A Hocus Pocus Photo Shoot in Philadelphia!

We did a thing! We had a fun Halloween themed photo shoot. Using Addison Street in Philadelphia as our magical background. If you don’t know what Hocus Pocus is…. well.. here ya go! Check out this cute little family themed Halloween session we did!

"Hocus Pocus" is a beloved 1993 fantasy-comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. The movie tells the story of three witch sisters who are resurrected in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night, and their misadventures as they try to achieve immortality. Despite initially receiving mixed reviews upon its release, "Hocus Pocus" has since gained a dedicated fan base and has become a Halloween cult classic.

Two sisters and the niece/daughter. Got in for these magical photo sessions in Philadelphia.

Taking off on their brooms to Hocus Pocus horizons!

One of the reasons why both kids and adults enjoy "Hocus Pocus" is its timeless appeal. The film blends elements of comedy, adventure, and fantasy, creating an entertaining and lighthearted experience that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. It strikes a balance between humor and mild spookiness, making it suitable for families to watch together.

For kids, "Hocus Pocus" offers a magical and whimsical world filled with witches, spells, and supernatural occurrences. The three main characters, the Sanderson sisters, portrayed by Midler, Parker, and Najimy, deliver captivating performances that bring the witches to life in a humorous and slightly menacing way. The movie's playful and imaginative nature, coupled with its Halloween setting, creates an enchanting atmosphere that captures the imagination of young viewers.

Adults, on the other hand, often find nostalgic value in "Hocus Pocus." Many who grew up watching the film during its initial release have fond memories associated with it, making it a nostalgic Halloween tradition. Additionally, the film features witty dialogue, catchy musical numbers, and a clever blend of slapstick comedy and more subtle humor, which appeals to adults and keeps them engaged throughout.

Furthermore, "Hocus Pocus" touches on themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of believing in oneself, which resonate with audiences of all ages. The characters' journey to thwart the witches' plans and protect the town creates a sense of adventure and reinforces positive values.

The enduring popularity of "Hocus Pocus" can also be attributed to its seasonal charm. As Halloween approaches, families and friends often seek out movies that capture the spirit of the holiday, and "Hocus Pocus" delivers just that. Its iconic Halloween setting, with costumes, trick-or-treating, and a climactic battle against the witches, makes it a perfect choice for seasonal celebrations.

Love her boots! For these sessions! She’s making a potion in her Hocus Pocus cauldron.

All smiles in Philly.

The Hocus Pocus magic is whipping up on the streets of Philadelphia!

I hope you fly off to new adventures little one!

We love creating something magical, even it is just a movie for families to have fun with. At Shooting Star Photography, we are always up for the challenge. With this photo session we had it done in Philadelphia.

In summary, "Hocus Pocus" appeals to both kids and adults due to its timeless and enchanting nature, blending comedy, fantasy, and adventure. Its nostalgic value, memorable characters, and Halloween-themed setting create a magical experience that has captivated audiences for decades. Whether you're a fan from the past or discovering the film for the first time, "Hocus Pocus" continues to cast its spell on viewers of all ages.

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

New Jersey Photographer

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.