10 Fun Facts About South Jersey - From a Photographer

I get a lot of clients who travel out of state. It can be like a mystery of the unknown to navigate South Jersey so I devised some little fun facts: 

South Jersey (the better half of Jersey, haha), located on the Atlantic coast of the US, is an incredible vacation destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse culinary options, amusement parks, celebrity residents (hey, shooting star wink wink.. kidding) and historical landmarks. I made it my life’s mission to showcase South Jersey. Check out my blog here.. if you don’t believe me. I have explored every nook and cranny from the bayshore to the Atlantic!

Check out my old South Jersey Adventures Blog!

From Cape May to Camden in between.. there’s always an awesome place for shooting locations. It’s why I love South Jersey and love being a family photographer.

2. South Jersey residents love spending their summer days on the beach and refer to their beach excursions as "going down the shore." Visitors should try the local ice cream Maple Shade custard, a treat from Moster Softee or deliciousness from Cabana water ice. Take note that the topping of rainbow-colored candies are called "jimmies" instead of sprinkles.

We love our soft custard and iconic Mister Softee. We also love doing photoshoots with them!

3. South Jersey has many diners that serve delicious food at any time of the day. Some are open 24 hours like the Westmont Family Restaurant. Many other great spots to try are Ponzio’s (a Cherry Hill tradition), Black Horse Diner, Vincentown and the Colonial Diner for locally sourced options.

There’s always a magical flower field to be discovered in South Jersey.

4. The Wildwood Boardwalk offers amusement park rides, concerts, and street food, making it a fun summer destination for people of all ages. Sea Isle has a promenade due to the boardwalk being washed away during a bad storm in the last century. Atlantic City, which is famously mentioned in Bruce Springsteen's song, is another must-visit destination in South Jersey. Angelo’s Fairmount is a must to eat at (and a hot spot of Frankie Valle’s). Let’s not forget Cape May, Ocean City, Stone Harbor with its upscale restaurants and of course the quiet little beach island of LBI. 

A family session in Ocean City, New Jersey is always a delight!

5. Visitors should try our famous hoagies (not a sub or submarine) a type of sandwich unique to South Jersey. Italian hoagie it is.. unless, in Atlantic City, you may call it a sub from White House Subs. The only exception. 

6. Don't let the stereotypes fool you; South Jersey is like a completely different state than North Jersey. We like different teams, call things by different names.. Acme is pronounced “ ackamee” and water is “wooder”. We have very different ways of life. In addition, South Jersey residents are known for their love of NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles and their ability to navigate the area's eccentric road features with ease.

7. History buffs- During the Revolutionary War, more battles were fought in New Jersey than any other state. There are many historical sites to visit. National Park, Hancock house, Indian King Tavern and the Gabreil Daveis Tavern are to make a few. 

A maternity photoshoot at Batsto, NJ. (near the blueberry capital of the world).

8. We love our blueberries. Some of the most delicious little berries you will ever have in your life come from South Jersey. Named the official state fruit in 2004, blueberries were first cultivated in the town of Whitesbog, then later they spanned across many Pine Barrens towns, such as Hammonton, also known as the "Blueberry Capital of the World.” My kids eat these like they are going out of style!

9. We believe in a mythical creature that lurks in our forests. It is called, “The Jersey Devil.” It is a legendary creature said to inhabit the forests of the Pine Barrens in South Jersey. The creature is often described as a flying biped with hooves, but there are many variations and folklore about our beloved “monster.” 

10. The Delaware Bay (west coast of South Jersey) is home to the largest population of spawning horseshoe crabs in the world. Every spring, usually starting in May, warming waters stir the crabs from the depths of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean to the sandy coastlines of New Jersey’s bay shore. Horseshoes PREDATE dinosaurs. You also may be alive today due to this wonderful species. Horseshoe crab blood contains a unique enzyme called limulus amebocyte lysate, or LAL. It causes the blood to coagulate when exposed to bacterial endotoxins, which can be deadly. Biomedical companies use this special enzyme to test medicines, vaccines, implants, and more for endotoxins. It’s how they ensure medical equipment is safe for people. 

Photoshoot over the Delaware River which is the origination of the Delaware Bay!

Overall, South Jersey offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a wineries hike in the Pine Barrens or an exciting amusement park adventure. There’s always something to do in my home of South Jersey. Wink wink.. how about a photo session? 

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

South Jersey lover, resident and aficionado.

Broad Street- Philly Photographer fun!

