An Enchanted Forest Portrait Session in New Jersey

An Enchanted Forest Portrait Session in New Jersey

There’s something about the woods that instantly feels magical. The way the light filters through the trees, the quiet hush of the forest, and that sense that something special might happen at any moment.

For this session, it absolutely did.

This enchanted forest portrait session featured a 10-year-old girl in a rainbow gown, wandering through the woods, picking wildflowers, and spending time with a real unicorn. It felt less like a photoshoot and more like stepping straight into a storybook.

Why Forest Portrait Sessions Feel So Magical

Forests create the kind of light photographers dream about — soft, layered, and naturally flattering. As the sun moves through the trees, everything takes on a dreamy glow that can’t be replicated in a studio.

New Jersey’s wooded locations are especially beautiful for children’s portraits, offering a timeless backdrop that feels whimsical without feeling forced. The forest does most of the work — no magic wand required.

The Rainbow Gown & Tiara Moment

One of the highlights of this session was the rainbow gown from my client wardrobe, paired with a sparkling tiara. The dress moved beautifully as she walked through the forest, catching the light and adding to the fairytale feel of the session.

Client wardrobe pieces are designed to elevate portraits while still letting kids feel comfortable and confident. The result is images that feel styled but still authentic to who they are.

Wildflowers, Unicorns & Childhood Wonder

Of course, no enchanted forest session would be complete without a unicorn.

Drifter — the same unicorn from Sparkle-A Unicorn Tale — joined us in the woods, creating an experience this child will never forget. From petting a real unicorn to picking wildflowers along the forest path, the session was filled with genuine excitement, curiosity, and joy.

These are the moments that turn portraits into memories.

A Custom Experience for Every Child

Every child brings something different to a session, and that’s exactly what makes these portraits special. Whether it’s a woodland fairytale, a unicorn adventure, or another imaginative theme, each session is thoughtfully planned to reflect your child’s personality.

There’s no stiff posing here — just movement, laughter, and moments that feel real.

Ready to Plan a Magical Portrait Session?

If you’re dreaming of a children’s portrait session that feels imaginative, playful, and completely unique, an enchanted forest experience might be the perfect fit.

You can explore more children’s fine art portraits or learn more about unicorn portrait sessions to start planning something truly magical.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

A Fairytale in the Forest: A Fine-Art Teen Portrait in New Jersey

A Whimsical Fine-Art Portrait Experience

Deep in a golden autumn forest in New Jersey, a quiet fairytale unfolded.

This fine-art portrait session brought together three unexpected elements — a couture gown, a serene woodland setting, and a gentle donkey — to create something that felt timeless, imaginative, and entirely story-driven.

Donkeys can be very ornery, but this guy was cute!!!

Rather than focusing on trends or traditional posing, this session leaned fully into mood, texture, and emotion.

When Fashion Meets Nature

The contrast was intentional.

A flowing designer gown moved softly against fallen leaves and forest light, creating a visual tension between elegance and earthiness. The forest offered depth and atmosphere, while the gown added structure and drama — a balance that feels editorial without becoming theatrical.

Yep.. a monkey was also brought along, but he wasn’t cooperating lol

As the light filtered through the trees, the scene shifted naturally, allowing moments to unfold rather than be forced.

The Quiet Magic of an Animal Companion

Including an animal in a fine-art portrait session changes the energy entirely.

Beautiful fall magic!

Donkeys, often misunderstood as stubborn, are actually calm, observant, and quietly expressive. This one stood patiently beside the teen, grounding the scene and adding a sense of stillness that made the images feel intimate and sincere.

The connection didn’t need direction — it simply existed.

Why This Session Felt So Special

Forest sessions are unpredictable in the best way.

Light shifts. Wind moves fabric. Leaves crunch underfoot. These small variables create images that feel alive rather than manufactured.

Combined with the warmth of fall tones, the softness of natural light, and the unexpected presence of the donkey, this session became less about a “photoshoot” and more about visual storytelling.

Each image feels like a page from a book — quiet, intentional, and meant to be lingered over.

Fine-Art Portraits as Storytelling

Sessions like this aren’t about recreating a look.

They’re about creating something personal, imaginative, and emotionally resonant — whether that includes an animal, couture styling, or a meaningful setting.

Pretty close-up!

Fine-art portraits allow teens to step into a version of themselves that feels confident, expressive, and timeless — without needing to perform or fit a mold.

Curious about fine-art portrait experiences for children and teens?
Learn more about my approach to children’s fine-art portraits.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.