Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources
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.
Explore Portrait Experiences:
The Art of a New Jersey and Philadelphia Family Photographer
Capturing the love and joy of family, we freeze time to preserve your unique bonds with authentic, beautiful photography at Shooting Star Photography.
In the whirlwind of our daily lives, it's easy to let moments slip by unnoticed. We often find ourselves consumed by routines and obligations, missing out on the small, precious moments that truly define our lives. This is where family photography steps in, freezing time and immortalizing the love, joy, and unique bonds that make each family special. At Shooting Star Photography, we understand the importance of these memories and offer a one-of-a-kind experience to ensure they are captured beautifully and authentically.
The Magic of Memories
Memories are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives. They are the stories we tell, the moments we cherish, and the legacies we leave behind. As time passes, our memories may fade, but photographs serve as a timeless reminder of the people and experiences that have shaped us. Family photographs are more than just images; they are tangible connections to our past, present, and future.
Imagine flipping through a photo album years from now and being transported back to a sunny afternoon at the park, where your little one took their first steps, or a cozy winter evening spent baking cookies together. These moments, often fleeting and easily forgotten, are the essence of our lives. They deserve to be captured and celebrated.
The Styling We Offer
At Shooting Star Photography, we believe that every family is unique, and their photographs should reflect their individuality. That's why we offer a range of styling options to suit your family's personality and preferences. Whether you're looking for a whimsical, fairy-tale-like setting or a more classic and elegant look, we have you covered.
Whimsical Unicorn Sessions
One of our most popular offerings is our all-inclusive unicorn portrait sessions. These sessions are designed to create a magical experience for children, complete with enchanting hairpieces and beautiful dresses. Picture your little one adorned in a flowing gown, standing beside a majestic unicorn under a canopy of trees. These sessions are not just about taking pictures; they are about creating an unforgettable experience that your child will treasure forever.
Classic Elegance
For those who prefer a more timeless look, we offer classic styling options that emphasize simplicity and sophistication. Our wardrobe options include elegant dresses and timeless accessories that create a polished and refined appearance. These sessions focus on capturing the genuine emotions and connections within your family, resulting in photographs that are both beautiful and meaningful.
Stunning Locations in Philadelphia
The location of your photo session plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and mood of your photographs. At Shooting Star Photography, we are fortunate to have access to some of the most breathtaking locations in New Jersey. From picturesque parks and serene beaches to charming urban settings, we offer a variety of backdrops that enhance the beauty of your family portraits. For example, this private peach orchard in South Jersey. Free for your family’s use.
Scenic Parks
Imagine a photo session in a lush, green park with sunlight streaming through the trees, casting a warm glow on your family. Parks provide a natural and relaxed setting, perfect for capturing candid moments of laughter and play. Whether it's a game of tag, a family picnic, or simply enjoying a walk together, these moments of genuine connection are beautifully highlighted in a park setting.
New Jersey Beach Bliss
For those who love the ocean, a beach photo session offers a stunning and serene backdrop. The gentle waves, golden sand, and expansive sky create a sense of tranquility and timelessness. Beach sessions are perfect for capturing playful interactions, such as building sandcastles, splashing in the water, or simply strolling hand-in-hand along the shore.
Urban Charm
If you prefer a more modern and dynamic setting, our urban locations offer a unique and vibrant backdrop. From cobblestone streets and historic buildings to colorful murals and bustling cityscapes, urban sessions add a touch of energy and excitement to your photographs. These locations are ideal for families who want to showcase their unique style and personality.
The Beauty of Light
Light is one of the most important elements in photography, and it has the power to transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. At [Your Photography Studio], we are passionate about capturing the beauty of natural light and using it to create stunning and evocative images.
Golden Hour
The golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is renowned for its warm, soft light that creates a magical atmosphere. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, casting long shadows and a golden hue that enhances the colors and textures of your surroundings. Golden hour sessions result in photographs that are not only beautiful but also filled with a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Soft, Diffused Light
Overcast days or shaded areas provide soft, diffused light that is perfect for creating a gentle and dreamy look. This type of light minimizes harsh shadows and highlights, resulting in even and flattering illumination. Soft light is ideal for capturing tender moments and subtle expressions, adding a touch of romance and nostalgia to your photographs.
Moments That Matter
Ultimately, the heart of family photography lies in capturing the moments that matter most. These are the candid, unscripted moments that reveal the true essence of your family. Whether it's a shared laugh, a loving embrace, or a quiet moment of reflection, these are the moments that make your family unique and special.
Candid Laughter
There is something incredibly genuine and heartwarming about candid laughter. It's a moment of pure joy that transcends words and captures the spirit of your family. During our photo sessions, we encourage playful interactions and natural expressions to create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. The result is photographs that are filled with life and energy, showcasing the love and happiness that define your family.
