A Brother and Sister Photo Shoot in South Jersey!

Aren't they the cutest?

This is the time to capture the love…. because as they get in high school… lol.

At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the importance of capturing those lifelong bonds between siblings. If you're looking to freeze those cherished moments between a brother and sister, look no further than our photo shoots in beautiful South Jersey. From the sandy shores of Cape May to the rustic charm of the Pine Barrens, our expert photographers will expertly capture the unique dynamic between siblings in natural and candid moments. With our creative eye, attention to detail, and dedication to providing an unforgettable experience, we guarantee stunning photographs that will become treasured memories for years to come. Let us help you create timeless images that beautifully showcase the bond between a brother and sister. Contact us today to schedule your session in South Jersey!

These two came all the way from Burlington County for our special photo shoot, to one of my secret locations, in Gloucester County! I love all the scouted locations I have discovered throughout South Jersey! I'm playing catch-up with this blog here.  I was so busy this past fall, I had up to 3 photo shoots in a day, that I'm finally getting around to posting some of my work!

Corn fields, anyone?

Cornfields make for an incredibly cool and unique photography backdrop. The dense rows of tall, vibrant cornstalks create a mesmerizing visual effect, adding depth and texture to any shot. The golden hue of the corn against the clear blue sky provides a striking contrast, while the gentle breeze swaying through the leaves adds a touch of movement and life. Whether capturing a whimsical portrait or a rural landscape, cornfields bring a sense of warmth and rustic charm to any image. With their picturesque appeal and natural beauty, cornfields offer photographers an endless array of creative possibilities for capturing captivating moments.

This is slow season in the industry.  I have many backdrops and props for studio shooting, for this winter season, however, nothing ever tops an outdoor shoot, ever! These two were such a true delight to work with! I had them smiling and enjoying the scenery.  I am very happy with the results and mom was too!

Cuteness overloaded.

All the beautiful smiles.

Classic autumn in South Jersey!

This particular site has wonderful leading lines, great shade coverage for mid-afternoon shooting.. Cornfields, rustic fences, a meadow and a stream!  If you were to add a barn, this would be the ultimate location. I picked this particular location because it was autumn and the beautiful colors on the trees were starting to show. Mom wanted fall pictures and that's what I wanted to deliver!

I always give the kids a lollipop when we are finished are shooting and I managed to get a cute little shot of these two in the process!

This was near the stream in our session!

There is nothing more special than witnessing this beautiful bond these two have. There is true love here. Can't you see it? I definitely adore working with children! These two were just lovely.

Here's a few of my favorite photographs from our brother/sister photo session. Hope you enjoy and that it puts a smile to your face!  Like it does for me, every single time!

Kids! Kids! Kids!  I absolutely adore working with kids!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

-Dee

My First Maternity Shoot In South Jersey!

Pregnancy is a crazy time! Many new and exciting things lie ahead!

I love road shots!

Happy for her new arrival! She looks gorgeous!

Stunning at the Westville Wheelabrator site!

Mom is glowing!

I love getting these candid shots!

A little haze an artistic flair was used here!

Another artistic shot!

Mom and daddy to be!

Gorgeous couple celebrating their soon to be new arrival!

Beautiful mama!

And then they kissed!

Can you take a guess at what they are having?

On a picturesque day in the heart of New Jersey, Shooting Star Photography LLC embarked on a captivating photo shoot at the Westville Wheelabrator Reserve. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of nature, this location was the epitome of rustic charm. As the sun's soft rays filtered through the vibrant foliage, our team eagerly set up our equipment to capture the essence of this hidden gem. The reserve's lush greenery, winding trails, and tranquil ponds provided the perfect backdrop for our subjects. We effortlessly framed shots that blended the grandeur of the Reserve with the subtle grace of our models, creating striking compositions. With every click of the shutter, we immortalized the raw beauty that Westville Wheelabrator Reserve had to offer, leaving us enchanted by the magic we had created.

Welcome to Westville, here in South Jersey!

Ladies and Gentlemen this is my one of my most favorite places in the entire world! It is one of my favorite spots because1.  Not too many folks know about it... You'll never see many folks here.

2.  Butterflies, butterflies... butterflies.. thousands of them... oh my! In the spring and summer it is SWARMING with monarch butterflies. It's like right out of a movie. I have traveled all over South Jersey and have never seen anything like it.  There is also a native butterfly garden here, but I can't imagine that's all that is drawing them in!