Classic hair flip outside the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia.

But let's be real, being a photographer isn't always as glamorous as it seems. I mean, have you ever tried carrying around a heavy camera bag all day? Or dealing with clients who insist on doing those cheesy poses from Pinterest?

And let's not forget about the weather in the Philly area. One minute it's sunny and beautiful, the next minute it's pouring rain and your hair is a mess. But hey, that's just part of the job, right?

A little walk around Broad Street In Philly is always fun!

Speaking of clients, I've had some interesting ones in my time. Like the couple who wanted to recreate the lift from Dirty Dancing. I mean, sure, why not? Or the family who brought their pet llama to the shoot. Talk about a unique prop!

Fun on Broad Street in Philly

But you know what's really funny? The faces people make when they're trying to look natural in front of the camera. I mean, who stands like that in real life? And don't even get me started on the awkward hand placements.

Beautiful capture and a cold day in Philadelphia, but she shined!!

Bokeh lights in the city!

But at the end of the day, it's all worth it when you capture that perfect shot. The one where the light hits just right and the colors are vibrant. That's when you know you've truly captured a moment in time.

So if you're looking for a photographer who's not afraid to get a little silly and have some fun, then I'm your gal. Just don't ask me to carry your llama around, okay?

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Book Your Fall Session | Haddonfield NJ

Now Booking: South Jersey Fall Sessions!

Capture the beauty of autumn with our exclusive South Jersey fall photography sessions. Embrace the stunning natural backdrop of changing leaves and golden sunlight for unforgettable family portraits, couples' shoots, or individual sessions.

Limited slots are available, so secure your spot now for a memorable photography experience amidst the picturesque fall foliage of South Jersey.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to make timeless memories against the breathtaking backdrop of the season. Contact us today to reserve your spot and create cherished keepsakes to last a lifetime.

A beautiful garden in South Jersey!

My kids… I don’t think my daughter was liking this too much.

The flowers are a blooming this fall!

Wow!  This is going to be one crazy fall in South Jersey! I'm almost booked out for the month of October!  So... If you are looking for that beautiful fall foliage and I have scouted all over South Jersey for the best locations.... Do it soon!   I'd hate to have to turn anyone away and we've had to do it a few times!  I want to make this special and accommodate you to the fullest! We strive to make this the BEST experience in the South Jersey area!   We'll be traveling all over! From taking care of clients from Cape May, Galloway, Marlton, Lumberton,Millville, Medford, to right next door from myself in Swedesboro and Woolwich Township! Even crossing over to Pennsylvania and the Pholadelphia area!  

Some Fall Places to Shoot at!

Hey there! I'm excited to share some great location offerings for photography sessions from Philadelphia to South Jersey. Whether you're looking for urban vibes or picturesque outdoor settings, we've got you covered.

Philadelphia:

1. Old City: The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture make for a charming backdrop.
2. Fairmount Park: With its lush greenery and historic buildings, this park offers a variety of scenic spots.
3. South Street: Known for its vibrant murals and eclectic atmosphere, it's perfect for urban shoots.

South Jersey:

1. Cape May: This seaside town is brimming with Victorian architecture, quaint streets, and stunning beach views.
2. Wharton State Forest: With its serene pine barrens and flowing rivers, it's a nature lover's paradise.
3. Haddonfield: This historic town features picturesque neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, ideal for timeless photos.
Each location offers unique opportunities to capture beautiful moments. Let us know your vision, and we'll make it happen!

Book your NJ Portrait Session today!

I got you covered fully on locations and that beautiful fall foliage that we will receive in just a months time! I love working with families and feel truly blessed that you hire me to capture your forever memories! I can't believe the leaves are already falling on the ground! Oh, don't you just love that fall cleanup (can you sense my sarcasm?) Kids are now back to school! Halloween is creeping around the corner!  Fall activities scheduled across the land! Crazy isn't it?

Okay, it isn't crazy!  It's the best time of year in South Jersey!  The weather is always spectacular! I wrote this blog as just a reminder to book your session soon! If you're looking for an incredible and special experience from start to finish, well... I'm just the gal for you!   Thanks for making this an incredible year! I've been truly blessed! Getty images even recently contacted me for licensing some of my photographs and work!  I truly feel honored that they came to me.  I probably am not going to do it, but it makes me feel good that my work is being respected by some big agencies! I am going to keep on working hard and improving myself to be my best for my customers! Whether with education, editing, new equipment, I'm determined to give you my all and very best with each image I take!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee