Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.

This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.

Maternity Photography: Celebrating in South Jersey

Discover the top 10 ways maternity photos celebrate motherhood and why mom deserves to feel like a queen during this magical time. Book your session today!

Top 10 Ways Maternity Photos Celebrate Motherhood

(and Why You Deserve to Feel Like a Queen)

Ah, pregnancy. The time of your life when strangers tell you how “cute” you look, even though you feel like a human boulder, and you’ve started calling your couch “base camp.” It’s magical, chaotic, and downright exhausting. But it’s also a chapter worth celebrating—and that’s where maternity photography comes in.

As a fine art maternity photographer in South Jersey, I know the messy beauty of motherhood firsthand (trust me, my kids keep me humble). That’s why I believe maternity photos are so important. Let’s dive into the top 10 ways they celebrate motherhood—and I promise to keep it real.


Beautiful mama glowing in the light for her maternity portrait, capturing a serene and radiant moment during her photoshoot

Beautiful mama in the light and wildflowers.

1. Your Pregnancy Glow Deserves to Be Immortalized

Yes, you’re glowing… though maybe it’s just the sheen of sweat from carrying a watermelon around all day. Either way, maternity photography sessions in New Jersey capture that magic, even if you feel like you’re about to pass out from tying your shoes.

beautiful wildflower maternity session in gloucester county

Loving this wild wildflower image!

2. Because Your Body Is Doing Superhero Things

Your body is literally growing a tiny human. That’s superhero-level stuff right there! A maternity session in South Jersey highlights those incredible curves and that gorgeous bump before it turns into a baby who will demand snacks every 10 minutes.

Mom in a wildflower field in Cape May, NJ, lovingly posing with her bundle of joy on the way, capturing a beautiful maternity moment.

The beautiful bundle of joy!

3. You’ll Miss This (Even If You Don’t Believe Me Right Now)

I know what you’re thinking: “There’s no way I’ll miss waddling, swollen ankles, or crying over diaper commercials.” But one day, you’ll look back and wish you had photos to remember this time—when your baby was closest to your heart (literally). A Gloucester County maternity photoshoot is the perfect way to preserve this fleeting moment.

Mom and dad sharing a moment in the wildflowers of South Jersey, celebrating their bundle of joy on the way, captured during a beautiful maternity photoshoot.

All the love and feels with mom and dad celebrating their bundle that is on the way!

4. Your Baby Will Thank You One Day

Okay, maybe they won’t thank you until they’re 30, but they will love looking back at these photos. Maternity photos show them how loved they were before they even arrived—and let’s be honest, they’ll probably point out how much younger you looked. That’s why it’s worth investing in a fine art maternity photographer who knows how to create timeless portraits.

Maternity glow in the field at sunset, capturing a serene and glowing moment during a beautiful photoshoot in South Jersey.

All smiles with this expecting mama.

5. It’s a Chance to Include Your Whole Crew

Got a partner, older kids, or even a fur baby? Bring them along! Maternity sessions are a family affair, and they’re a perfect excuse to document the excitement of adding one more person to your team (even if the dog doesn’t quite get it yet). Whether you’re planning a Jersey Shore maternity session or something closer to home in South Jersey, these moments are worth capturing.

Mom-to-be looking out in the distance in a white maternity gown, captured during a beautiful maternity portrait session in South Jersey, NJ.

Mama to be right before sunset. Love how the sunlight is touching the field.

6. You’re Creating Heirlooms (Without Any Glue Guns)

These photos are more than just pretty pictures—they’re keepsakes. No DIY required. You’ll treasure these moments forever, whether they’re hanging on your wall or in an album your kids can flip through while asking, “Mom, was that me in there?”

Maternity portrait in the wildflowers in Cape May, NJ, capturing a serene and beautiful moment for a New Jersey maternity photoshoot

I always love adding in a black in white to sessions!

7. You Get to Play Dress-Up

When else can you wear a flowy gown, stand in a field of wildflowers, and look like a goddess without someone asking what the occasion is? As a fine art maternity photographer in New Jersey, I provide couture gowns and styling tips to help you feel like a million bucks.

Close-up of mom with her magical maternity portrait in Cape May, NJ, showcasing a glowing and serene moment during a New Jersey maternity photoshoot.

Love how soft the light is here.

8. Mother Nature Has Never Looked So Good

Speaking of wildflowers, there’s something magical about maternity photos taken in nature. From Jersey Shore beaches to Gloucester County farms, these locations are basically Mother Nature saying, “You’re doing great, sweetie.” And honestly, what’s more beautiful than a glowing mom-to-be surrounded by sun-kissed fields?

Mom-to-be in the wildflowers in Cape May, NJ, capturing a beautiful and serene maternity portrait during a New Jersey photoshoot.

9. You Get to Be the Star for a Day

Let’s face it: moms don’t get enough credit. A maternity session is your time to shine. No laundry, no dishes, no one yelling “Mom!” from another room—just you, feeling amazing, while I do the work. Whether it’s a Jersey Shore maternity session or a cozy Gloucester County shoot, it’s all about you.

Mom and dad expecting soon, posing for a beautiful maternity portrait in a wildflower field in NJ, capturing a special moment in New Jersey.

Another one of mom and dad!

10. Because Motherhood Deserves to Be Celebrated

Pregnancy is tough (why does everything hurt?), but it’s also a time of joy, strength, and love. Maternity photos capture all of that and more, giving you a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’re on—even if you’re daydreaming about the first glass of wine you’ll have post-baby.


Why Book With Me?

Hi, I’m the sarcastic mom/photographer behind Shooting Star Photography, and I’ve been helping moms celebrate the chaos and beauty of life for over a decade. I get it—pregnancy isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. But I promise to make your maternity session fun, stress-free, and full of memories you’ll cherish.

From flowing gowns to hand-edited images, I handle the details so you can relax. (Well, as much as you can when you’re carrying a tiny human.) Whether you’re dreaming of a beachy vibe or a wildflower-filled maternity photoshoot in South Jersey, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s Make Magic Together

Ready to capture this crazy, beautiful chapter of your life? Book your maternity session with Shooting Star Photography today. Because one day, you’ll want to look back at these moments—and laugh at how your belly was bigger than a beach ball.

Maternity Portfolio
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Fall Maternity Session | Ridley Creek Park PA

Capture the beauty of your pregnancy with a fall maternity session at Ridley Creek State Park. South Jersey, Philadelphia & NJ maternity photographers.

Magical Autumn Maternity Session at Ridley Creek State Park | New Jersey Maternity Photographer

There’s something truly special about maternity photography, and it’s even more magical when you add the vibrant beauty of autumn to the mix. This recent maternity session at Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania was nothing short of breathtaking. With fall foliage in full swing, the expectant mother glowed in a striking red dress, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re expecting your first child or your third, these moments are worth celebrating—and what better way to do that than with a photo shoot capturing the joy, beauty, and anticipation of welcoming new life?

South Jersey maternity photographer expecting mom in red dress at Ridley Creek State Park

Beautiful mommy in red at Ridley Creek State Park.

Why Ridley Creek State Park is Perfect for Your Maternity Session

If you’re looking for a South Jersey maternity photographer or a location that offers captivating photo opportunities, Ridley Creek State Park should be at the top of your list. This park offers everything: lush meadows, serene wooded areas, and charming stone structures. In autumn, the park transforms into a wonderland of red and gold foliage, providing the perfect backdrop for your maternity photos.

The best part? Ridley Creek is stunning all year round. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the crisp fall air, the park ensures that every season offers a unique and beautiful setting for your maternity photos.

South Jersey maternity photographer capturing mom in a red gown, holding a leaf branch and cradling her belly while posing at the camera during a serene outdoor maternity session.

Maternity Sessions, rock!

Maternity Photography at Its Best

I love working with moms-to-be—there’s something so magical about the glow of pregnancy and the excitement that fills the air. And when we add the dads-to-be to the session, it becomes a family celebration! Maternity sessions at Shooting Star Photography are all about celebrating the new life you’re bringing into the world, capturing the love and connection between partners and their little one on the way.

South Jersey maternity photographer captures expecting parents sharing a kiss under the vibrant fall foliage, creating a romantic and intimate moment during their autumn maternity session.

Sweet kisses.

I know firsthand that pregnancy can come with its insecurities. Trust me, I didn’t do maternity photos for my own pregnancies because I didn’t feel “picture-perfect.” And let me tell you—I regret it! Maternity photography isn’t just about capturing your bump; it’s about celebrating your body and the miracle it’s creating. It’s a moment in time that’s yours to cherish forever.

South Jersey maternity photographer captures a sweet moment in the garden with dad gently touching mom's belly while mom lovingly touches dad's face, creating a tender and intimate connection during their maternity session.

I think this one is my favorite.

That’s why I’m so passionate about making every session unique to YOU. At Shooting Star Photography, we offer a wide selection of over 25 different gowns for your maternity session. From long-sleeve to boho styles, we have something to make you feel like the glowing queen you are.

Pennsylvania photographer captures a glowing mom smiling in the autumn foliage, celebrating her pregnancy with the vibrant colors of fall as the perfect backdrop for her maternity session.

All smiles for baby!

The Shooting Star Photography Experience

What sets us apart is our commitment to you. We know that maternity photo sessions come with a small window of time before delivery, so we make it a priority to deliver your images as quickly as possible. While our standard turnaround time is a few weeks, we prioritize maternity sessions and strive to get your final selections back to you within 1-2 weeks.

We know that when you’re expecting, every moment counts—and we want to make sure you have these special memories ready in time to enjoy.

A stunning maternity portrait of a mom looking out in the distance amidst autumn foliage, captured by a Pennsylvania photographer. The vibrant fall colors highlight her glowing pregnancy.

Beautiful fall maternity session.

Sneak Peek: A Beautiful Maternity Session at Ridley Creek State Park

Take a look at the stunning fall maternity session below! Our lovely mom-to-be absolutely shined in her red gown, and Ridley Creek’s autumn scenery provided the perfect backdrop. Miss A, you were a glowing mama-to-be!

Expecting dad kneeling down to kiss mom's baby bump in a serene forest setting, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer. The lush greenery enhances the tender moment.

Kisses from dad to baby!

Close-up of a glowing baby bump in beautiful autumn light, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer. The warm golden hues highlight the tenderness of the moment.

The beautiful baby bump.

Book Your Maternity Session Today!

If you're ready to celebrate your pregnancy and have these beautiful moments captured, don’t wait—contact us today to book your maternity photo session! From South Jersey maternity photoshoots to the best maternity photographers in Philadelphia, we’re here to make this experience as special as your growing family.

Expecting mom gently holding her baby bump, gazing down in a red maternity dress surrounded by warm autumn tones, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer.

Fall maternity photo shoot!

Expecting mom smiling while holding her baby bump on the garden stairs, surrounded by lush greenery, captured by a Pennsylvania maternity photographer.

She’s glowing.

Expecting mom sitting by the pond in the garden, shoes off, enjoying a peaceful moment during her maternity session in Pennsylvania.

I love Ridley Creek Park as it offers a large variety of background options!

About Dee

Dee, the owner of Shooting Star Photography, is a passionate maternity and family photographer serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware County, PA. With over 11 years of experience, Dee is committed to creating beautiful, timeless portraits that celebrate life’s biggest milestones.

Check Out More Maternity work here!
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