3.  Great hiking trails to watch wildlife

4.  On historic grounds, once the home to George Washington while his house was being built in Philadelphia and then the world's greatest pleasure resort resided on these premises.  Unfortunately, nothing remains today, but is still really cool.

5.  Different "boardwalks" that hover over various scenery throughout the area.

6.  A large dirt road to wander on.

7.  A really nice beach right on the Delaware River.  It is clean and a nice private area to watch the ships coming and going.I figured this would be a perfect place for a shoot and it was! I'm so glad I got to have my first maternity shoot here as it is truly a very special place to me!

There's nothing more beautiful than a mother when she is expecting her first child!  There are fears and joys throughout the entire pregnancy journey. Very high ups and some lows as what life is about.It's true what they say your life will never be the same... There's 100% truth to that. Sometimes, days are just wretched and you want to pull your hair out or jump off a bridge, but on other days, you see what life is about, by looking at your very own, that you were able to produce and bring into this world.

It's an indescribable feeling.As a mother myself, I can't imagine my life without my children in it.  They make this world a joy to wake up to every single day.So... This lovely couple braved the elements in this very cold South Jersey winter.  Mom-to-be was 7 1/2 months along and another challenge to boot... We photographed in midday sun.

This was a total joy to shoot, as this was my first maternity session.  We headed out to one of my hundreds of scouted locations, the Westville Wheelabrator Wildlife Management Area.I've always been very fond of it  in regards to its intriguing history.  It was known as "Fancy Hill" pre-revolutionary days and owned by the notorious Howell family in South Jersey.George Washington stayed here as his home was being built in Philadelphia after the first election of the United States of America. He became our first president.

It then became an amusement park in the late 1800s to early 1900s and was called, Washington Amusement Park. This area was known as the largest pleasure resort in the world in its time and also heralding the largest Ferris wheel in the world, in its day.Basically, the area is beautiful for any shoot.  It has meadows, old dirt roads, a ton of woods and trails and a beautiful pebble beach along the Delaware River.

In any sense, a perfect location for a photo shoot.It was 1pm sun, which means a big "challenge" in the photography field.  However, it takes a pro to overcome all obstacles and that we did!We had a great time and I was very happy to do this session for two amazing folks!  I can't wait to utilize one of those beautiful maternity gowns for a future shoot. However, for my first maternity shoot, I  I did a decent job.  I can't wait for the next one!  I have so many new ideas to share!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

What Do I Bring With Me To A Photo Shoot?

Happy at Daretown Lake, in Salem County. NJ.

Two cuties at Daretown.

One of our first studio sessions in 2015.

Brother and sister photo shoot in Gloucester County, NJ.

Wisteria sessions will be in full swing soon!

When preparing for a photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey, it's essential to bring a few key items to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it's crucial to bring your best self and a positive attitude. This will reflect in the final photographs and create a pleasant atmosphere during the shoot. Additionally, don't forget to bring a selection of outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Consider bringing options that suit the desired theme or style, allowing for variety in the shots. It's also important to bring any specific props or accessories that you'd like to incorporate into the photos. Props can add a personal touch and enhance the overall visual narrative.

Lastly, don't forget to bring any necessary touch-up items, such as makeup, hair products, or a small mirror. These will come in handy for quick touch-ups and ensuring you always look your best. By being well-prepared with these items, you'll set the stage for a memorable and successful photo shoot with Shooting Star Photography in New Jersey.

I take being a photographer rather seriously. I know the folks of South Jersey pay good money to have their photographs taken of their family and that these will be treasured forever. I am ALWAYS prepared ALWAYS. For every location that I have scouted in South Jersey, I know where the sun sets and the best places at these scouted locations that will accentuate and highlight my client's best features. I implement an architecture and nature plan.

I want to use a building as a backdrop as an element and I also like to include nature... that way there's a nice mix and variety of different styles and poses in the same shoot. I also like water, trees, grasses, flowers... I like to include it all.When it comes to you, the client, just bring yourself! Seriously. I have everything covered!Sometimes my sessions look like two or three different sessions all rolled into one. Which makes it rather nice! Best of all, my clients are ecstatic when they see the variety they get upon receiving their images.

