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.

NJ Shore Spectacular Family Portrait Session

Capture family memories with a Jersey Shore portrait session. Stunning beach backdrops and fun-filled moments in Ocean City, NJ. Book your session today.

A Photographer’s Dream at the Jersey Shore.

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Playing in the sand at the New Jersey Shore. Loved this beach photography session!

The Jersey Shore is a popular vacation destination located along the coast of New Jersey. It offers miles of sandy beaches, a lively boardwalk, and a plethora of fun activities for the entire family. One of the best ways to capture your memories is through Jersey Shore beach portraits.

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Looking out at the Atlantic Ocean. Dolphins were dancing this night!

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Love this beautiful capture of both sisters!


Capturing the Joy of Three Playful Siblings

We had the privilege of capturing the heartwarming moments of three remarkable children. Meet these incredible kiddos who radiate joy and innocence, making for a truly memorable photoshoot.

under the boardwalk and Steel Pier in Atlantic City NJ

The kiddos enjoying their beach session and all smiles under Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ.

Double the Fun with the Twin Sisters


This dynamic duo shines brighter than the sun itself. These lovely twin sisters bring twice the joy, laughter, and fun to any adventure. Dressed in similar tutu du monde outfits that beautifully complement their blonde and brunette hair. Together, they exude a captivating energy that creates an effortless harmony in every frame.


The bond between these two sisters is undeniable; their smiles mirror one another, while their sparkling eyes are filled with pure mischief. You can almost hear their laughter echoing through the photographs as they splash in the crystal-clear water and build sandcastles with unwavering determination.

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Smiling away on the Jersey Shore Beach.

The Energetic, Adorable Brother


In the midst of these incredible twins stands their charming brother, an uncontainable burst of energy and curiosity. While he may be older, his youthful exuberance matches theirs perfectly. With his sandy blond hair glistening in the sunlight and an infectious smile that radiates joy, this little gentleman grabs your attention from the moment you lay eyes on him.
The brother's enthusiasm for life is contagious. Whether he's digging deep into the sand, playfully splashing in the water, or chasing seagulls along the shore, his spirit is never dampened. His love for his sisters is obvious, always making sure to include them in his escapades while sharing secret childhood jokes and grinning mischievously.

Girl in a tutu du monde dress laughing and playing in the waves in Atlantic City, NJ

We are all smiles for our magical beach portraits in NJ.

Atlantic City | An Unforgettable Adventure


Witnessing these three siblings together creates an atmosphere of magic and excitement. With sand between their toes and the soft sound of waves crashing against the shore, time seems to stand still as they create everlasting memories. Their laughter fills the air as they embrace every moment in their playful exploration, reminding us all to indulge our inner child.


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You got to have fun on the Atlantic City Boardwalk!

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The children enjoying the breeze at the Jersey Shore.

Our team at Shooting Star Photography LLC was honored to be part of this incredible day, capturing the magic of these three amazing kiddos. These photographs will forever serve as a testament to the precious bond shared by these siblings, an enduring reminder of the joy and love they radiate.


If you're looking for heartwarming moments frozen in time, contact us at Shooting Star Photography LLC. We exist to capture the beauty and treasured moments of life, just like we did for these wonderful children.

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Love tutu du monde for beach portraits and I love how she’s looking out at the ocean in Atlantic City, NJ.

Ocean City, NJ Portraits

It is such a fantastic place to start your Jersey Shore vacation.

Known as America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City boasts a wide range of activities and attractions, including a 2.5-mile-long boardwalk, amusement parks, water parks, mini-golf courses, and excellent restaurants. The town also has one of the cleanest and safest beaches on the East Coast, making it an ideal location for a family vacation.

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These kids… crack me up!

When it comes to Jersey Shore beach portraits, timing is everything. The best time to schedule your portrait session is during the golden hour, which is an hour before sunset when the sun casts a beautiful golden glow across the beach. The golden hour provides the perfect lighting for capturing stunning and memorable photos of your family.

There are several great beaches along the Jersey Shore that are perfect for beach portraits. Brigantine, Avalon, Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Sea Isle, Cape May, and Wildwood are just a few of the many options available. Each of these beaches has its own unique features and scenery, such as dunes, lighthouses, and jetties, providing the perfect backdrop for your photos.

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Can you believe this kid is now over 6 foot tall? he sky rocketed after this session!

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Need to twirl my sisters… Check.. Mom… you owe me!

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Under the pier and beautiful lighting.

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All smiles and a nice dip from a hot day with our beach photo shoot. We had soooo much fun!

In addition to beach portraits, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy along the Jersey Shore. Gillian's Wonderland Pier, Playland's Castaway Cove, and Morey's Piers are just a few of the amusement parks that offer a variety of rides and attractions for kids of all ages. The boardwalks are lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades, providing endless entertainment options for the whole family.

Overall, the Jersey Shore and Ocean City NJ offer an excellent vacation destination for families looking for a fun and memorable summer vacation. Be sure to book your beach portrait session during the golden hour to capture the perfect family photo and don't forget to explore all that the Jersey Shore has to offer!