Tender Embraces
A gentle hug, a tender kiss on the forehead, or a loving hand on the shoulder—these small gestures speak volumes about the bond between family members. These moments of affection are often fleeting but deeply meaningful. We strive to capture these tender embraces in a way that feels authentic and true to your family's unique dynamics.
Quiet Reflection
Amidst the chaos and excitement, there are also moments of quiet reflection and introspection. These are the moments when you pause to simply be present with each other, to appreciate the love and connection that you share. Whether it's a mother gazing at her newborn, siblings sharing a secret, or grandparents holding hands, these moments of quiet reflection add depth and emotion to your family portraits.
All of our photographs are hand-edited for our clients and their needs.
Hand-Edited Perfection
In an age where technology often takes precedence, we pride ourselves on the artistry and craftsmanship of hand-edited photographs. Each image is meticulously retouched to enhance its natural beauty while preserving the authenticity of the moment. Our goal is to create timeless portraits that you will cherish for generations to come.
Enhancing Natural Beauty
Our editing process focuses on enhancing the natural beauty of your photographs without compromising their authenticity. We carefully adjust lighting, color, and contrast to create a polished and cohesive look. The result is images that are vibrant, clear, and true to life, capturing the essence of your family in the best possible light.
Attention to Detail
Every detail matters when it comes to creating a perfect photograph. From removing distractions and blemishes to fine-tuning expressions and composition, we pay meticulous attention to every aspect of the editing process. This level of detail ensures that your photographs are not only beautiful but also a true reflection of your family's unique personality and style.
Creating Lasting Memories
At Shooting Star, we are dedicated to creating an experience that goes beyond just taking pictures. We want to help you create lasting memories that you and your family will treasure forever. Our all-inclusive sessions, personalized styling, stunning locations, and attention to detail are all designed to ensure that your family photography experience is nothing short of magical.
Beautiful art created for our clients over the years.
A Gift for Generations
Family photographs are a gift that keeps on giving. They are a way to share your family's story with future generations, to pass down the love and connections that define who you are. These photographs become heirlooms, cherished by your children, grandchildren, and beyond. They are a testament to the love and joy that you have shared and a reminder of the moments that have shaped your family's journey.
The Joy of Reconnection
In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Family photography offers a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the ones you love. It's an opportunity to celebrate your unique bond and to create memories that will bring joy and warmth to your heart for years to come.
In a world where time seems to fly by, family photography serves as a beautiful reminder to slow down and cherish the moments that matter most. At Shooting Star Photography, we are passionate about capturing these moments with authenticity and artistry. Our personalized styling, stunning locations, and dedication to hand-edited perfection ensure that your family portraits are more than just pictures—they are timeless memories that you will treasure forever.
So, gather your loved ones, embrace the magic of the moment, and let us help you create a beautiful and lasting legacy through the art of family photography.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer- Ben Franklin Bridge
Capture timeless family moments at the Ben Franklin Bridge with a Pennsylvania photographer. Experience history, architecture, and natural beauty. Book now!
A Picture-Perfect Day.
As a South Jersey photographer, I’ve always believed that the setting of a portrait session can add as much to the photograph as the subject itself. This belief was wonderfully affirmed during a recent Ben Franklin Bridge photo shoot, where the iconic bridge served not just as a backdrop, but as a character in its own right. The star of the show, however, was a little girl in a blue dress, clutching gold balloons, her joy and innocence perfectly encapsulating the essence of childhood.
CLose-up of this lady!!! :) Hair blowing in the wind and all.
This little one was happy to have her birthday portraits at the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Why Choose the Ben Franklin Bridge for a Photo Shoot
Choosing the Ben Franklin Bridge for portraits offers an unparalleled blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. The bridge stands as a majestic symbol between Philadelphia and New Jersey, with sweeping arches and stunning views that add a unique dimension to your family photoshoot. It’s a location where history and nature collide, making it a top choice for photographers in Philadelphia and South Jersey.
All smiles at sunset this one on the Ben Franklin Bridge!
Planning the Perfect Session with Minimal Effort
Planning a memorable portrait session can be stress-free with the right approach. For our Ben Franklin Bridge session, we kept things simple by choosing the golden hour for the best natural lighting. With a blue dress and gold balloons, we made minimal but impactful choices that allowed us to focus on capturing spontaneous moments of joy and wonder.
Got to get those baby face profiles!!!
The Little Girl in the Blue Dress – A Portrait Session That Sparked Magic
The true highlight of our shoot was the little girl, full of energy and curiosity, wearing a vibrant blue dress that contrasted beautifully with the industrial architecture of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Her laughter and joy were the perfect complement to this stunning location, and every moment was filled with whimsy, making this portrait session truly unforgettable.
All smiles for this twirling little monkey!
She’s thinking of summer and ice cream here.
Overcoming Challenges with Creativity
Every portrait photographer knows that photo shoots rarely go as planned. During our session on the Ben Franklin Bridge, we embraced unpredictability, letting the natural elements (like a playful breeze) and the energy of our subject guide the flow of the shoot. The results were enchanting, turning challenges into opportunities for creative storytelling.
All chill and relaxed. Wish I could be this chill!
Looking all cute as the sun is setting.
The Joy in a Child's Unscripted Moments
One of the biggest rewards of shooting with children is the unscripted moments that unfold naturally. The little girl’s spontaneous expressions and curious explorations led to photos that felt genuine and heartfelt. These moments are the heart of portrait photography, and they shine through in every image.
She’s looking out on the Delaware at a helicopter flying by, but made it look like art.
We switched to colored balloons now. Hey, got to love it.
Conclusion: Cherishing the Memories of Childhood
Reflecting on this day spent on the Ben Franklin Bridge, I'm reminded of how precious childhood moments truly are. The gold balloons, the blue dress, and the unforgettable backdrop of the bridge all came together to tell a beautiful story—a story that will be cherished forever in these timeless photographs.
Love this magical shot and this little birthday girl!!!
Give us a ring (I don’t even think people talk on the phone anymore), but contact us if you would like to schedule a magical and unique birthday photoshoot!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
What Made You WANT To Go Into Photography?
A personal look at how photography became my calling—from early film days to photographing families throughout South Jersey today.
People ask me this question often — what made you want to become a photographer?
The honest answer isn’t a single moment. It was a slow pull, shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for where I live.
Photography didn’t start as a career plan for me. It started as a way of paying attention.
Where It Really Began
My connection to photography is rooted in South Jersey. I’ve always felt drawn to its quiet beauty — the changing seasons, the overlooked landscapes, the way light moves through familiar places. Long before I ever photographed families, I wanted to document what I saw and how it felt to live here.
How I got started in photography. It is not great or award-winning, but still my babies!
As a teenager and young adult, I was constantly creating. My mom studied fashion design, and I grew up surrounded by fabric, texture, and color. I worked in interior decorating, learned how spaces come together, and developed a natural eye for composition without realizing that’s what I was doing.
Around that same time, I discovered my dad’s old Nikon F3 while going through boxes. Film photography was still very much a thing then — no instant previews, no screens to check. You took the photo, sent the film out, and waited. Sometimes for a week. Sometimes longer.
You had no idea what you were going to get back.
And that uncertainty? I loved it.
My little doll baby.
Learning Through Doing
At first, everything was trial and error. I didn’t know the rules yet — and that was a gift. Slowly, images started to come back that felt right. The light worked. The composition felt balanced. Something clicked.
I bought my first point-and-shoot camera in 2005. It had five megapixels, which felt huge at the time. I had recently moved back to South Jersey after living in Pennsylvania for several years, and I started noticing everything again — fields, trees, water, quiet roads. Photography shifted from curiosity to serious hobby.
In 2010, I bought my first “real” camera. I learned it inside and out. I studied constantly. I practiced relentlessly. Some of that early work was published, and that experience only fueled my desire to keep learning.
Photography wasn’t just something I enjoyed — it became something I needed.
The Shift to Portraits
In 2011, everything changed again.
I transitioned from landscape photography into portraits for one simple reason: I wanted to take better photos of my son. I didn’t want perfection. I wanted honesty. I wanted to document childhood in a way that felt real.
One child became two. Cameras upgraded. Lenses multiplied. Skills sharpened. Along the way, I published books, wrote extensively, and continued photographing South Jersey in every season.
What never changed was my approach: learn, refine, repeat.
A frozen lake in South Jersey.
What Photography Means to Me Now
Photography is often misunderstood as “just taking pictures.” That’s the easy part.
What matters more is learning how to see — light, emotion, connection, timing. Learning how to work with people. How to guide without forcing. How to create an experience that feels calm instead of rushed.
There’s a technical side. An artistic side. A business side. And a deeply human side.
You have to love all of it to stay in this profession long term.
And I do.
What still drives me today is the same thing that pulled me in years ago: creating something meaningful. I love watching families relax during a session. I love seeing parents recognize moments they didn’t realize were happening. I love delivering images that feel honest, timeless, and personal.
A Deep Knowledge of Place
After more than a decade of photographing throughout South Jersey, I’ve explored countless locations — some familiar, some remote, all chosen with intention. That knowledge comes from years of paying attention, not shortcuts.
Place matters. Light matters. Experience matters.
And I bring all of that into every session.
Rock and Gigi in the yard in Woodstown.
Still Learning, Always Creating
Photography continues to evolve, and so do I. I’m always learning, refining, and working on new projects — writing, photographing, and documenting the world around me.
It’s not always easy. It’s rarely quiet. But it’s always worth it.
This work has been my calling for a long time — and I’m grateful every day that I get to do it.
Warmly,
Dee Giumetti
If you’d like to learn more about my approach to photographing families today, you can read about The Shooting Star Experience here.
Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.