Most of my clients have ordered canvases for their homes and I take great pride in seeing that they value me as a professional.So... what do I bring with me to my shoot? Practically everything. I am always PREPARED, preparation is key. My camera batteries are charged, I make sure my SD cards are ready to go and empty (meaning deleted), I bring with me the lenses I want to use... and I ALWAYS have a backup camera on hand. ALWAYS.Prior to my sessions, I have things planned out to what I want to do. I also collaborate with my clients in any ideas they would like to incorporate or do within their session.

I provide a nice detailed questionnaire that enables myself to get to know you... Your style, what poses or pictures you want, and any specifics. I am always early for my sessions. I come from a business background. I worked for a Fortune 500 company and my job was working with VP's and CEO's of other Fortune 500 companies. I am a professional, first and foremost. Early is on time and that is always my motto.

However, I also like to get there early to setup my settings and how the light is shining that particular day, that way I am fully prepared for your when you arrive.I also always have a clean blanket on hand, in case you do not wish to sit on the ground, or it has happened to rain the night before, you don't want to get all wet!In the event that kids are involved, I have a method to keep them engaged while I'm taking their photographs.

Working with children takes patience, but it also needs to be fun for them to gain their interest and I do my best to do that! At the end of every shoot, I usually have a little something for them for their "good behavior."I also like to take 5 minutes to warm up to children, show them what I'll be doing. Physically show them. I sometimes will let them take a photo just so they can see for themselves what will be happening. Again, it's preparation...

In this case, preparing the kids for what is in store for them the next 45min to an hour. I don't like going over an hour. Most kids are done within the first 30 minutes so I try to make it as quick and painless for them.As I said, I am a professional first and foremost and I come from a business background.

However, I also have a very energetic personality and this personality MADE me successful when I worked directly with these CEO's and VP's. These are companies we all have heard of and make billions of dollars a profit a year.I sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of product to these corporations. I always delivered and had my ducks in a row before any rollout. I established long-lasting relationships with these clients even after the sale.

I remember having to work with a client to develop trust, for over a year, before they even purchased anything. However, it was that dedication and perseverance that they admired and I made a client for life after that. They were my client until I left that company. I also believe that client ended up not working with the company I left, because I was no longer there and they wanted to work with me and only me.

Honesty and hard work pays off, respecting your customers and clients and providing a valuable service will make you successful in any career. This is what I apply to life in general and I am a woman of my word. ALWAYS.In working with myself, you will know I am always prepared, on time and I will make your experience fun and memorable. I will put you at ease and make you laugh.

The more relaxed you are, the better quality of the photos you will have. There is nothing like seeing photos where folks are uncomfortable. After every session I have ever had, folks say it was the most fun they ever had when working with a photographer. I have a way of directing folks in a way that isn't too bossy and I always have a plan to get to the direction that you (the client) and I want it to go.Hope this information helps for you to get to know me better and how we do things here!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Boys Will Be Boys in South Jersey

Tough guys! Yes, this is a real road too! Another one of my great scouting locations!

Hey, we're just hanging out here....

One of my favorites from the session!

I love this shot! I wanted to do one semi artistic photo of these boys!

The hats were so cute!

You have to have a good black and white photo too!

Youngest boy!

Middle boy!

And can't forget the oldest!

What great brothers!

Another artistic look!

A boys' photo session with all brothers is a truly special and heartwarming experience. Capturing the bond and camaraderie between siblings is priceless. As the boys play and interact with each other, their genuine laughter and genuine expressions shine through, creating timeless portraits that will be cherished for years to come. These sessions celebrate the unique connection between brothers, showcasing their individual personalities while highlighting the unbreakable bond they share. Whether it's the mischief in their eyes or their mischievous smiles, a boys' photo session with all brothers captures the essence of brotherhood in the most beautiful and authentic way.

What does it mean to be a boy? Oh, boy.  I love boys.  I have one of my own.    There's always a certain kind of magical element watching your child grow and to see the testosterone starting and play its role in their ongoing physical and emotional development. Boyhood is a time where you explore, play, wander on adventures, and develop such an unexplained curiosity for the world around you.I think what is even more special with these boys, is that they are brothers. You see their "brotherhood" in which is defined as this (when you look it up in the dictionary)... A friendship that cannot be compared to any other, built out of sincerity and love, will always have each others backs. You see this in these images.  The love and mutual respect, they as brothers, have for one another.  Which is why I absolutely loved this session! You see the bond that they have screaming out loud and clear, in these images.