Happy Shooting, My Friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Check out our NJ Beach Portfolio
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Beach Sessions at the New Jersey shore.

The Jersey Shore and Vacation. The TOP vacation area in New Jersey, is the Jersey Shore. In fact, our state’s economy relies on people vacationing at the Jersey Shore.

In 2019, 116 million visitors spent $46.4 BILLION in New Jersey. Visitors generated $5.1 billion in state and local taxes, which is equivalent to $1,580 in tax savings for every household in New Jersey. We all know we won’t get those tax savings back.

The Jersey Shore and Vacation

The TOP vacation area in New Jersey, is the Jersey Shore. In fact, our state’s economy relies on people vacationing at the Jersey Shore. 

In 2019, 116 million visitors spent $46.4 BILLION in New Jersey. Visitors generated $5.1 billion in state and local taxes, which is equivalent to $1,580 in tax savings for every household in New Jersey. We all know we won’t get those tax savings back. 

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Playing in the warm sand at the Jersey Shore.

Love those Jersey Shore beach session days. Playing in the sand, wind in hair... just being a kid.

However, whether it is LBI, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Margate, Sea Isle, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood or Cape May. Each town, has their own unique vibe. From luxury, to a working man’s budget, there are options for anyone and any family. 

Most beachgoers, who vacation at the Jersey Shore, are generally generational.  Meaning it’s a vacation place that seems to carry on with children and grandchildren and taking their own children when they are adults. However, our beaches contain mile’s and miles of shoreline and the secret is out. We’re even getting a lot of tourism from Canadians (you’ll even see advertising in French in Wildwood). 

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Looking out at the sailboats at the Jersey Shore.

Gazing out at the Atlantic City. Wearing tutu du monde.

Being born and raised in New Jersey, I love the Jersey Shore. As a local, I know where to avoid the crowds. I know of some stunning watering holes to enjoy the day and with practically no one around. I also offer some of these locations for my families. I don’t want other people in your photographs, do you? 

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Playing in the ocean at the Jersey Shore.

It would not be the seashore without seagulls, right? New Jersey beach photography.

Enjoy these images of a magical day at the Jersey Shore. We sure love making magic for our families. This client is from Maryland. I always feel blessed when others traveling from out of our state, find me. 

This 2022 beach season is going to be amazing. We have sessions all along the coast and are greatly looking forward to another spectacular year. 

Have a magical day, my friends! 

Dee

Shooting Star Photography 

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New Jersey Beach Sessions! Jersey Shore Beach Photographer

We truly love New Jersey Beach Sessions! It's actually our number one requested session to do each year. We've sold out every single year, since we started these. This year, we are actually teaching other photographers how to shoot at the beach and that was sold out within hours. We're even sold out this year for family, children's or maternity sessions (2019). There's no wonder they call me the Eastern Coast "Beach Queen" when it comes to stylized beach portraiture.jersey shore beach sessions, family photographer avalon, photographers in ocean city new jersey, photographers in cape may new jersey, photographers in long beach island LBI, photographers in Stone HarborIt's honestly our goal to capture these beautiful pastel beach tones. I can't tell you how many photographers struggle with beach lighting and working at the beach. Elements alone are against us. From the wind, to the sand (that can seriously damage equipment), to very extreme harsh lighting due to the light bouncing off the sand and water. What we've done, is to find locations that work in our favor. We can manipulate light to work with us and we fly with it.  Shooting Star Photography travels pretty much throughout the entire central to southern coast of the New Jersey Shore. We do sessions from LBI, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Margate, Sea Isle, Cape May, Wildwood and everywhere in between. There are even some neat beach areas we enjoy on the western shores of Jersey, the Delaware Bay that we like to utilize for our sessions. It's honestly what is important to our client and what they are looking to do.New Jersey beach photographer, photographers in stone harbor, photographers jersey shore, family photographers stone harbor, ocean city new jersey beach photographer, wildwood beach photographer  Beach sessions our favorite session that we do. There is something calming with working at the beach. I enjoy it being my office for the day!  The cool winds blowing off the ocean, the gulls a gawking. There's something very peaceful about the Jersey Shore. photographers jersey shore, photographers in ocean city new jersey, family photographers in cape may new jersey, photographers in south jersey,  jersey shore beach photographers, family photographers south jersey, family photographers philadelphia, delaware county pennsylvania photographers, stone harbor family photographer, beach photographers in new jersey

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Another beautiful Maternity Session!

Another beautiful Maternity Session!

A Day of Love and Light at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ

Nestled in a picturesque corner of Heislerville, New Jersey, surrounded by the soothing sounds of crashing waves, stands the majestic East Point Lighthouse—a place that exudes history, charm, and the perfect backdrop for capturing memories. On a recent beachy day, we had the pleasure of capturing the love-filled maternity session of a radiant mom and dad who were all smiles throughout the entire experience.

A Day of Love and Light at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ


Nestled in a picturesque corner of Heislerville, New Jersey, surrounded by the soothing sounds of crashing waves, stands the majestic East Point Lighthouse—a place that exudes history, charm, and the perfect backdrop for capturing memories. On a recent beachy day, we had the pleasure of capturing the love-filled maternity session of a radiant mom and dad who were all smiles throughout the entire experience.


From the moment we stepped foot onto the sandy shores of Heislerville, the sun seemed to shine just a bit brighter, as if it knew something truly special was about to transpire. The gentle breeze whispered through the tall grass, as if to welcome us to this enchanting location. And there, in the distance, the East Point Lighthouse stood tall and proud, ready to witness this beautiful couple's journey into parenthood.


The soon-to-be parents were an absolute joy to work with, their excitement evident as they arrived hand in hand, their hearts positively bursting with anticipation. The mom-to-be radiated an ethereal glow, her laughter as sweet and delicate as the sea breeze, while the dad-to-be wore a proud grin that simply couldn't be contained. Together, they were the epitome of love and happiness—a living testament to the beauty of this miraculous stage of life.


As we moved closer to the iconic lighthouse, the couple seemed to merge effortlessly with their surroundings. The aged, weathered walls of the lighthouse and the deep blue of the endless sky constituted a perfect contrast to the warmth and tenderness that filled the air. Against this picturesque setting, we captured intimate moments that spoke volumes about the deep connection shared by this expectant couple.


With every click of the camera, we immortalized those cherished moments—moments that will forever remind them of the magical time when their little one was still nestled safely in her womb. The mom-to-be cradled her precious bump with utmost love and care, while the dad-to-be showered her with affectionate glances that spoke of a lifetime of devotion.


The beachy day added its own touch of serenity and tranquility to the session, as the sound of crashing waves serenaded the soon-to-be parents. As they strolled along the shoreline, their footprints left behind in the sand told the story of their journey—each tiny imprint representing the steps they had taken together, and the beautiful path that awaited them.
As the sun began to set, casting its golden hue over the landscape, the couple basked in the warm glow, their smiles growing wider and their love shining brighter with each passing moment. Against this backdrop of sheer beauty, the East Point Lighthouse stood tall, a silent witness to the love story that unfolded beneath its gaze.


In capturing this beautiful maternity session at East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville, NJ, we were reminded of the power of love and the enchantment of new beginnings. The lighthouse served not only as a beacon of hope and guidance for passing ships but also as a symbol of the couple's unbreakable bond—one that would guide them through the uncharted waters of parenthood.


As we bid farewell to this breathtaking location, knowing that our photographs would forever be treasured by this expectant couple, we left with hearts full of gratitude for being able to document such a touching and memorable day. The smiles, the love, and the beachy backdrop all came together harmoniously, leaving us with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty found in the simplest, yet most profound, moments of life.

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Their first baby coming into this world. Ashley and I are old high school friends!

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Beautiful Ashley!

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East Point Lighthouse made for a beautiful place to shoot in Heislerville, NJ.

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The beautiful baby bump!

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I love incorporating the dads in maternity sessions!

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Up close of the baby bump.

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Mom and dad with baby to be!

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On the Delaware Bay!

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Mom and dad on the beautiful beach of East Point Lighthouse.

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Last photo of the evening!

This is another great location that I love to utilize! The site is historic and the color tones give you that true "Beachy" feel.  There is also a beach and other areas that make this a magical place to shoot at.  The light is generally great after 4pm and I'm a bit of an odd one. I like to work with more light.. rather than Golden Hour.  I find that Golden Hour does work with certain locations, but not all. That after 6pm... light can become a bit flat... and I am not a flat light person at all!  I love bright and airy light!I use to photograph at this place back in my landscape days!  It truly speaks South Jersey to me.  In fact, I believe it's one of the oldest lighthouses remaining in New Jersey.  The rustic brick and it's sheer beauty, make this site absolutely breathtaking!What I also love about this site.. is that you don't have to travel all the way to the Jersey Shore (quicker commute time),

You never run into traffic, the sun sets on this side since it is the bay.  There is a beach area, gorgeous grasses and even an area to do some incredible street shots.  It kind of has it all... Plus, hardly anyone is ever here to ruin your shot! You practically have the place all to yourself!!!  You may encounter a fisherman or two, but they are usually very friendly and kind!  I've even been asked if they want them to move to get a great shot!  It's truly incredible the kind of love among fellow men that you will find here!

These two got in just in time for their session because not more than 2 days later little Evan was born!!!!I've done a few sessions here thus far this year and I have loved it every single time! Most of all, when I see my clients step out of their vehicles they have a huge smile on their faces!  That's when I knew I've done my job in scouting the PERFECT location for their beach session!

As you can see in this session... NO one else is around.. And this was on a weekend! This is just a tidbit of our session! We got a ton of incredible shots!  I truly love maternity photography and it is a specialty that I keep wanting to dive more into! So.. if you know anyone who is pregnant, South Jersey! Send them my way... As you can see, I don't disappoint!!!Don't wait! Book your beach session today! We are currently booked out until July 9th!  Hope we speak with you soon! We also have other gorgeous beach locations to offer you!

Happy Shooting, my friend!

Dee

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