Merry Christmas!!! South Jersey!

Right now, it’s Christmas Eve/Christmas. 1:57am December 25th to be exact. The artist in me. I guess I am an artist... is screaming for John Hughes, this 2018 Christmas. I went on a tangent today. Watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.Hughes was only in his mid to late 30’s when he did this movie. I can’t fathom that even to this day. It seems harder and harder in this generation to get ahead. As a young lad, he was a true talent of his generation. I mean the Breakfast Club, He was just 34 years old.He was the epitome of the 80’s. I don’t care who you are, his films are true Americana classic. He instilled humor into the American psyche. I know most of us have a special film of his that’s true to our hearts and even today, resonates with the youth.As I watch National Lampoons, I see a lot of his hometown’s references. Chicago teams plastered everywhere. I get it. His love for his city and I love how he incorporates this vibe in most of his work.This is how I feel. I love Philly and I love South Jersey. It took me awhile to get there. I wanted to live far away in my 20’s and I did for a period in my adulthood. As I got older, I moved back home. When I had kids of my own, is when I started to truly appreciate it. Philly has grit. It has some style. It has a string of some pretty incredible history. I feel in love so much that I published a few books about South Jersey.I LOVE EVERY BIT of it and I love to show this in my work. It’s where I feel the Hughes connection, as I feel close to where I was raised and I try and capture the local essence. I also switched schools/ high schools like Hughes and felt like an oddity trying to fit in, in my teens. Just as he did. This is why I love him more. Still connected... even though he was disconnected, as he got older.All I can say is, I am truly looking forward to 2019. I felt 2018 was kind of a dud. I feel myself growing as an artist this year. It’s time to take risks. I no longer live in fear. Which may be a good or bad thing.I hope everyone had a great day with family. As family.... it's all that matters.Even in Home Alone the takeaway is family in the end :)

South Jersey-Fall Family Sessions are in full swing!

South Jersey-Fall Family Sessions are in full swing!

We've been very busy over here in South Jersey land. The weather has been absolutely beautiful this past week. We're getting that yummy fall light that every single photographer dies for. The kind of light you want to reach out and eat because it's so delicious!!! And the kind of light that makes you look gorgeous!!! We're sold out for the year! What a blessing, right? It's been a great year with our clients. I have loved every moment of it! We did originally keep this weekend open in the event of Halloween and also for potentionally peak foliage. It turns out, that it is looking like peak foliage this weekend. Hopefully, if the weather holds out!!! Every year around Halloween, it seems like we get a little rain as cooler weather starts to fly in. However, some years we get very lucky with gorgeous weather through November! Let's cross our fingers for this year! If you would like to book this special day we reserved aside, we would LOVE to work with you! The place we chose has beautiful light and a variety of different scenery. If we don't get a frost, there are wildflowers!!! We'll also provide dresses, hairpieces and make you and your family shine. We love making our clients feel like a million bucks!!! It's our job to capture your love and realness! If you are interested in booking a session, all info is provided here! All you need to do is show up and smile!!! Or let us even make you laugh to get that gorgeous smile!! My job is to make you and your family feel important and to capture unique moments for you to plaster all over your walls! https://shootingstarphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/2018-fall-sessionsWe would love to see you!!! Any questions, feel free to reach out!!! Happy Shooting my friends! DeeShooting Star PhotographySouthern New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware photographer  

Why Work With Shooting Star Photography?

People that come to Shooting Star Photography and live in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area have a unique eye for great photography. Every single image that goes out our door, we make sure is top-notch. We do not approve of producing low quality work. There are many photographers out there who do this. Quality over quantity is our motto with EVERYTHING WE PRODUCE.

OUR SESSIONS

Sisters enjoying their beach photo session at the Jersey Shore!

To insure the best out of every single session, we have an assistant on hand to run in there with any little flying/straying hair. Maybe a garment needs to be fixed or adjusted, makeup on the teeth.. WE NOTICE THESE THINGS and we will fix them for you. You'll see us stop for a moment to recompose.

YOU BECOME PART OF THE FAMILY

It's not ALWAYS business when you work with us. We do have fun personalities. YOU WILL LAUGH and enjoy your session with us. I think that's what makes our photos very special and unique. Children are caught in their most natural and joyful moments. Parents have natural interactions when doing family sessions... OUR SESSIONS ARE ABOUT JOY and we wish to keep it this way. We have a method and it works. Our work shines through with this.

WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT LIGHT

 We are crazy about our light. This is why our images pop. Sometimes a little bit too crazy, but this is why folks come to us. They are going to be presented in the best light of their true selves that we can give them.

WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT OUR LOCATIONS

I have a pet peeve in going into a setting and you are running into another photographer doing a family session. Now, I understand this happens (depending on location chosen). However, our locations are from years and years of research. We even published a few books on places to see and local South Jersey history. One book took three years of research because we scoured every little area. This is one of our most popular books we wrote. https://www.amazon.com/Guidebook-Beautiful-Salem-County-NJ/dp/1484154916/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519195659&sr=8-5&keywords=salem+county+nj+book. Every location is chosen for a reason. First on light, then on general setting. We don't suggest locations until we have shot and seen what we have produced at that particular location. We have secret beach spots, rustic spots.. you name it from our research over the years. Other photographers, come to us and ask us on locations. 

WE HAVE A FABULOUS WARDROBE

Brother and sister in Wildwood, NJ for their photo session.All laughs and giggles.

 I cannot stress enough how important it is to dress your best or present your best self in photographs. It shows every little flaw and detail on camera. We do our best on posing and giving you that most thin and flattering pose, BUT... showing up in torn shirts, a barney costume, or fluorescent clothing that you can see from space.. is unfortunately, going to affect the outcome of your photographs. We have so much clothing collected over the years for sessions, that we haven't even used 50% of what we have. Our inventory is huge. If you want to borrow pieces or have us coordinate something of ours for you... let us know. If not, we will happily oblige in assisting you with your wardrobe choices for our family session. 

WE LOVE PHILLY AND SOUTH JERSEY

There is a certain level of appreciation if you live outside the area for a little bit and then return home. The discoveries you find that you may have taken for granted come to life. IE, for me it's our beaches and our food. The people. I love our quick, straight to the point, direct attitude and we generally love working with people. The Shooting Star Lifestyle is Real. We are often imitated in the area and honestly, we take it as a compliment. It means we are doing something right.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Upcoming Peony Field Sessions!!

Love the colors of this gorgeous peony field in South Jersey!

Peony season is here!

Ever since I started my photography business (last year),I have looked forward to doing this... THIS YEAR!!!  I am all giddy inside and it was the one event I've looked forward to the most!!The peonies session will be held at a dear friend's house in Gloucester County and she is permitting me to use her gorgeous field and backyard of peonies for limited edition sessions!! Most folks ask me...

Capture Timeless Beauty with a Peony Photo Shoot

Are you looking for a unique and enchanting experience for your next photoshoot? Look no further than a peony photo shoot to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your collection. As professional photographers at Shooting Star Photography LLC, we believe that capturing the essence of nature alongside human subjects can create truly breathtaking images. That's why we highly recommend incorporating peonies into your next photo session. Here's why a peony photo shoot is a must:

1. Symbolism and Significance

Peonies have long been regarded as a symbol of love, prosperity, and good fortune. In many cultures, these exquisite flowers represent beauty, grace, and even romance. Including peonies in your photo shoot can add a touch of symbolism and depth to your images, allowing you to tell a story through the visuals. Imagine the stunning visuals of a bride surrounded by delicate peonies, symbolizing love and happiness for her new journey.

2. Natural Beauty and Versatility

Peonies are renowned for their striking beauty and variety of colors. From soft pastels to vibrant hues, these flowers offer a wide range of options to complement any desired aesthetic. Whether you're aiming for a dreamy and ethereal look or a bold and vibrant style, peonies can effortlessly enhance the natural beauty of your subject. Their soft petals, intricate layers, and lush foliage make them a perfect prop or backdrop for various photography concepts.

3. Timeless Appeal

Peonies possess an elegance that transcends trends and time. These flowers have been cherished for centuries, making them a timeless choice for any photoshoot. By incorporating peonies into your images, you're not only capturing a moment but creating an everlasting connection to the past. This timeless quality can lend a sense of class and sophistication to your photographs, making them stand out from the crowd.

4. Enhance Emotions

Peonies have the ability to evoke strong emotions, making them an ideal element in portrait photography. Their soft texture and alluring fragrance can create an atmosphere of tenderness, joy, and serenity. Whether you're aiming to capture the innocence and purity of a newborn, the beauty and grace of a bride, or the love and intimacy of a couple, peonies can enhance the emotional impact of your photos.

5. Variety of Settings

Peonies are versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of settings and themes. Whether you want an outdoor photoshoot in a blooming peony garden, an intimate indoor session with a peony bouquet, or a creative editorial shoot with peony props, the options are endless. With the right composition and styling, peonies can create a captivating atmosphere and elevate the visual storytelling of your images.
Capture the beauty of nature and create stunning, memorable photographs by including peonies in your next photo shoot. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we have the experience and expertise to help bring your vision to life. Let us help you create mesmerizing images that will stand the test of time. Contact us today to discuss your peony photo shoot and start planning an unforgettable experience.

What is a peony? I have never heard of it! Picture gigantic fluffy salmon, white, blush, yellow, lavender and crimson colored enormous flowers. They bloom, here in New Jersey, towards mid to late May onto early June season. These are flowers primarily native to Asia, but can be found in sections all over Europe.  I grow them as well.

These plants are known to live for over 100 years which is rare for a flowering plant. When they bloom, they let of a gorgeous scent and are usually a staple in the late spring vase. There are not many peony fields in New Jersey so this is my pleasure to offer this beauty to my clients!The location in where I will be holding these sessions faces west, so I will be able to capture beautiful memories at sunset.

I am also stylizing these special sessions this year and can't wait to capture girls and boys running through the flowering fields with their families!!! Honestly, I wish it was spring already!  If interested, these sessions will be held on Saturday May 28th and Sunday May 29th. From around 4 to sunset and will conclude every half hour. Location will be given about a week prior to your session, for those who have booked.  Saturday's date is almost booked full.  I opened Sunday due to wanting to offer some flexibility on dates.

This should be prime blooming time for these magical beauties!!! The price is $225 and will include 5 digital files. You can purchase more files, if you wish! I will also have my assistant and gowns on hand for girls and offer various sizes from age 1 to about age 14, including one-of-kind hair pieces!  I will also be doing maternity sessions at this time! Gowns will be included! This will be a once in a lifetime gorgeous event and I hope that you are able come out!! It will be an incredible experience!!  Please contact me ASAP, if you want to get in on this magical event! 

Happy Shooting, my friends! 

Dee  

Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Photography

Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Photography

Holy moly, what a year it's been! It has truly been an incredible photography journey for Shooting Star Photography LLC. From capturing beautiful family moments to the pure innocence of newborn babies, our lens has seen it all here in the heart of New Jersey.

The joy of freezing those timeless moments for families to cherish forever, the heartwarming smiles, and the genuine emotions captured through our lenses have made this year utterly unforgettable. Every session has been a unique adventure, showcasing the love, connection, and joy that families share.

We've had the honor of witnessing the special bond between parents and their newborns, preserving their earliest moments in stunning photographs. There's something truly magical about capturing the purity and innocence of these precious little ones, and it's an experience that continues to fill our hearts with joy.
As we look back on this fantastic journey, we're reminded of the countless priceless memories we've been trusted to preserve. The trust placed in our hands to capture these fleeting moments is a responsibility we hold dear, and we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what we love.

As we turn the page to a new year, we carry with us the lessons learned, the memories made, and the excitement to continue this incredible journey. Thank you to all the families and little ones who have allowed us to be a part of their story. Here's to more beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences in the year to come!

It has been an INSANE last month! I have worked every single day except for today (which was rained out) and another day that I took off this month. I have to say that I am truly grateful for all of it, as it has been an absolute BLAST capturing the fall foliage in our stunning South Jersey backyard!!!  Oh and I'm very exhausted, but as I like to say... "I'll sleep when I'm dead."A few new things and changes! We are reevaluating our pricing list for next year. We will be attending a few workshops within the next few weeks and feel our work is worth a bit of an increase!  Sorry, guys! It is a business after all!  I know bah humbug, right?

A second thing is that I've been enjoying capturing families and couples more and more! Practically every single day I am out and about capturing memories for families and the kids seem to have a blast by the end of the session! This means a lot!I'm still sending out my thank you cards, but a little bit behind as well as a little behind on the editing, but I am working hard! Trust me!I've also hired an assistant to come out on my shoots since I've been so busy! I really have to say that it has totally been worth it, having that extra set of hands. Plus, it's great security. I can leave my gear bag with my assistant, my assistant can help me get folks in order with the shoot... and also, it's a big ice breaker...

As my assistant is my mom!  Yep, good ol' mom. I do pay her to be with me by my side, but her assistance has helped me two-fold and I am forever grateful for that!Also, another good news. We will be having our Christmas mini sessions on November 28th. There is already a wait list for this, so it will go out fast. I'm receiving emails daily. This will be it for the rest of the year as I need a little break and want to study up, take workshops and rest up for what I have planned to do next year!

Second, I was recently among my peers among some of the best photographers in the world. I am a bit flabbergasted and shocked to be honest with you, but my peers really seem to love the little girl with the leaves.  This has been a request with every photo session since that day. It's actually a lot of fun to do! I see throwing snowflakes in the near future!  

Here's the link if you wanted to check it out for yourself!https://www.facebook.com/Shootingstarsouthjersey/posts/562487303916058I have two maternity sessions lined up for this week and weekend and it's my favorite thing to capture so I'm very excited about that.  

All in all it's been a great year and I feel really blessed to wake up every single day and do something I love to do. That is something special right there!Well... I guess I'll see you around South Jersey! I'm heading off to go edit! I have been traveling from Atlantic County to Burlington County and everything in between lately.

However, I wouldn't change it for the world!

Happy Shooting, my friends!-Dee