These were some of my favorites from our session!  We had a ton of poses that were not included in this medley that I've shown here!

I think in total we got about eighty different poses and photos from this shoot.  It was pretty insane!Most of all, these boys had fun, mom was happy, and I got to capture these moments that will be treasured forever. This is what makes me love my job, to see and capture love like this because that's what this is... Love between siblings. This is real love and it shows! My specialty (as I like to say due to my crazy often-unexplored travels across South Jersey and two published books under my belt) I choose interesting locations for a photo shoot.  In my pursuits, I am a big fan of leading lines (which is why you see many road captures with my clients).

These leading lines create an interesting atmosphere and background, but also emphasize my subject, which create intriguing captures. I'm blessed to be able to show these magical places all over New Jersey with my clients.I offer something genuinely unique when it comes to great locations in South Jersey.   Most of the local photographers use Fort Mott, National Park, Smithville, or Batsto (I see these places used time and time again.) Yes, they are great locations and nice to use once in awhile, but these locations have been well-played out!  It is time for something fresh and new!  Are you ready, South Jersey?

Hope to shoot you soon! Get it?

Dee

Things People Say To Photographers Top 17 list!

Taken in Lancaster.

Showing her missing tooth!

I hear these statements mostly from other photographers in South Jersey, but I have to write this post!  First off, because it is HILARIOUS!  Second, even though I have been in business since October 2014 (hobbyist prior to this), I do get these questions/comments during my sessions or the pre-consultation. These are the most off-the-wall... Yet, true statements and questions that photographers get all the time!  I've devised my own list. 

So... Here goes it!!!

1.)Your camera takes nice pictures!

I am dying right now! Just dying! Every single time that I hear this statement... I want to scream. Really, I do!  This is by far the worse statement you can make to a photographer!Just an fyi, it is NOT the camera.  It is the photographer. It is their artistic eye, their direction, their artistry that makes these images beautiful!  There are some photographers out there that have the most expensive equipment on the planet... and guess what?  Their work is subpar at best!

Do you know how many years and hours it takes to get to the level that you see photographers at? The amount of training, time away from family, investment in classes and instruction that it takes to get to the level these professional photographers have attained?  You have no clue!  You think it's the equipment and it is not!  It is about understanding light, learning how to adapt, learning how to shoot in manual, and be quick in most situations. 

Yes, equipment CAN help in certain cases, but this is not always true! I've seen folks publish photographs from an iPhone photo.  Seriously!  I shot with a point and shoot in the past and have published work from it! It is the experience, not the camera that makes photographers who they are!Saying the above statement is a huge slap in the face to your photographer

.2. I only want ONE picture.

Um, sure?  However, it will cost about the same as a regular session.  You know why? It still takes time to travel and setup.  There is still editing involved... And all this requires TIME. Time is money.

3. That's such a nice camera, what is it?

Does it really matter? As long as you know your photographer puts out incredible work, what's the issue?  If you're planning on buying this camera, you will not take the same photos.  This is a misconception.  You could give the same camera to five different photographers and the results would all be different! As long as what you have, is professional and suits your needs. It really doesn't matter. By the way, it isn't always the camera.  It's lenses!  Investing in great lenses aka glass (that's what we call it) are usually better than getting a new camera.

4. Do you shoot in HD?This is only said to pretend you know what you are talking about, but by saying this it makes you look like a fool. HD is for cinematography.  However, folks are now shooting in 4k, which is a whole new level.

5. The blur or as they say... Bokey  like Hokey...

Okay, it is not pronounced Bokey like Hokey Pokey. It is bokeh and this is done in camera.  This is the natural blur, often creamy in the background that results in your aperture wide open. Some photographers do not know how to do this and if you don't know how to get this creative blur, you need to learn or not call yourself a professional just yet.

6. Can you make me look skinny?

As a photographer, you should know the angles to shoot your clients to show off their best features and to make your client more appealing in their photos.  This means avoiding double chins or the someone's rolls etc. Now that being said... We are not magicians. We can only do so much. We do not want people to look fake.  And this takes time to do... lots of time.. If you want to pay me to make you look skinny, this is fine.. but get ready to fork up some dough!  It's not just a touch of the button to do so.  This takes time and often hours to accomplish!

