshop and learning your way around. Watch YouTube videos. You'll find there are 5 ways to do something in Photoshop to get the same result, but learn interesting methods to get yourself there.

Find photographers to follow and love

Then list 5 photographers of completely different styles.Maybe one does family who is up close and personal on their photographs, one does couture, one has mastered lighting (which this is the realm I'm wanting to learn more of myself), one is photo journalistic and maybe one does weddings, but they kill it.. they are consistent and kill it across the board. This is who you need to follow.

These are the folks you can be inspired by.

I finally consider myself an artist. It took me two years to say this.

I think this past year (year 2 in business) has been an eye opener for me. I started out this 2017 year going in the direction I thought I wanted to get into, but I see so many others doing the same things these days and... it's just time to just do me. I don't need fancy dresses or a fancy wardrobe to attain a great image. I feel I have a well understanding of light to get an image I seek out to achieve.

southern new jersey family photographer

Try new things and push yourself

 I feel the need to push myself out of my own barrier now. I want to be on my toes and feel like I lost that a bit this year. I lost the will to challenge myself. Don't get me wrong... I did... challenge myself, but I need to delve even farther and deeper.

I got BORED. Boredom kills spontaneity and anything organic that can arise from and work will become monotonous. I took too much on this last year with clients, not allowing time for my creative self to learn and flourish.

Well, times are a changing and now going forward, will be making that time and taking less client work on.I will be doing more projects to feed my creative soul and I cannot wait. It's full steam ahead. I'm not looking back and am excited to see what lies ahead.

southern new jersey family photographer taking photos of my little girl.

One thing of advice I can give to folks starting out in this business ... never stop being you, DO NOT undercharge/undervalue yourself, never stop learning.... and most importantly.... you're going to learn to say no a lot. It's hard to say no... because starting out, you are so eager to build your business, or to get any business at all. You're hungry to just shoot.

It's okay to say NO.

I said no to clients a lot...this last year I'd have requests for events, parties, weddings, cake smashes... but my heart was just never into them. Even though I did do these ^ because wanted to test the waters and see if I would like them. I know now that I don't like them.. because I at least tried them. So don't be afraid to get your feet wet. Once getting your feet wet, decide on where you wish to go and what you LOVE and take it from there. This is where you'll find your mojo, in the heat of battle trying new things.

But most importantly don't be afraid to say no and if it's a session you don't wish and you dislike, that's okay. It's okay to say no, if your heart is not into it.No one is holding a gun to your head. Always trust your gut. I promise you this, once you start doing what you love, the world soon becomes your oyster. You start attracting the clients you always wanted and dreamed of because that passion shines through in your work and then the magic starts to unfold. It has unfolded for me and my passion for what I do remains strong.

I value myself, my clients and the work I put out there in the universe. I want always my best forward and out there. 

If you read this far^ I give you a standing ovation.  Kudos and bravo to you. I need to log off. More editing to do :) but seriously read what I wrote above, if you are feeling a little lost as a photographer this winter season. 

Excited for 2017 Fall Sessions! Daretown Lake, NJ

Fall Family Portrait Session at Daretown Lake, Salem County, New Jersey

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we capture the beauty of family moments against the picturesque backdrop of Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Our neutral approach ensures that every emotion and expression shines through naturally.

With the golden hues of fall foliage surrounding the serene waters of Daretown Lake, your family portrait session will be a timeless masterpiece that you can cherish for years to come. Our experienced photographers know how to capture the essence of your family bond in a relaxed setting, allowing your personalities to illuminate the frame.

Let Shooting Star Photography LLC preserve your family's joy, laughter, and love during this enchanting fall season at Daretown Lake in Salem County, New Jersey. Book your session with us today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Family photo at Daretown Lake, in Elmer.

cutie patootie.

Pretty lady in front of the Daretown lake mill.

Daddy with his kiddos.

Now, we got a smile!

Hello red head!

The classic sibling shot. Loved this Daretown Lake Session!

Capture the essence of family togetherness amidst the enchanting backdrop of Daretown Lake in New Jersey during a quick fall photo session. As the vibrant foliage paints the surroundings in warm hues, immerse yourself in a moment of pure joy with your loved ones. Let the crisp breeze of autumn gently tousle your hair as you embrace each other, creating heartfelt memories that will stay with you forever. Within the tranquil ambiance of Daretown Lake, our professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC will skillfully frame your family, freezing the unbreakable bond and connection that defines you.

Through our lens, we will capture the laughter, the shared adventures, and the unconditional love that radiates from within, ensuring that your family fall photo session becomes a cherished heirloom, capturing a fleeting moment in time. Choose Shooting Star Photography LLC for an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of Daretown Lake, NJ.

EEEEEK! This weather is getting cooler and cooler and it has been extremely gorgeous outside! I am so excited for upcoming fall photos in the South Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware Areas. "They" aka forecasters for fall foliage predictions are expecting things to change a little earlier this year! Last year, fall extended in the first week of November! I recall the leaves not changing until the end of October! This year, they are expecting things to change and peak around mid October in our area.I guess we will see how things go! However, I am already starting to see some leaves changing colors around where I live in Woodstown, NJ (I travel all over) and am seeing among my travels to sessions all across the Delaware Valley, some foliage already starting to show! It's kind of strange.. It's still technically summer!

A little secret..  I MAY open up a few more sessions. I am trying to get caught up with the final galleries from the summer first and then will determine if I am able to open up a few more spots. Right now, we are booked full for the year (since I want to have photos completed for folks this year, in a timely fashion.) Here's a few images from a fall family mini session from last year!! I believe first family to choose images with our new policy! We upload the good, the bad, the ugly from our session...

EVERY image taken and then post them online for you to pick your selection and which images you would like edited. Can't wait to see what this year brings!!! I've already started working with families and hopefully, will post soon! :) I'm adding a few more great locations to the mix in the whole Delaware Valley/Philly area for folks who travel long distances to see me! I'm excited! We got to work at a great location in Pennsylvania the other day and it has so much to offer!     Fyi, new dresses and gowns are coming in daily and am very excited what 2018 is going to bring our way! Stay tuned.. You may see a fall session or two pop up and grab it while you can!!!  

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

NJ portrait photographer

Uptown Funk- A Graffiti Photo Shoot in Philadelphia.

For this urban photo shoot in Philadelphia, we will be exploring the vibrant city streets adorned with striking graffiti walls. Philadelphia's graffiti scene offers a compelling backdrop for capturing unique and edgy images.

We will utilize the captivating colors and intricate designs of the graffiti walls to enhance the visual appeal of the photos. The juxtaposition of the urban artwork against the cityscape will add an element of creativity and urban flair to the images.

Our goal is to showcase the raw beauty of street art and the dynamic energy of Philadelphia. By incorporating the graffiti walls into the photos, we aim to create a visually stimulating and captivating series of images that truly reflect the essence of the city.

We look forward to capturing the essence of Philadelphia's graffiti art scene and creating a collection of photos that are both visually striking and artistically compelling.

Graffiti portraits can add that extra pop and vibrancy to your subjects.

Today's photo story is this beautiful portrait and young lady! My plan this year, is to post one photo per day on this blog and tell the story behind it! This was taken in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It's a very funky street lined with colorful artist murals.  And.. Yep, I do travel. You'll often times find me all over the place! I love different and unique locations.As you noticed in my photography, I love color and I like taking some risks. I am also very picky about hand placement.

His clothing fits perfectly with this image.

Shooting Portraits Against a Graffiti Background: Pluses

Shooting portraits against a graffiti background can add an edgy and urban feel to your photographs. Here are a few reasons why this type of setting can be a great choice:

1. Unique and Vibrant Backdrop: Graffiti art is known for its bold colors, intricate details, and unique designs. Incorporating this backdrop into your portraits instantly gives them a distinctive and eye-catching feel. The vibrant graffiti can add depth and interest to your images, making them stand out among more traditional portrait settings.

2. Reflects Personality and Style: Graffiti backgrounds often exude a sense of individuality and self-expression. By choosing this backdrop, you can capture the essence of your subject's personality and style. Whether the graffiti represents a message, a cultural reference, or simply an artistic expression, it can provide a visual representation of who the subject is.

3. Adds Context and Story: Graffiti is deeply intertwined with its surroundings. Shooting portraits against a graffiti background can provide a sense of location and context. It can be used to tell a story or convey a specific message. Whether you're in a busy city alley or an abandoned industrial area, the graffiti backdrop can enhance the narrative of the photograph and create visual interest.
4. Versatility and Diversity: Graffiti backgrounds come in various styles and themes, allowing you to cater to a wide range of client preferences. From vibrant, abstract artwork to more muted and realistic portrayals, you can find graffiti that matches your subject's aesthetic. This versatility allows for endless possibilities in terms of creative compositions and mood.

5. Engaging and Modern Look: In today's visual landscape, incorporating urban aesthetics into portrait photography is becoming increasingly popular. The combination of graffiti backdrops with beautifully captured subjects offers a contemporary and engaging visual experience. Clients looking for a modern and fresh look in their portraits will appreciate the edginess that graffiti backgrounds bring to the final images.

While shooting portraits against a graffiti background can create stunning results, it's important to consider the location's accessibility, lighting conditions, and whether obtaining permission is required. Additionally, collaborating with your subjects to ensure their wardrobe and overall styling align with the graffiti backdrop can help create a cohesive and visually appealing outcome.
In conclusion, shooting portraits against a graffiti background has numerous advantages. From an eye-catching and vibrant backdrop to reflecting the subject's personality and style, the graffiti setting adds context, uniqueness, and an urban touch to your photographs. By leveraging the versatile and engaging nature of graffiti, portrait photographers can create striking and memorable images that capture the essence of their subjects.

Epic Graffiti Photo shoot!

I MUST ALWAYS see the hands and it's a big pet peeve of mine. I don't like missing hands in photos and am very particular in how they are placed. So, I love the hand placement here. I love how she is telling a story. She isn't just looking at me and the camera. It actually looks like a little girl, possibly waiting for her friends to arrive and go skateboarding.

This shoot was hosted with Lemmonmade Photography and Mila Wells Photography and many other photographers came out for this playdate! Clothing was provided by Neon Kisses and I truly love the urban vibe and colors as it's a big component of my work! I also love city shoots. The hustle and bustle. The sounds, the colors. Also, I find city light much softer light. As the concrete and light blocking of buildings creates a softer effect and is beautiful on the skin.This was such a fun day! Worth the traffic to get here! Of course we had to dine at a neat restaurant after our fun time!

Contact me today! If you would like a fun urban shoot! I have many scouted locations in Philadelphia and even South Jersey and Northern Delaware!!!   

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

New Pretties Arrived Today!

Great news! We've just received a new collection of dresses for our styled shoots, this time from Dollcake! The latest arrivals boast stunning designs and exquisite details that are sure to elevate the elegance and charm of our upcoming photo sessions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at these gorgeous creations!

Pretty in blue. These are great for the beach.

Swooning over this dress!

Dollcake rocks!

Pretty as a princess.

Pretty in lavender.

Fall has been INSANITY.  It pretty much is for every photographer... but I have been exhausted and have been traveling all over the country the past month and throughout this current fall season..  it's about to get even nuttier around here, but I'm a rockstar and and I will rock out this season!!! It's okay, as of this past weekend, no more traveling for awhile! So.. this means I get to stay in good Ol' South Jersey for a bit... well, until late November.. but will be HOME!!!

Sessions excite me.. I truly do enjoy working with families and people! It's going to be a great fall foliage season! The leaves are already changing and the weather has been staying pretty mild!Anywho!   I received 4 new dresses in today... The first two, I will showcase.. They are from the lovely DOLLCAKE company located in Australia and I have collected probably about 20 or more of their dresses this past year. I love them..

The reason WHY... Well, they are very, very, durable from kiddo's abuse.  I mean they are kids.. they're suppose to have fun.. get messy right? It is a part of this job and it happens, but these make me swoon everytime a kid wears them!I had my daughter model this for me as it came in today.. So please see attached for in person video.. I apologize for the grain.. as I did take it on my iphone, but figured you may like to see it on a REAL LIFE person.. This is a size 4.. It should fit a size 2 1/2- up to about a 4.. possibly a size 5..

Dollcake is a bit tricky with their sizing from time to time.. but it does allow a bit of stretch and the straps can be configured tight or lose with a ton of leeway. WARNING.. You will hear bribery for lollipops.. in this video.. be forewarned![wpvideo ULkAaqS5] Second Dress.. is this lavender long number.. Also, another gorgeous one.. This I purchased in a size 5. This should fit a bigger 3 year old up to possibly a size 6... A

gain, lots of leeway and can make adjustments!  Here's another live view of the dress.. However, not taken with professional equipment so please don't kill me!More bribery.. and she's "all done. I'm very excited for this year! If I had more time... I would be blogging more sessions and getting them up here, but my goal has been to get them out the door for my clients!  However, I am doing sessions in Delaware and Pennsylvania this end of year and am excited! I love new locations and spots! Hey, I love South Jersey, but it's nice to switch things up from time to time, right?

For those who are signed up to see me this season, I look forward to working with you!!! More goodies coming in too!

Have a great night and happy shooting! Dee