7. Can you Photoshop that?I

hate this question! Yes, we can Photoshop that... but as photographers we do our best to get everything right in camera (or that's what we should be doing) to not have to use photoshop for everything.  Photoshop is merely a tool to enhance or tweak little things for most photographers.. It is not to be relied upon for your work and honestly should be a last resort.  If you are spending more time in Photoshop and editing, then something isn't right.  Your focus should be getting it right in camera, the best you can.  If you are taking terrible photos and say to yourself.. Oh, I can Photoshop that later. You are not doing your job! Learn to get it right in camera so that you don't have to spend hours trying to fix your mistakes that could easily have been avoided!

8. You have Photoshop... you can do anything.This is not always true. There are some cases where a photographer is not as skilled to do something or trained. A photographer is just that, a photographer.  Yes, they should know how to do the basic editing, but there are things that we cannot fix sometimes. We are professionals on the utilization of our cameras and have an understanding to editing, however, keep in mind that a lot of us aren't magicians either!

9.  Did you get it?

Yes, we got it!  We got 5 pictures of that pose to be exact!1

0.) Do you have any more photos?

(After editing 80 photos with different poses, for a 1 hour session.)We cull the ones that don't make it.  Whether it be focus issues, exposure, folks blinking an eye and we try to avoid giving you the same additional poses.  No, there are no more photos. If there were, you'd have them or be able to see them for purchase.

11.) When are these going to be ready?

It is understandable that folks get excited to see their finished photographs, but you do not want to rush your photographer.  There should be a clause in your contract to when you will receive your photos.  Now, if your photographer has not delivered your photos in your specified contract and they have passed the deadline... By all means, contact your photographer with this question!However, by rushing or asking your photographer, this does not make things better. Know that your photographer WILL DELIVER in the time they agreed to. My contract states 3 weeks, however, I have never had to go that long.  Usually, everything is ready under a week and I deliver as promised.  Some photographers are very busy and backlogged and they go by in the order that was received.  You will get your photos! Trust me!

12. ) Can you take your logo off the Facebook pictures? I'm trying to print them.

This one is hilarious! Depending on the photographer, this is sometimes done as a courtesy to their clients and some will have you purchase the digital file before that logo is ever taken off.  Second, you don't want to print the Facebook photo anyway. The quality is absolutely terrible.

13.) If you take my photos for free, I swear I will bring you so much business.

This one is a complete joke!  And is never the case.  Do plumbers work for free?  If your toilet is leaking, are you going to ask that plumber if he would fix it for free? How about your hairdresser? Do you barter for a free surgery with your doctor? Why do folks think that they should get their photos for free?

14.) I just spent $200 on a cake and $150 on a dress.  I know your fee is $75, but can you do it for $40?  I'm trying to save some money.

Did you barter for that $200 cake that is just going to go to waste (meaning belly) or for that $150 dress? In most cases, that answer would be NO, so why would this be the case when it comes to photography? Photography is an investment. You are paying for the education and experience of that photographer.  You truly get what you pay for in this business.  Do you go to the grocery store and ask them if you can purchase that $4.00 gallon of milk for $2.00? Also, if you have had the money to spend non the above for a $200 cake and $150.00 dress, I think you can afford the $75.00 session fee! 

15.) You don't have to edit them, my husband is a graphic artist and can do them and I only need 3 photos.

For most photographers, this is their art. They take pride in their work. For someone to go and edit their work, it is just not what is common in this business. Being a photographer is about the entire experience, from start to finish. This includes the final product. Most photographers will not feel comfortable in doing this. 

16.) Can you give me a copy of the all the raw photos?

For most photographers, this is a given no. Raw files are not the final product and do not reflect the entire artistic ability of the photographer. For Raw files, adjustments need to be made with every photograph in order to look right. They sometimes look really weird right out of the camera with no adjustments.  Most photographers would not be comfortable handing this over as their work.  Some photographers will release their Raw files if the price is right, but most will deny folks these files.  Just be prepared in that case or if they come back at you, saying that it will cost $3,000 or more dollars. Yep, that much! 

17.) That's a great picture.  Did you Photoshop that?

A good photographer will do most of their work in camera with minor tweaks in Photoshop. However, some artists utilize Photoshop to the fullest depending on what type of product they put out.  Asking a photographer if they Photoshopped it, is like asking someone if they are wearing underwear.  It is usually a given or using another editing program such as Lightroom.I hope you found this list quite comical, as this is meant to be!  Please don't take this to heart.  I have a sense of humor.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee